Checklists for Life

11

Moving

Many psychologists rank moving just after death, divorce, and the loss of a job as among life’s most stressful events. There’s no denying the trauma involved in saying good-bye to friends and familiar sights. But the stress of organizing a move can be lessened considerably by making a series of lists and taking care of details one at a time.

Choosing a Realtor

You will have a relatively personal relationship with the realtor you choose to help you buy or sell your home. If you’re buying, you’ll spend hours together driving through neighborhoods, you’ll be talking about some of your hopes and plans for the future, and you may be disclosing certain financial details to this person. If you’re selling, the realtor will be evaluating your home, suggesting improvements to help sell it, and giving an opinion on what it may be worth. So find someone you trust and who you feel understands your interests. You can scout for realtors by dropping by open houses. If you would like to talk further with a realtor you meet, ask for a card.

 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN YOU’RE BUYING A HOME

1.

Are you a full-time or part-time realtor? Do you have other full- or part-time employment? It’s not impossible to do a competent job selling real estate part-time, but it’s a whole lot more difficult. If you wanted to look at homes in the middle of the day, would this realtor be free to show them? Would this realtor be able to research neighborhoods as effectively as a full-time realtor who depends completely on real estate for income?

2.

May I have the names of three or four home buyers you’ve worked with recently and may I speak with them? A “no” answer to this question should end the interview. Also, be wary if the realtor can’t produce at least five names of people who have bought homes within the past twelve months.

3.

How well do you know the neighborhoods that interest me and how much do you work in them? A realtor who is familiar with the areas you prefer will have a much better sense of prices and values and will know whether they are headed up or down. There is also a much better chance that you’ll get an early crack at houses just coming on the market.

4.

Given what you know about my preferences, are there other neighborhoods you’d recommend I consider? Suggestions of neighborhoods that are far from what you had in mind may be a sign that the realtor doesn’t understand your needs. If the realtor has good ideas for you, all the better.

5.

Do you use the computer to help find homes? Any agent who isn’t accessing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on-line is not keeping up with the latest information.

6.

Do you insist on a buyer/broker contract? A buyer/broker contract is between you (the buyer) and the realtor (the broker). It obligates you to pay the realtor’s standard commission, whether or not the realtor helps you find the house you eventually purchase. If you do sign a contract, ask the realtor ahead of time if she’ll be willing to negotiate her commission fee if you choose a home that’s being sold directly by an owner. (In a “fisbo”—for sale by owner—deal, the owner avoids paying a seller’s commission. But he may be willing to help pay your realtor’s buyer fee if it helps cement the deal.) If you do sign a broker’s contract, make sure it’s not for longer than thirty days.

Whether you are a potential buyer or seller, drive around the neighborhood and jot down the names of realtors with “sold” signs. Don’t be taken in by a large number of “for sale” signs under one realtor’s name; some realtors will take listings at very high prices just to have their signs up. You are looking for realtors who actually sell homes. When you’ve collected some names, be sure to interview only the individual realtor whose name was on the signs—not just anyone at that real estate office.

 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN YOU’RE SELLING YOUR HOME

1.

How familiar are you with my neighborhood? What area(s) or neighborhoods do you usually work in? Someone who personally knows the reputation of the schools, the neighborhood amenities, the crime rate, and so forth may be able to sell your home more convincingly than a realtor who looked up these statistics at the library.

2.

Can you give me a list of all the homes you’ve sold in the last year? If there’s any hesitation in complying with your request, look for someone else. Check the neighborhoods, price ranges, and number of sales on the list. Do they suggest experience with your type of home?

3.

May I contact any of these people as references? Don’t consider a realtor who balks at having you talk with past clients.

4.

What is the range and average price of the homes you’ve sold over the past three years? You’ll do better with a realtor whose bread-and-butter sales are in the same price range as your home and who has experience selling to the kind of buyers you are likely to find for your home.

5.

Will you draw up a detailed marketing plan for my house and put it in writing? You’re not looking to critique the plans as much as you are trying to determine what kind of commitment the realty company is prepared to make toward selling your house.

6.

