Don’t Want to Hire a Crew?
There are plenty of ways to get to know your new city or neighborhood before you even get there. Even if you don’t have children, this will help you see how desirable the new area is for incoming families. There are plenty of online sites, too, that rate local schools. Before you move, contact the local Chamber of Commerce or City Hall to request a new resident package. This might help you think ahead to resale of property in a given neighborhood. These organizations often have sections of their Web sites for new residents that give you insight into where libraries, parks and places of interest are located, how and where to get drivers’ licenses, and other important information.
Compare home prices in the neighborhoods you are considering (or have decided upon). Since you’re in research mode, start early to find new doctors, dentists, veterinarians and other important resources. Clearly, some moves take more time and planning than others. You’ll need to drop by your local U.S. Apartment dwellers, for example, don’t necessarily have the added stress of trying to sell a home while purchasing a new one. If possible, go ahead and reach out to neighbors and heads of neighborhood associations.
Whether you’re headed from one coast to another or just across town, moving can be exciting and stressful at the same time. We have ten steps to help your “Movin’ Up” experience go smoothly. You can start planning ASAP if you use this old-school tool. It will keep you from scrambling to get things done at the last minute and help you work more efficiently along the way. All the tips to follow hinge on your master calendar, so consider it a “living document” and add to it (or cross off accomplished tasks) frequently. Set reminders for everything from canceling magazine subscriptions to planning ways to use up food from your refrigerator.
Get the most bang for your buck by taking the time to clean up items or organize them by category. There’s no denying it – it’s overwhelming. For others, it might be three straight 10-hour days. For this part of the process, it’s all about organization and simplicity. Use your calendar to determine how to pack for the least stress. Moving from a house to a condo without a yard? For some, it might be an hour or two a day. You’re about to put everything you own in cardboard boxes. Give a neighbor your mower or other yard supplies. Load up the car and donate to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or other local charities.
