Moving Guide For Home Sellers

Moving is often a daunting task that is seen more as a chore than the exciting new chapter in life that it is. For those ​selling their home​, the moving process is often an afterthought buried under the long list of responsibilities they already have with their home on the market.

To ease the burden of moving for people selling their current home, ​CENTURY 21 Adams has compiled this essential moving guide that includes tips and help make the moving process easier.

Plan Ahead & Organize:

Selling your home and moving can be a lengthy, complex process. Proper organizing and planning ahead will result in a smoother, more enjoyable moving process after your home is sold. It is recommended you pack as early as when your home goes on the market, if not sooner. Doing so will make packing easier as it’s done over time, and will leave you prepared for the unexpected.

The exact moving date for a homeowner varies, as you never know exactly how long your home will be on the market before the right buyer approaches with an acceptable offer. What happens if your home is only on the market for a week before ​closing​? Proper organization and planning will allow you to effectively stick to this shorter timeline, hand over the keys, and be out by the possession date. Plan to pack unneeded belongings early and often, and organize your things to make moving a swift and efficient process.

Pro Tip:​ Pack backward! Be sure to pack important items last, to make sure they're accessible for when you need them. Conversely, things that you won’t need right away can be packed away first. We also recommend you clearly label all boxes and bags to make move-in efficient.

Think About The Logistics of Moving:

Deciding on how you’re moving is an important decision that will need to be carefully considered when your home is on the market. Think about the amount of time needed to move, and what kind of transportation is required. Decide if you can handle the entire moving process on your own, or if you need to hire professional movers to help. Regardless of your decision, be sure to budget for moving expenses and plan for the amount of time needed.

• If you’re moving on your own:​ Consider the amount of time and effort moving will take, and plan accordingly. This will vary depending on the size of the home you’re selling and the number of belongings you own, but it’s important to allocate enough time for this to happen. Be sure to schedule transportation from the house you’re selling to your new home, be it a rental trailer or a moving container. Compare prices and make a decision based on convenience.
• If you’re hiring professional movers:​ Get pricing quotes and an outline of services from multiple companies. Depending on the size of the home you’re selling, consider in-home surveys to get more precise estimates. Draft a list of companies you’d be willing to hire and make a decision based on reviews and referrals.
• Consider Moving Insurance:​ Keep your belongings safe with moving insurance. All reputable moving companies offer several types of moving insurance, called valuation. Valuation coverage is the only way to protect your belongings that get lost or damaged in transit. Consider the multiple tiers of coverage, and make a decision based on the length of travel and amount of valuables you own.

Pro Tip:​ While moving, be sure to keep valuables on you at all times including important documents and keepsakes, so they don't get lost in the process. If you have any children or pets, consider daycare to make moving day a bit less chaotic and to allow your full concentration on the moving process.

What To Do After Your Home Is Sold:

If you’ve already found a new home, or at least know the community you will be moving to, there is a lot to consider when moving after selling your home. Below are a few examples of the many things to consider as you prepare to move after selling your home:

• Locate New Health Professionals​: Ask for referrals to new doctors, dentists, and other professionals you or your family may need.
• Update Your Address​: A simple yet significant step in moving is changing your physical address online via the United States Postal Service.
• Set Up Utilities:​ Call electric, water, and other utility companies as needed. Arrange to disconnect from the house you have sold, and transfer service to your new residence.

Pro Tip: The moving process can be stressful at times. Take a moment to enjoy your new surroundings, and explore your new community! Get your kids involved with unpacking, take your pets out to meet the neighbors, and enjoy the process.

Still Seeking A New Home?

Many people sell their existing property before buying a new home, and for good reason. If you are looking for your forever home and are interested in the greater Boston area, consider James Trano of ​CENTURY 21 Adams​. We are proud to serve the Greater Boston area including ​Arlington​, ​Cambridge​ & surrounding communities. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your real estate needs. Learn more about the home buying process and how I can help​.

While this essential guide offers tips to get you prepared for moving after selling your current home, there may be more work to be done depending on your situation. Use these helpful tips to make moving after selling your home the enjoyable experience it’s intended to be. Moving is an exciting chapter in your life that will create lasting memories for years to come, and these tips will make moving easier.