How much money will you and your office spend marketing my home and can you put that figure in writing? A real estate office that puts its marketing budget for your home in writing will very likely stick to it. This information also allows you to compare one realty company with another.

7.

Will you have a flyer box in front of my house and will you keep it full? Having flyers with the features your home offers is one of the best ways to get people interested enough to come see it.

8.

Do you plan to hold open houses? How many, how often? Open houses are an effective way to expose your home to a large number of prospective buyers. See the list below for getting the most out of them.

9.

What other advertising will you do to market my house? The answer to this question is, of course, closely linked to the marketing budget. There are a number of ways to get your home out there where prospective buyers are likely to see it, and they cost money. On-site flyers with a sketch, photo, or floor plan of your home, and advertising layouts in newspapers and real estate magazines, are just a few possibilities to ask about.

10.

Are you experienced working with buyers who might be good prospects but don’t necessarily have a 20 percent down payment or perfect credit? When buyers have trouble coming up with money, the realtor who can point them toward creative financial solutions has an enormous edge over one who can’t. It’s an even bigger plus if your realtor has connections with agencies or financial institutions that are ready to assist potential buyers.

 Preparing Your Home for Sale

From a buyer’s point of view, the most appealing homes are those that look as if they could be moved into right away. The more your home gives this impression, the faster it is likely to sell. One of the most effective techniques for making your home appealing is to keep the interior pleasant, but neutral. “Most buyers have very little imagination,” according to top-selling realtor Barbara Shoag, “so if the house is cluttered or has dramatic wallpaper, most people will be put off because they can’t see past the highly personal decorations.”


1.

Repair anything broken: loose boards, dangling fixtures, cracked windows, etc.

2.

Take a look at your house from the outside. Does the trim need painting? Does the exterior paint look dreary?

3.

Fix chipped paint or peeling wallpaper. Paint a neutral color inside.

4.

If you are planning to replace your carpet, choose a neutral color (gray or beige).

5.

Tidy each room and arrange each one as invitingly as possible.

6.

Put away any highly personal or eccentric decorative items.

7.

Plant colorful flowers or put attractive flower pots or window boxes in front of the house to add to your home’s curb appeal.



HOLDING A SUCCESSFUL OPEN HOUSE

Think of your open house as an opportunity to show prospective buyers what a gracious home and comfortable life they would enjoy if they bought your place, and set the stage a little bit to get their imaginations going.

Clean the house, of course, and pick up any clutter. Set the dinner table attractively and place vases of fresh flowers in various rooms. Turn on soft or classical music to create a relaxing mood. An hour or so before the open house, bake cookies or put something aromatic in the oven to give the house an inviting smell. But avoid heavy air fresheners or other strong artificial scents. Turn on all the lights in every room no matter what time of day it is. And finally, excuse yourself while the house is shown. Expert realtors find that if owners are around, potential buyers will say nice things and leave. If owners are away, buyers can express their concerns freely and the realtors can then discuss them in a candid way.

Choosing a House or Apartment

There’s more to finding a place to live than falling in love with a cozy kitchen or big backyard. Scrutinize potential houses or apartments inside and outside before allowing the romance to carry you away.

 SCOUT THE AREA

1.

Pay attention to location. Realtors aren’t kidding when they say that the three most important points about any home are location, location, and location. Different people will have different preferences regarding location, but everything about the location of a house or apartment will affect your quality of life. Give careful thought to the town, the neighborhood, the street, and the building’s location.

2.

Case the neighborhood. Walk a few blocks in each direction to get a feel for the neighborhood. Are homes and yards well maintained? Beware if you see several “for sale” signs, which could indicate current or budding problems. Are businesses or industrial complexes mixed with residential areas? If so, are they likely to cause noise, traffic problems, unpleasant odors?

3.

Visit at night. Go after dark, using the method of transportation you’ll use when you live there. Do you feel safe in the train station at night? Is this an area where you’d feel comfortable walking after dark? Is it peaceful, or are vehicles, businesses, or residents making a lot of noise?

4.

Explore the “errand circuit.” Visit the nearest grocery store: Is it conveniently located? Would you want to shop there? Are dry cleaner, drugstore, bank, post office, library, and other stops on your errand route easy to get to and pleasant to use?

