Sellers: How To Have A Stress-Free Move

If you've ever moved and had a stressful experience, or you've heard horror stories from your friends or family when they sold and moved houses, you may wonder if a stress-free move is even possible. The answer is: "You Bet!"

Buying a house is a huge deal. If you've just started house hunting or are already under contract, moving is the next giant step in this process. Moving can be stressful and chaotic. The good news is packing and moving can be relatively effortless with some planning and organization. Use these simple steps to get started:

• Get Organized
  Having a plan is critical if you are going to make your move stress-free. Begin by making a list of everything you need to do and divide it into weeks. Allow yourself enough time to complete all the tasks.
  
  
• Start Packing Well in Advance
  Time is not always our friend. If you can, start packing at least eight weeks ahead of time. (If you have more time — even better.)
  
  
• Don't Move it All
  Instead of trying to figure out how you are going to do it all, first determine if you really even need it. Inventory all of your belongings and decide what to donate, sell or toss and what will actually be moved. Decluttering and simplifying your life can actually help lessen the load, and moving into a new home is a great time to do it.
  
  
• Label Your Boxes
  While tossing everything into boxes and sorting it once you move seems like a great idea, organized packing will pay off in the long run. Label each box with detailed descriptions. Color-coding boxes by room make it easier when it comes time to unpack.
  
  
• Make a Survival Kit
  Just like anyone going on a great journey, it's important to pack a survival kit. In it should be the basic necessities that you and your family will need at some point during the day, the things you just can't make it through a day without. In your kit should be things like:
• Toiletries
• Water
• Snacks
• Phone chargers
  
  
• Get Familiar with Your New Digs
  Familiarize yourself with your new home and community before moving day. Spend some time driving around, determining where grocery stores, shopping areas, and restaurants are located. When moving day comes, you won't waste time searching for hardware stores or places to eat. Spending time in your new home can also help you better envision where your belongings should be placed.
  
  
• Hire a Professional Mover
  Perhaps the most stressful part of packing and moving is the actual process. It's true that doing all the heavy lifting will save on your bottom line, but it's going to cost you in terms of a sore back and added stress. Letting a professional mover handle everything takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process for you and ensures that moving day will go as smoothly as possible.

No matter how you decide to de-stress your moving day, it's important you keep everything in perspective. Don't decide that all your boxes need to be unpacked in one day. Make sure you take time for yourself on moving day to relax and reflect on what you've accomplished.

• Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
• Planning a Backyard Space for Entertaining
• Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
• How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
• Simple Upgrades That Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
• Smart Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs

• What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
• What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
• How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
• What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
• Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
• How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment

• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties

• How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
• When a Price Reduction Can Help Restart Buyer Interest
• How Professional Photography Impacts Online Listing Views
• The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
• What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
• How to Prepare Your Home for a Competitive Offer Situation
• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence

• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy