10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Moved
These 10 things may slip your mind when planning a move.
By:
Tammy Stoner
- What to Tip the Movers
If you are being moved state-to-state, tipping etiquette is 10% of your total bill. If you are being moved within the state, $10-$20 per mover is adequate. If you are moving yourself, you can often arrange through your truck rental company to have unpackers meet you at your destination.
- Create a Box Checklist
On each box, write a number and the name of the room where the contents belong, then list them on a checklist. For example, "Bedroom: Boxes 2, 3, 4, 15." Keep one copy and give one to the movers. While this may at first sound too Type-A for you, note that oftentimes movers load boxes from several families onto one truck. So if a box is misdelivered, you might not be the only one laughing at your high school yearbook picture.
- Dogs Can Get Carsick
Letting Fido ride shotgun with the window down reduces his nausea.
- Fish Can Also Get Carsick
Sometimes, it seems, fatally. Keep the fishbowl as still as possible, placing it in a box on blankets.
- Wood Flooring Needs Several Days to Acclimate
Wood flooring can't be installed the day it arrives -- or the next day, or the next day. It must acclimate, lying in open containers on the floor for several days. This is a handy thing to know when trying to assure that your floors will go in before your boxes arrive.
- Give a Trusted Neighbor a Spare Key to Your Old House
There is always a chance something will need checking or get left behind.
- Keep Computer Start-Up Disks With You
What if the laptop you have with you crashes while your disks are in transit?
- Hire a Cleaner
A move is stressful enough without tackling the two-foot dust bunnies left in its wake.
- Tape All Sundries to Their Associated Electronic Devices
Did you know that some DVD players won't allow you to play the next episode on your DVD unless you use the arrow key on your remote? To avoid experiencing this phenomena yourself, place all equipment for each electronic device in a ziplock baggie and tape it to the device before boxing.
- How to Pack Green
Instead of paper or bubble wrap, use your own towels and scarves to wrap breakables. This is environmentally conscious and efficient, plus your new basement won't be filled with packing supplies. Note: cockroaches love to play in wads of paper.
Next Up
5 Types of Neighbors and How to Handle Them
You may love your house, but getting stuck with bad neighbors may have you thinking about putting up a for-sale sign. Here are some tips on dealing with rude, sloppy or nosy neighbors, and even those mean ones with spite houses.
Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers
Sellers don't always tell the truth about their homes to potential homebuyers. Look out for these red flags during your home tours and open houses.
Top 10 Unique Home Selling Tactics
In today’s market, frustrated home sellers are resorting to some unusual methods to get their homes noticed. HGTV gives you some ideas to help sell your home.
10 Tips for Your Next Move
From planning to packing, streamline your next move with these pointers.
10 Ways to Avoid Internet Moving Scams
If you're looking for an inexpensive moving company on the Internet, you'd better do your homework first, or your furniture won't be the only thing that gets taken for a ride. These ten tips will help you avoid moving scams.
Waterfront Buying: Top 10 Tips from Agents
Before purchasing that dream home, master these tips from the experts.
10 Ways to Protect Yourself As a Renter
Before signing the lease, make sure these items are in order.
10 Tips for Settling Into Your New Home
When settling into your new home, make sure you handle these post-purchase musts.
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Foreclosure
Foreclosure tips on what to avoid, and advice from real estate expert and attorney Tara-Nicholle Nelson.
Top 10 Expert Tips for Buying a Luxury Home
We polled ten Realtors specializing in the luxury home market.