5.

Look for lifestyle amenities. How convenient are parks, theaters, places of worship, good restaurants?

6.

Talk to neighbors. Don’t be shy—if you move to the neighborhood, you’ll want to talk to them occasionally anyway. Tactfully ask them to tell you the things they like most and least about living there. Residents are usually happy to chat with their prospective neighbors. If you encounter unfriendliness, take note.

7.

Check out local regulations. If you’re buying a home, quiz your realtor on zoning ordinances, property taxes, upcoming assessments, homeowner association rules, and other issues that will affect expenses on and control of the property. Your realtor can and should investigate these issues for you. If you don’t get complete answers, go to city hall and track them down on your own.

 CCASE THE JOINT

If you’re purchasing a home, hire a home inspection expert to look the place over carefully and give you a report on his findings. If you’re renting, you are generally on your own for checking out the soundness and quality of the building. Before you sign a lease, be sure to go over the items on this checklist.


1.

Look into utility costs. If you’re purchasing, ask to see utility bills for the past twelve months. If you’re renting, ask about typical utility costs in each season, especially summer and winter.

2.

Turn everything on. If refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, or other appliances come with the place, make sure they work. Run the garbage disposal, turn on the stove, look at the temperature reading in the refrigerator and freezer. Turn on the heater and air conditioner. Note how long it takes each room to heat up or cool down.

3.

Test the water pressure. Flush the toilet(s) while the shower is running and check the pressure and temperature in the shower. Run the kitchen faucet while another tap is open or flush the toilet while the water’s running in the sink.

4.

Examine doors and windows. Do they open easily and close securely? Are the locks in good working order? Do the windows have screens?

5.

Look closely at walls, floors, and baseboards. Look for mildew or water stains on walls, ceilings, carpets, and floors. Pay close attention to warped boards or mottled, uneven walls; these could be signs of leaking pipes, roof, or general dampness. Use your nose to check for mildew as you open closets and cupboards.

6.

Keep an eye out for pests. Carefully inspect corners and cupboards for droppings or other telltale signs of rodents or bugs. And, of course, traps are a dead giveaway.

 Choosing a Mover

If you plan to use a professional mover, starting looking for one six to eight weeks in advance. Here are some tips to help you select a reliable mover and save money at the same time.


1.

Get three written estimates. Call three companies and have their agents come to your home to prepare an estimate. Get enough detail from each company about what is included to be sure you’re comparing like services. For example, do they charge extra for bulky items, elevators, or flights of stairs? How do their coverages for loss and damage compare? This will also protect you from discovering on moving day that services you thought were included actually cost extra.

2.

Ask three questions. As you call around to movers, your first three questions should be: Do you send an agent out to do a free estimate? Are you licensed and bonded? Do you pay worker’s compensation? Ask for a photocopy of the license and bonding paperwork.

3.

Understand the terms of the estimates. Most moving companies will offer either a binding estimate (fixed price) or an estimate with a cap, which means you might pay less than that amount but won’t pay more. Get the estimate in writing and think twice before agreeing to a nonbinding or hourly estimate without a cap.

4.

Don’t pay for more mover than you need. If your move is local or within your state, don’t feel you must pay for higher-priced national movers to get quality service. Some movers specialize in smaller loads and local destinations and can charge less because they avoid interstate commerce charges.

5.

Check credentials. Interstate movers are regulated by the Federal Highway Administration. Call FHWA at 202-358-7106 to find out if your mover is registered and insured (see the “Resources” section for alternate phone numbers). Local movers may or may not be regulated by your state. Check the government pages in your local phone book for an agency to call.

6.

Get professional help. Before you sign anything, look for the words “agent labor only.” This means that the company uses only trained movers and doesn’t entrust your belongings to casual laborers they don’t know.

7.

Time your move for savings. Summer is the busiest time for movers, while November through April tends to be very slow. Also, Saturdays and the end of the month are generally the busiest times in any season. If your schedule permits, you may save 10 to 15 percent by taking advantage of the slow season. Don’t be afraid to bargain.

8.

