EwingSIR | Calabasas Homes for sale | Sherman Oaks Homes | Agoura Homes | Hidden Hills Ca Homes

Moving

Life’s Stress Test

By: Gracee Arthur

As a realtor, two of my great pleasures are locating the ideal buyer for my seller’s property or finding my buyer their dream home.  But as the dream is fulfilled the nightmare begins…..MOVING DAY!

Now it is my turn to live the nightmare as I make an interim move while between houses.  This effort has been complicated by some sleepless nights fighting off mosquitoes (not very successfully) at my current rental where standing water has become a problem since the most recent rains and poor on site drainage.

There are few things in life more stressful than moving.  Whether you are relocating one mile away or cross country, the anxiety level and chaos are the same. When you also have an at home office and will be interrupting your work schedule things are additionally complicated and disruptive.  By now you are probably thinking, “Tell me something I do not know,” which I will do here in hopes of making your move, if not blissful at least manageable without prescription meds.

1.  This is the perfect time to part with the items you no longer use. Whether they are stored in the garage, attic or a costly storage facility this is the time to take inventory. Take advantage of the “trash to treasure” theory and have a garage sale. If a garage sale is not your thing then advertise on Craig’s List or your local paper to sell your most marketable items. Also remember that many charities are hurting right now and would welcome your donations (often picking them up at your door) for which you will receive a tax deduction. The bonus is the money you will save on moving or storing items which you no longer use.

2.   Arrange all your utility transfers well in advance of your move.  When you are moving phone, internet, cable etc. it can take as long as 3 weeks in advance to get a suitable appointment. Make sure to check out where all your outlets are in case you will need to add additional ones.

3.   If you do not have a mover that you like, get referrals from your realtor and friends who have recently moved.  Everyone has horror stories of the broken antique heirloom but only a few sing the praises of their moving company.  Whomever you choose, if you have a lot of valuable items insurance is a must.

4.    If you have painting, carpet cleaning etc. to be done having it done before you move in is a good idea.  If you are moving into a rental make sure your landlord plans to have the place professionally cleaned
prior to move- in as well as any needed repairs.

5.   Although the internet has decreased our need for the post office, you will still need to file for change of address (can now be done on line) at least 2 weeks prior to moving and notify any publications and vendors and the DMV separately for your driver’s license and auto registration (can be done on line) they will automatically change your voter registration if you do not change counties.  Additionally, your insurance, auto, health, home (prices may change if you move to a new county) and all professional such as doctors, dentist etc. with whom you have relationships, banks, credit card companies etc.

6.    Do yourself a favor if you can afford it, hire your movers to pack for you.  They are much better and faster at it than we are and do not pause for a nostalgic moment to admire old photos. The money spent
will be returned to you in time, efficiency and stress relief.

7.    Pets go last. If you cannot confine them to their kennel, a room or outside bring them to the vet or groomer for a bath.  Pets are happier when they are the last to arrive at home when the movers have left and
their favorite sofa is back in place.

8.    Most importantly, ”do unto others” whether you are a renter or a seller be considerate of the people moving into your home.  No matter how smoothly it goes, moving is difficult for everyone and there is nothing worse than arriving with your cherished belongings to find your new home a mess.  Yes, when the last box is loaded up all you want to do is close the door for the last time but please leave your house in the same condition you would like to find your new one!

Here are some links I hope will help with your move!  Good Luck and know “this to shall pass!”

DMV
USPS
Unique Mover
Marthastewart.com
Dino’s Moving and Storage – 323-467-3466

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: ewingsir, Gracee Arthur, malibu homes, moving in malibu

This entry was posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 12:42 pm and is filed under Malibu. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Website