Moving to a new home and community can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a source of stress and seem overwhelming. To help you navigate through this transition smoothly, we have put together an 8-step relocation guide. From gathering information about your new area to settling into your ideal neighborhood, we've got you covered.
Packing up and heading to a new place is a huge deal and it's thrilling but can also be full of hurdles. Are you relocating for your job, getting closer to loved ones, or just craving some fresh surroundings? Organizing everything ahead of time is key when it comes to moving properties.
Let's talk about picking up and heading to a brand spanking new residence—it's not just a move, it’s the start of something big. Maybe you're aiming for more room or thinking smaller, or perhaps craving an entirely different view out your window? Whatever is driving your change in address, getting savvy with real estate relocation basics should top your list.
Moving homes isn't just about packing up boxes; it's a complex dance of details. You've got to juggle selling your place with the hunt for a new one—it can feel like you're walking a tightrope! The key here is plotting out both timelines and money moves carefully. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you had to cover two mortgages? Or what's Plan B if that 'Sold' sign takes its sweet time appearing on your lawn?
And hey, let’s not gloss over the feels involved in this big change. Jumping into a fresh neighborhood brings excitement mixed with nerves—a real emotional cocktail! It goes beyond simply moving stuff; it’s about settling into unknown territory, possibly embracing different ways life throws at us. Trust me, getting your head game strong is every bit as crucial as ticking off those practical checkboxes.
This easy-to-follow 7-step guide on real estate relocation should help ease the transition from your current digs to the next. Dig into vital advice and tactics aimed at streamlining your property shift—our goal’s making this move as hiccup-free as possible so that you slide comfortably and confidently into life in your new spot. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Do Some Research
Before you start packing those boxes, take some time to research your new area. Look for data on housing prices, demographics, school rankings, and crime statistics. Check out local newspapers, blogs, and online forums to get a sense of the community's vibe and any significant developments. If you're relocating for a job, find out if your employer offers relocation assistance. The more information you gather upfront, the better prepared you'll be to make informed decisions.
Dive into what makes that next spot tick—what’s the going rate for homes there? Notice any differences between neighborhoods? Things like schools, how long it takes to get to work and local amenities are huge game-changers when it comes down to loving where you live. By schooling yourself on these details ahead of time, we can bet you’ll home in on exactly what ticks all those boxes for your dream dwelling.
Let's kick things off with the essentials—team up with a savvy real estate agent, snag that mortgage pre-approval and get your current digs on the market. These are big moves! They lay down tracks for an easier ride ahead. And hey, why not throw some deadlines into the mix? It'll keep you on track – nobody wants those last-second hitches throwing a wrench in their moving plans!
Moving can be quite the adventure, right? If you've done it before, then you know staying organized is like having a superpower. Picture this: You craft an all-inclusive checklist that guides your journey from hunting down the perfect property to finally kicking back in your new place. Think of striking off each task as reaching another level in this game called estate relocation.
Step 2: Identify Your Ideal Neighborhoods
Whatever is driving your change in address, getting savvy with real estate relocation basics should top your list. Dive into what makes that next spot tick—what’s the going rate for homes there? Notice any differences between neighborhoods? Things like schools, how long it takes to get to work and local amenities are huge game-changers when it comes down to loving where you live. By schooling yourself on these details ahead of time, we can bet you’ll home in on exactly what ticks all those boxes for your dream dwelling.
Once you have a good understanding of your new area, it's time to identify your ideal neighborhoods. Prioritize your "needs" and "wants" by considering factors such as budget, commute time, school quality, crime rate, walkability, and access to amenities like restaurants and shopping. If possible, visit the area in person to get a feel for the community. Strike up conversations with locals to gain valuable insights into their experiences living there.
When we relocated from Illinois to Arizona years ago, I took advantage of Google Maps. Our first move was to a townhouse in Scottsdale. I wanted to make sure the pool was close to our unit. I used Google maps to zoom down to the location of each unit I was interested in to find where the pool was located. It helped to sort over 20 properties to view down to less than 10.
I also used Google Maps to check out where a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, other grocery stores, and other stores like Walmart, Target, and malls were located. I also wanted to know where and what the local restaurants were. Read my post on this by clicking the link: Map Your Way to Your Dream Home: How to Use Online Maps for Efficient Home Searching.