Pack yourself and save. You can trim moving costs considerably by doing the packing yourself. On local moves, packing charges can make up as much as half the fee. The company, however, will not be liable for anything its workers did not pack.

9.

Investigate insurance options. Most movers offer very limited liability coverage unless you opt to pay more. Before you do this, check with your insurance company. Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy may protect your goods during a move.

10.

Cheapest may not be best. A low price may be a sign that the mover will be cutting corners with shoddy equipment or slipshod practices. Beware of nonbinding estimates that look good up front, but turn into head-slappers at your destination.

11.

Handle with care. No matter how reliable the mover, or how much insurance you’ve purchased, it’s best to handle irreplaceable items (heirlooms, treasured jewelry, important documents) on your own.

Each moving company that sends a representative to your home should give you a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” This booklet is prepared by The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to guide you through the unfamiliar terrain of household goods carriers. It describes technicalities and defines specific terms like tariff, bill of lading, binding estimate, and flight charge. You may not think of it as exciting reading, but paying close attention to this publication can save you hundreds of dollars and much unwanted excitement in the course of your move.

Countdown to Moving Day

Moving an entire household from one place to another can seem overwhelming. How will you get it all done, or even keep track of everything that must be done? With this countdown checklist, you’ll have the security of knowing exactly what you must do and the pleasure of ticking off each item as you accomplish it.

 TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

1.

Make up a budget. Estimate the cost of your move and make a file for all moving-related paperwork (and receipts for expenses, if your move is tax deductible).

2.

Select a moving company (see chapter 11, “Choosing a Mover”). Meet with your mover to go over every detail of the move, including scheduling, packing, loading, delivery, insurance coverage, claims procedures, and all costs.

3.

Weed out your belongings. Now is the time to sort through books, clothes, furnishings, or other household items that you no longer want or need. Hold a garage sale or donate them.

4.

Repair, refurbish, dry-clean. Send out drapes for cleaning, have carpets shampooed, repair any broken furniture or other items you’ve been meaning to mend.

 ONE MONTH BEFORE YOUR MOVE

1.

Notify your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian of the move and have records and prescriptions transferred to your new city (or copied and given directly to you).

2.

Arrange for a records transfer for anyone in the family attending school.

3.

If pets are being shipped, call airlines and select the one you’ll use; ask about required vaccinations and make a checkup appointment with the vet. If pets aren’t being shipped, consider boarding them during the move.

4.

Notify your bank. Ask if they can transfer your account to your new location or ask for banking recommendations in your new city.

5.

Cancel newspaper and stop other deliveries.

6.

Send change of address cards to your post office, and to magazines, creditors, friends, accountant, attorney, employers, etc.

7.

Notify insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, health, etc.) of the move.

8.

Call the Department of Motor Vehicles in your new city to ask about auto registration and licensing requirements.

9.

Call local utility companies to request disconnection. Plan to leave all utilities, including the telephone, turned on until the house is empty and cleaned up. Give companies your forwarding address for any refunds due you.

10.

Arrange to have utilities connected in your new location.

 THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

1.

Gather moving supplies. See “Checklist for a Packing Kit” on page 183.

2.

Empty your safe deposit box. Pack the contents in a box or file you will carry yourself.

3.

Start packing. Work on one room at a time and begin by packing the items you use least often. Label boxes clearly, indicating the room and noting the contents. Put heavy items (like books) in small boxes and light ones in large.

4.

Eat up perishables. Invite neighbors or friends over for a “leftovers” party. Serve a few drinks, as movers won’t transport open liquor bottles.

5.

Dispose of flammable and combustible material. Movers won’t take these.

 TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

1.

Make a floor plan of your new house for the movers. A drawing that shows them where you want the furniture will make their job go more smoothly and free you to attend to many other details.

2.

Make arrangements for a place to stay the night your household is loaded and trucked off by the movers.

3.

Return library books and videos. Also return neighbors’ house keys and any items you may have borrowed.

4.

Arrange to have your house and yard maintained. If the place will stand empty for any length of time, ask a neighbor to water the yard and keep an eye on the house. Notify the local police department that the home will be empty.

