Valvano Real Estate Agency - Thinking About Selling Your Home By Yourself?

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Planning

Move Myself or Hire a Pro?
In college, it's easy to round up a few volunteers to move your futon and mini-fridge in exchange for free pizza and a keg. But there comes a time when an ocean of beer and a continent of cheese and pepperoni will not be enough to bribe your buddies. So if your friends would rather join the Merchant Marines than help you move, you may need to hire pros to load furniture and major appliances at the very least, though you may still choose to pack a carload (or even a truckload) of boxes yourself.

Of course, maybe loading the truck isn't your problem. You just need help getting the goods from point A to point B. If you're not comfortable driving a large truck, of if you have more than one truckload and your new home is too far to make repeat trips, consider hiring a driver (or drivers). If you do hire movers, be sure to insure against lost or damaged items. Keep in mind that some companies will not insure items they have not packed or loaded themselves.

What if I Have Too Much Stuff?
Once you start packing, you'll probably discover that your possessions have been multiplying in the dark corners of your closets like rabbits on Viagra. By the time moving day rolls around, you may find that all your belongings won't fit on your truck—or even in your new home.

You may be able to avoid some of these headaches by holding a yard sale several weeks before your move. But if you're still stuck with too much stuff, or if your new space is simply smaller than your old one, you can always rent a storage unit.

What's the Best Way to Help Kids Settle In?
Like you, your child has probably developed a sense of comfort with their current surroundings—not just with their home but also with their friends, their school, their local hangouts and playgrounds. Whereas most adults have probably experienced at least a couple of moves in their lifetime, your child may have never known another home. That's why kids sometimes need a little extra help adapting to their new neighborhood.

How Can I Help My Pet Adjust to the Move?
Pets can become disoriented and frightened by the whole experience of moving. To reduce their stress, be sure that pets are securely penned up or perhaps visiting with a friend when movers arrive. You don't want Rover running away or getting injured underfoot on the day of your move.

If you're relocating cross-country, you may want to fly Fluffy to your final destination. Airlines typically transport animals in the cargo hold. However, if you fly, too, and your pet carrier fits under your seat, you may be able to carry your animal on the plane with you. Check with your veterinarian to be sure your pet can handle the strain and make arrangements with the airline well in advance.

At your new home, keep pets confined for a few days in a limited area like your bedroom, where you can comfort them. Introduce them to the rest of the home gradually, so they don't feel overwhelmed. Do not leave pets unattended outside until they have plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings, as animals sometimes run away in an attempt to return to their old neighborhood.

Resource: Realtor.com