Packing and Moving Tips

Feb 15
14:32

2011

Balsley

Balsley

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Just the thought of packing up a home and moving to a new location can send shivers up the spine of even the most robust Summit NJ real estate owner. It is probably the least enticing aspect of new home ownership. Unfortunately, it is also the most necessary step in getting into your new home.

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Just the thought of packing up a home and moving to a new location can send shivers up the spine of even the most robust Summit NJ real estate owner.  It is probably the least enticing aspect of new home ownership.  Unfortunately,Packing and Moving Tips Articles it is also the most necessary step in getting into your new home.Occasionally, a client will be able to move with little more than their wardrobe but it’s a rare occurrence.  Recent graduates typically have far fewer large items to move than more established families.  I even know one couple who were so unattached to material possessions that they left everything down to the dishes in their old home, which they had sold to their adult son, and avoided packing anything but their clothes!  For the rest of us, moving can get a little more complicated.  Here are a few tips to help get you moving in the right direction.Start EarlyThe day you begin browsing the Summit NJ listings is the day you should start packing your home.  This is no joke.  The early you start, the better off you will be when you are ready to move.  If you find the perfect house, you will want to be ready to make an offer and get the closing table without having to ask for extra time.  Some sellers are in a hurry to close so asking for a later move-in date might just be a deal-breaker.  Begin collecting boxes from work or other sources early, too.  You’ll need more than you think.Purge your ClosetsStart purging old and unused items from your closets and storage areas.  You’ll be amazed at what can collect in any dwelling, no matter what the size.  Have a tag sale or call your favorite charity to get rid of usable items that you no longer need.  Here are a few things you can unload right away.•    Clothing you have not worn in 1 year or more.  Donate them to a charity reseller.•    Tattered or dated holiday decorations like broken light strings, etc.  •    Outdated text books.  See if your local library will take them as a tax-deductible donation.•    Outgrown baby items and clothes.  Get some of your money back by taking these things to a consignment shop.•    Anything broken.  If you haven’t fixed it by now, you probably won’t have time when you’re house hunting and moving. Get OrganizedTake a look at the organization aisle at your local discount or office supply store for organizational ideas.  Keep like items together and pack by the room.  Start in the least essential parts of your home, like the guest room, and work towards your kitchen and bedroom last.  Label the intended room for every box in large letters with a dark marker.Here’s one final trick.  Make yourself a “first night” box with all the things you will need on your first night in your new home in one place.  Include a set of sheets for each bed, a towel and toiletries plus pajamas and a change of clothes for each person and any personal items like toothbrushes and toothpaste.  Mark it with colored duct tape so you’ll be able to find it right way.  You’ll be glad you took this extra step when you’re tired and ready for bed on moving day.