Step 3: Sell Your Current Home and Find Your Next One
This is the biggest hurdle when moving to a new location, whether you are staying in the same area or moving far away. Most people are afraid of selling their home first with the fear that they won't be able to find a new one quickly enough, but they don't want to be stuck with two mortgages. If you're relocating for a job opportunity, your new employer will hopefully help with getting your home sold and you won't have to worry so much about trying to time things perfectly.
We have just the information you need. Click the link to read our comprehensive blog post about Ten Tips for Buying and Selling a Home Simultaneously. It will provide helpful information on different ways you can accomplish this daunting task.
Step 4: Choose a Moving Company
Relocation is not just about changing your address; it's about transporting your life from one place to another. To ensure a smooth experience, it's critical to plan the actual move meticulously.
Start by vetting moving companies early. Look for reputable movers with positive reviews and transparent pricing and avoid paying a large deposit upfront. It would be best if you also asked about insurance options to protect your belongings during the move. It's best to have them conduct an in-person walkthrough for an accurate estimate.
Schedule your move during off-peak hours or days if possible. This can save you both time and money. Also, consider the layout of your new home. Will your current furniture fit, or is it time to invest in new pieces that complement the space better? It's easier to sell or donate items before you move than to deal with them in your new home.
When we did our move to a different state we didn't bring our couches, 2 Lazboy recliners, and our dining table with chairs as they were all older and wouldn't fit in with the decor we had planned. We also got rid of smaller furniture pieces that we knew wouldn't fit in our new place. We also did a lot of decluttering.
If you plan to drive to your new home, map out the route and arrange for overnight accommodations if needed. For long-distance moves, consider transporting your vehicles and making travel arrangements for your family and pets.
We had to move four people and four pets. I flew with my Granddaughter and her friend (the friend was just visiting) and we each took one of our pets on the plane - two of our little dogs and the cat. My son and husband drove one of our cars with the third dog, who was a bit too large (and crazy) to bring on the plane and stow under a seat. We had friends drive one of our other cars and paid for their flight back to Illinois, which was much cheaper than hiring a vehicle transport.
Step 5: Pack and Organize Efficiently
Packing can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving. Tackle one room at a time and clearly label each box with its contents and the room it's destined for. This will help the movers know where to place boxes, and it will make unpacking more manageable for you. Read "How to Avoid Damages on Moving Day" for more tips.
When it comes to packing, tackle non-essential items first, such as off-season clothes or holiday decorations. Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes to protect fragile items. Label boxes with contents, room, and any special instructions to make unpacking easier. Keep a master inventory list to track your belongings and ensure nothing goes missing during the move. Be proactive; pile up plenty of boxes, secure that trusty tape, snatch up some bubble wrap for cushioning protection, and don’t forget markers for labeling – do this well ahead time so you’re steering clear from any last-minute frenzy.
Keep important documents and valuables close. During the chaos of a move, it's easy for things to get misplaced. Have a personal essentials bag for items like passports, birth certificates, and expensive jewelry. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing these irreplaceable items are safe.
Step 6: Ready Yourself for Departure
Before you even think about packing up your stuff, take a second to clear out the clutter. It's the perfect time to say goodbye to things that just aren't serving you anymore. You know how it goes—if something hasn't seen the light of day in over a year, chances are you're better off without it. It will also help in better presenting your current home if you have to sell it.
Why not have some fun and throw a yard sale? Well, maybe some people think they're fun. After the last one I had I swore I would never do that again. Or show some love by donating those items? That was my style. Either way, clearing out can really free up some space—not just physically but mentally too. Unless you're receiving financial moving cost help from an employer, the less stuff you move, the less you'll be paying. I've moved in the past and used movers, but I was shocked at today's moving prices.
Now let's talk strategy as moving day inches closer—you gotta nail down those details! Who’s hauling your treasures across town (or further)? Got all your address changes sorted with everyone who needs to know? Trust me; this isn’t trivial stuff here—missing one little thing could make for an epic headache later on! Stick close to that detailed checklist of yours—it’ll be like body armor protecting against any potential move-day mayhem. Allow yourself plenty of time to pack and gather all the necessary supplies. Sort your belongings into categories like take, trash, sell, and donate. Label boxes with helpful information to make unpacking a breeze.