5.

Call gas company and other necessary serviceman to disconnect appliances and prepare them for the move. Arrange to have them reconnected at your destination.

6.

Find homes for houseplants. If you’re making a long-distance move and can’t take plants with you, distribute them to friends and neighbors.

 THE WEEK OF THE MOVE

1.

Back up your computer and carefully pack your diskettes. Disassemble the computer, labeling cables, wires, and ports.

2.

Pack your family’s “survival kit.” (See “What to Take When the Movers Take the Rest,” page 184.) Label this box “Last On First Off” so the movers will know what to do with it.

3.

Pack suitcases. Pack clothes you’re not sending with the movers.

4.

Clean the refrigerator, stove, and oven. Defrost and dry the refrigerator if it’s being moved. Put charcoal or baking soda in the dishwasher and refrigerator to prevent mildew.

5.

Give movers your new address and phone number.

6.

Label items that will stay in the old house. Your movers may give you red tags for these items. If you’re making the labels yourself, make sure they stand out clearly.

7.

Reconfirm arrangements for kennel, baby-sitter, pet shipping.

8.

Buy drinks and snacks for friends, family, and helpers on moving day. Don’t forget disposable cups.

9.

Obtain payment for movers. Depending on the terms, you may need to pay the movers with cash or traveler’s checks before they unload your belongings. Have tens and twenties on hand if you plan to tip them. (See “Tips on Tipping,” page 132).

 MOVING DAY

1.

Be ready to direct movers when they arrive.

2.

Do a final walk-through of your home to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

3.

Put out the trash. After the movers leave, walk through the house again and pick up anything left behind. Put trash out on the curb.

4.

Make sure the doors and windows are locked.

 Checklist for a Packing Kit

If you are packing your household yourself, put together a kit of supplies and keep it in one place. You’ll be surprised how this will smooth and simplify what can be a highly chaotic process. A preassembled kit will save you from the frustration of searching everywhere for packing tape, or discovering at midnight that you don’t have any marking pens.


1.

Boxes. Begin collecting them from office supply, liquor, and other stores. Avoid grocery store boxes as they may harbor insects attracted by the food—or their eggs. Consider purchasing certain boxes from a moving company; wardrobe boxes, for example, will simplify moving the contents of your closets.

2.

Bubble wrap.

3.

Newspapers.

4.

Rolls of 2-inch packing tape with dispensers.

5.

Masking tape. Use it to fasten rolled-up rugs, to secure moving parts, etc. Masking tape can also be used to label boxes.

6.

String. Use it to secure furniture doors or other items you don’t want to put tape on.

7.

Small plastic bags with twist ties. These will be invaluable for screws, brackets, and other miscellaneous items.

8.

Felt-tip markers.

9.

Scissors and box cutters.

10.

Tools. You’ll simplify life even further if you keep screwdrivers and a hammer in the kit so they’ll be handy when you need to take something apart.

 What to Take When the Movers Take the Rest

Pack a “survival kit” so you and your family will be comfortable in the new house until the movers arrive—or until you have the energy to unpack the moving boxes. Major moving companies recommend packing:


1.

Kitchen items. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Can and bottle openers. Tea and coffee (don’t forget filters and pot), aluminum foil, napkins, paper towels, sponge, and dish soap.

2.

Bedroom items. Sheets, blankets, and pillowcases.

3.

Bathroom items. Towels, toilet paper, soap, and toiletries.

4.

Household items. Flashlights, scissors, light bulbs, trash bags.

5.

Tools. Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, nails, box opener, masking tape, and thumbtacks in case you need to put sheets over the windows as temporary curtains.

6.

Personal items. Depending on the timing of your movers’ arrival, it may be useful to take clothing, toiletries, an alarm clock, and other items you’d need overnight.

7.

First aid kit. See chapter 1.

If you make up the beds as soon as they arrive, you’ll save yourself from having to do this chore when you’re so exhausted all you want to do is go to sleep!



Checklists for Life
Checklists for Life: 104 Lists to Help You Get Organized, Save Time, and Unclutter Your Life
ISBN: 0375707336
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 1998
Pages: 28

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net