Moving to a new area can be quite stressful. Whether you are moving across town or to a new country, you will be changing more than just your address. You may have to search for a new job, school, doctor, service providers, restaurants, stores, services, and more.
There is so much on your plate right now, with having to pack all your things, make moving arrangements, and sell your old home. You may be asking yourself how to start.
This guide will outline 4 relocating steps to help you prepare, organize, and settle into your new home seamlessly. Alleviate the hassle of relocating so that you can focus on what lies ahead.
Gather Information
Start with researching the new area. Look for average housing prices, school rankings, demographics, and crime statistics. Search for maps that illustrate landmarks, local geography, public transportation routes, and major interstates.
If you are moving across the country, research the climate and seasonal weather patterns. Also, check out newspapers and blog articles for information on political issues and development that may impact the area you are moving into.
Furthermore, search for online forums such as Facebook groups that are relevant to your new area. These online forums can be great places to find useful information. Ask plenty of questions and observe outlooks and local attitudes.
If you need to find a new job, find out if your new employer offers relocating assistance. Many large corporations have human resources professionals that assist employees with relocating efforts. Other corporations though, may contract this service to third parties. Some corporations may also cover employees relocating and moving costs.
Gathering all this information will help you be better prepared to make informed decisions.
Identify Your Ideal Neighborhoods
After you have gathered information and researched your new area, you can now begin to identify your ideal neighborhoods. The first thing you should prioritize is your needs and wants. Consider factors such as the quality of the school, commute time, budget, crime rates, walkability, access to public transportation, proximity to restaurants, shopping malls, churches, and the overall neighborhood vibe.
If at all possible, visit the new area to get a feel for the community. If you are comfortable enough, converse with local residents and ask them about their experiences living in the area.
If you are still unsure of which neighborhood is fit for you and your family, contact a local real estate agent to better assist you. Contacting an agent narrows down your options and is the most effective way to find the home of your dreams.
Sell Your Old Home and Find a New One
Once you have narrowed down your options, it is now time to start looking for a new home. Contact a real estate agent to better assist you in finding a new home. A real estate agent can search for private property listings that meet you and your family’s needs and at no cost.
This is the time to create another list of your wants and needs for your new home. Include basic requirements like the square footage, bathrooms, bedrooms, and keep in mind other factors that are important to you and your family. Examples of these factors would be an updated kitchen, a large backyard, or double sinks in the master bedroom.
Narrow down your list to your top 10 or 5 and prioritize them in order of importance. Now you will be ready and able to find your new home in no time. If you have an unlimited budget though, don’t expect to find a home with everything on your list.
However, a list of priorities can help you and your agent understand exactly which home furnishings and features are the most important and which ones you will be willing to sacrifice.
You will not need to start the process of selling or renting your old home. A real estate agent can help you evaluate the true value of your home based on your home’s condition and the current market conditions.
Your real estate agent will also tell you the equity of your home so that you know how much you can spend on your new home. Your agent will also advise you on how to time your sale and purchase.
Some buyers are able to qualify for and cover the costs of two concurrent mortgages, however, many are not able to. There are many options available that a skilled real estate agent can help you determine the best course of action given on your current circumstances.
Prepare For Your Departure
Packing everything is a fundamental part of moving. However, some people forget about the emotional preparation that needs consideration as well, especially if you have children.
Communicate the move with your children in a way that they will understand. If at all possible, take them on our tour of the new home and neighborhood. This will help alleviate any distress and mystery about the move.
Allow yourself and your family plenty of time to pack up all your belongings. Gather up supplies, boxes, tissue paper, and bubble wrap. Begin packing non-essential items such as off-season clothes or holiday decorations and sort them out into four categories:
- Take
- Trash
- Sell
- Donate/ give away
To make packing easier, label all around the boxes. Label the boxes with what is inside the box, what room it will go to, and any other special instructions. Keep a master inventory sheet to refer back to just in case you misplace anything.
Start researching the pricing of the moving company you plan to use to ensure an accurate estimate of the final cost. It is best to have them conduct an in-person walkthrough. Make sure that you are working with a reputable company and avoid paying a large deposit before your things get delivered to your new home.
Map out the route of your new home. If necessary, make overnight accommodations along the way. If you are not planning to drive, you will need to have your vehicles transported and make travel arrangements for you, your family, and your pets.
If you are leaving friends and family members behind, schedule a final get together before your departure. We understand that the last days before you move are hectic so be sure to take some time for proper goodbyes.
Start Your New Life
Moving is never easy, however, these 4 steps will offer an action plan to get you started on your new life. Avoid getting overwhelmed, focus on one thing at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
With a little preparation and with the right team of professionals, it is possible to have a positive relocation experience.
Century Properties Real Estate is a full-service brokerage equipped with passion and experience that will exceed your expectations. Call us now at (281) 487-6500 so that we can assist you.