Moving is one of the most difficult parts of any home-buying experience. It can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful, and all of these problems can seem to multiply exponentially if it is your first time moving. Fortunately, there are things you can do that will make your life easier. Here are three great moving tips if you are buying a home for the first time.
Buy and Ship
If you are purchasing your first home, you will probably be getting some brand-new furniture and appliances. If that is the case, do not try to move these large items to the home yourself if you can avoid it. You are already going to be exhausted from your move. LifeStorage suggests that instead, when you buy the furniture and appliances, arrange to have them shipped to your new place. This will cut down the chances of your new items getting damaged during transit since they’ll only have to make one trip.
Keep a Trash Can on Hand
If you are moving out of an old apartment or your parent’s home, odds are good that there will be a ton of stuff you won’t be taking with you. On the Move Moving and Storage shares the following tips: While packing, it’s a good idea to start tossing or donating things you don’t need. This will allow you to move with only what you truly need in your new home, and it will have the added benefit of making you feel like you’re getting a new start in life. Additionally, if you are donating things, make sure to keep receipts or records of all the stuff you donate. Depending on what you donate, you can make a lot of money in tax deductions from the items you give up.
Have a Timeline
Once you know exactly when you are moving, start planning in reverse. How long will it take you to pack each room? When do you need to have everything ready for the movers or your friends? From there, write out an exact timeline or “time budget.” That budget is now your guide. Stick with it, and you will prevent yourself from a last-minute mad dash to fill the moving van. Are you not sure how long it will take to move? No problem! There are lots of sample timeframes to assist you.
Moving is hard. You have to approach it calmly and methodically, using careful planning and sticking to strong organizational methods. Doing so will make your life a lot easier and help you begin the exciting experience of moving into a new home.
If you’re looking for a house to buy, contact one of our agents to help get you started!