Is your home under contract? Are you knee deep in the due diligence period on the home you want to buy? If all goes well, it will soon be time to move. Start preparing now to save time later.
“It typically takes between 30 and 40 days for a home to close, with some deals taking up to 60 days if financing or contingencies cause delays,” said Glenn Weeks, HPW Real Estate School Instructor and real estate agent. “This four to six week period may seem like a lot of time, but it will fly by quickly. Use it wisely to ensure you are ready for your big move.”
Make moving arrangements, put together a packing plan, schedule out utility disconnects and starts and more throughout this one- to two-month timeframe to avoid last-minute stress.
Curb clutter
Chances are you’ve collected quite a bit of odds and ends over the past few years in your home. Do all of those items need to make the move? Do a deep de-clutter now to ensure you are moving only the items you want and need into your new digs.
Stockpile supplies
Boxes, newspapers, bubble wrap, tape, you name it, you’ll need it. Seek out free packing supplies online on area buy/sell/trade sites like Craigslist or Facebook yard sale and resale groups. Spread the word among family and friends that you’ll take empty boxes and old newspapers off their hands.
Manage your move
Will you DIY? Will you hire a professional mover? Either way, you’ll want to try to firm up your plans 30 days in advance of your closing date. The real estate selling season is underway, and you don’t want to get lost in the new home shuffle. Claim your U-Haul truck rental or schedule your moving team sooner than later so that you don’t miss your moving day date.
“Your real estate agent will be a good resource for you when it comes to recommending trusted movers. You’ll want to interview a few companies to determine which provides the services you seek at a cost you are willing to pay,” added Weeks.
Plan your pack
Of course, you can’t pack up all of your clothes and housewares a month in advance, but you can box up some things to lighten the load later on. Gather non-essential items like winter apparel, holiday décor, excess toys and books and pack them away now. Just be sure to label the boxes well so that you’ll know what you stowed away. As your move draws closer, make a plan to pack one room at a time until they are all done.
If you are working with a moving company, make sure to clearly label boxes—those with valuables, wedding photos, etc.—that you personally want to transport so that they don’t end up on the truck.
Address your address
Contact the post office two weeks ahead of your move to schedule your change of address. You can also sort through your mail and start updating your magazine subscriptions. Keep a running list of paper bills and other mail items you receive so that you can alert those companies about your address change as well.
Schedule utility stops and starts
Different utilities require different lead times to stop and start your services, and you certainly don’t want to move into a home without water or electricity. Mark your calendar to call these companies approximately two weeks out from the date of your closing. Each utility company will guide you in scheduling your service appointments.