Articles Tagged "Pack"

"Moving is easy," said no one ever. While moving to a new home will never qualify as fun, you can take steps beforehand to make it less tedious and time-consuming. Our real estate agents offer valuable moving tips they've learned from years of experience helping home buyers and sellers throughout Virginia and West Virginia.

1. Create a Game Plan
   As with any other major project, successfully streamlining your move relies on a workable action plan. Here are some questions to answer before proceeding:
   
   • Will you be using a professional moving service?
   • What will you need in your new home? (Drawing a floor plan helps you decide.)
   • In which order will you clear rooms? How will you dispose of unwanted items?
   
   
2. Start Early
   If you cut it too close to the actual moving day, you're likely to make bad decisions under pressure. Estimate how much time you think it will take and double the amount to allow for a cushion.
   
   
3. Sort as You Go
   Items you decide to toss should go in one of three piles:
   
   • Reuse or repurpose for items to donate or sell
   • Recycle for paper, glass and other recyclable materials
   • Trash for anything that doesn't fit in the other two categories
   
   
4. Use the 12-Month Rule
   Do you find yourself with boxes that have survived one or more moves without ever being unpacked? Purge items that haven't been used for 12 months or more with a clear conscience. This will apply primarily to clothes and accessories, but it's also helpful for items such as kitchen utensils.
   
   Other guidelines include:
   
   • Does an item give you joy or sorrow?
   • Would you buy it again?
   • Are you keeping it out of a sense of obligation?
   
   
5. Consider Temporary Storage
   Are you still on the fence about several items? Pack them separately and keep them out of your new house for a while. If the number of items doesn't justify the cost of a storage unit, ask a friend or family member to hold them. This will help you decide once and for all if you can live without these items.
   
   
6. Dispose of Hazardous Products
   Professional movers won't accept paint, propane tanks, lawn chemicals, and other hazardous items, and it's too risky to attempt moving them yourself. Check for the closest hazardous waste disposal center in your local area. Under no circumstances should hazardous products be put in trash or recycling bins.
   
   
7. Use up What You Have
   Non-perishable food items and personal care products add weight and take up valuable space in moving boxes. Inventory what you have on hand and use up as much as you can. Donate remaining items to a food bank or shelter.
   
   
8. Enlist Help
   The pre-move process can be intimidating if you take on all the responsibility yourself. Spouses, significant others, and children all have a stake in what stays and what gets tossed, so get them involved. Set up a schedule assigning times and tasks so everyone knows what is expected of them. 
   
   
9. Reward Yourself
   No one can remain focused without breaks. Stay motivated by setting daily goals and rewarding yourself for each accomplishment. Watch a movie, read a book, or meet a friend for coffee.

Buying or selling a home involves seemingly endless decisions that can be difficult to navigate on your own. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty and let our experienced and professional real estate agents show you the way.