Packing is an essential part of the moving process, but don't forget about the emotional preparation too. If you have children, communicate the move in an age-appropriate way and take them on a tour of your new home and neighborhood.
Tech's not just a gadget in your moving toolkit – it’s like having a superpower! Why not tap into apps or software to get a grip on what you're packing, check off that growing list of tasks, and scope out the cool spots in your new area? Going digital can smooth out all those bumpy steps in relocating and give you an extra dose of confidence.
Step 7: Ensure a Smooth Arrival
Create an itinerary for moving day itself. Confirm all utilities are ready to go at the new place. Make sure all keys are working and this is a good time to hire a locksmith to change the locks. You never know who else has keys to your home. There might be storm or regular doors that don't even have keys. I've sold homes where the owners never used the front door and didn't have a key for it!
If you have the time, give your new place a good cleaning before moving your stuff in. Sellers usually are required to leave a property in broom-clean condition and aren't expected to clean or paint walls, have carpets professionally cleaned, or do a deep scrub of the property. It would be helpful if you could afford to hire cleaners, but they might not do the whole job with a normal cleaning appointment. You'll want all cabinets cleaned inside and out and a deep cleaning of the appliances.
If you have the time, ability, and finances, this is when you should make certain renovations, such as painting and new flooring. It's so much easier when the place is vacant. Exterior work can wait until you move in.
If you have children, especially small ones, you'll probably need to make arrangements for them, which might not be so easy if you're moving into a new place far away. See if you can utilize a childcare facility for a day, or if you're going to use childcare full-time, this is another item on the list to prepare ahead of time, if possible. It would be great if you could visit your new area before moving in to take care of finding a place to take care of the kids when you're working. Search online first and when you're in town you can visit the facilities to make your choice before the actual move.
If you have pets, figure out where to keep them while the movers are doing their job. If you don't have a fenced backyard, you might want to board your pets for moving day. It's bad anytime a pet runs away from home, but in a new location, your pet will be completely lost and confused. Also, make sure you keep their chip information updated and look up any pet regulations in your state, county, town, and HOA.
Step 8: Settle into Your New Home
Once you've arrived at your new home, take some time to settle in. Unpack the essentials first, like bedding, kitchen items, and toiletries. You might want to get some fast food or pizza on moving day or go to a local restaurant for dinner. If you had the chance to get some food in advance or feel like running to the store, just get a few items to get you through the actual move and for breakfast the next morning.
Don't unpack everything the day you move in. You need some relaxation and sleep so you can start unpacking the rest of the boxes and organizing everything. If you're like us, you might have boxes that you won't unpack right away, but will need to store them either in your new place or a storage facility.
Explore your neighborhood and get to know the local amenities. Drive around the area to try to find any shortcuts to different places and learn the streets, especially if you've moved to a faraway area. Check out the stores in your local strip malls to see if there are any merchants close by that you would go to, such as salons, bakeries, etc.
Depending on your health, you might have already found doctors in your new area. If you haven't done that yet, it's probably best to start working on it. Also, figure out what hospital you'd want to be taken to in case of an accident/emergency. Sometimes an ambulance will only take you to the closest hospital, but in many cases they'll ask.
Consider joining local groups or associations to meet new people and get involved in the community. Many homes in the Scottsdale and other Greater Phoenix areas are part of an HOA, and there might be a clubhouse you can use. Remember, it takes time to adjust, so be patient with yourself and embrace the new opportunities that await you.
I never have to worry about not meeting the neighbors because of my social butterfly husband. He always gets to know them quickly. We didn't make the first move in our current house. Two of our neighbors brought us cookies, and one of them even brought us some dog bones as they must have heard our dogs. Husband Jimmy even got some good history on our house, and the original owner left detailed information that our sellers left us.
Conclusion
Relocating to a new home and community is going to be stressful no matter what. By following these 8 steps, you'll be well-prepared, organized, and ready to embrace the exciting adventure ahead. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when needed. Hopefully, we've made your relocation journey as seamless as possible.
You might say "I'm never moving again!" after it's all done. Don't underestimate the power of careful planning and staying organized. Get familiar with the nuts and bolts of relocating these tips are here to prep you for a smooth sail into your new abode. Keep in mind that every house move has its own story; with this roadmap in hand, you're all set to embark on this thrilling journey ahead. Good luck and happy moving!
Posted by Judy Orr on
Leave A Comment