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By Nef Cortez
If you have accumulated a lot of personal items over the years, consider having a garage sale prior to your move especially if your neighborhood allows them. It can be a plus in two big ways:
1) You can potentially earn a wad of cash, if you have plenty of accumulated things or unique items.
2) Getting rid of all these extra items means fewer items to pack, move and unpack when you arrive at your destination which will save you time and money.
Some additional tips:
• Make sure you hold your sale on the weekend and when the weather is mild. If you have the time, make it a two-day extravaganza and make sure to have a friend or family member on hand with you. Designate one to handle the cash and another to keep an eye on customers.
• Remember to Place Every Item Out For Potential Buyers To See. Visibility is a plus. Try not to keep any items stored away in the garage. Your old fishing pole can be a hot sale item.
• Think about where you're moving and sell the stuff that might be obsolete at your new location. Are you moving from a generally colder climate to a warm one? Will you really need a snow shovel in Miami? And don’t forget that some items might cost more to move than to replace at your new location.
• Price items realistically. A good rule of thumb is to price items around 10 percent to maximum 20 percent what you originally paid for the item depending on age, wear and condition.
• Emotionally separate yourself from the item. There’s a good chance that some of your most treasured clothing and accessories will be purchased for a costume or Halloween party. Keep your feelings in check and don’t let your ego get in the way. You want as much stuff as possible to be sold.
• Keep the set up simple and organize your wares by type. Arrange your wares by like minded items, for example, group baby toys, baby clothes and the like together. Also, organize items in a way that browsers have room to comfortably walk around. If possible, make an electrical outlet available to test appliances.
• Secure all cash that you receive in a safe place. Keep out only enough money to make change and put the rest of the proceeds in the house. Don't accept checks unless you're well acquainted with the buyer.
• Advertise your yard sale by placing a classified ad in local papers, featuring your best or most unusual items. It’s also good idea to take advantage of any free advertising in your community i.e. supermarket bulletin boards, church, school or local Internet community. Put up good directional signs and clear, informative signs with the yard sale's address a day or two before your sale.
• Reduce your prices toward the end of the day. As the day passes and sales begin to wane, reduce your prices drastically to see if you can drum up business. Create your own dollar sale!
• Place your most attractive items near the curb. You want to attract the attention of passers by, so make sure your best items are accessible to your buying public. Try not to leave items in the garage and use inflated balloons to attract attention to your yard sale.
Have you been saddled with post-sale leftovers? Sort through the yard sale leftovers and arrange to donate them to charitable organizations. Some charitable organizations will send a truck to your home to pick up the goods, while others will expect you to drop them off yourself (be sure to get a receipt, as your donation may be tax-deductible). In order to simplify things, throw out any excessively damaged or soiled items.
If you followed these tips, you are bound to have an adventurous and fun filled day and rest assured that you will have a lot less things to pack and more money in your pocket.
Nef Cortez has been a licensed real estate broker and has held various positions in the real estate and mortgage industry for over 25 years. If you would like to read more of Nef's timely advice (with the latest FREE info on local foreclosures), visit his website at Chino Hills CA Real Estate or read his blog at A Slice of So Cal Real Estate
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nef_Cortez
We say:- here are some great tips. Just like checking out the place that you want to live you have to do your preparation before you close the door and move on. We at mydreamlocale.com are here to help you.
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Check out our latest Press Release
http://pressexposure.com/?id=3347
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http://pressexposure.com/?id=3334
Yes- that's right, we are really on the side of the home mover. Now folks that want to have a go at selling their beloved home can list it on out site here.
Once on this page, all you need to do is follow the Contact us link and we will feature your home on our site to help you get that sale quickly without employing a costly Realtor.
Brought to you by your friends at mydreamlocale.com
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Look at the post called Three Things to Consider Before Relocating to a New Area
http://exclusivebuyeragentseattle.blogspot.com/
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By Lou Ross
A move across the city is an unsettling affair. Transplanting yourself to another state, however, makes it look like a piece of cake!
In truth, starting over in a new state does not need to be any more difficult than moving across town. That being said, there are several additional steps you need to take to ensure you will have a smooth transition.
When you move, one of the main issues you will have to deal with is your automobile and driver’s license. In most cases, you will be required to register your vehicle in the new state within 30 days. You might also be required to get a new driver’s license. Some states will simply issue you a new driver’s license, but other states require you to take a written and/or driving test. If you have any recreational vehicles, motorcycles, or boats, you will also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state and determine their particular registration requirements.
If you have children, it is important that you take some time to speak to the school system regarding your children’s educational needs. Younger children typically will have no problem when switching to a new school. If you have high school students, you will need to meet with a guidance counselor who can determine if your student’s credits will transfer. In some instances, a child might need to take summer school or forego a study hall in order to take a class that wasn’t required in your previous state. If you home school your children, you need to make sure you understand the requirements for homeschoolers in your new state.
Such a long distance move brings with it additional expenses as well because it is more difficult to transfer utilities. In most cases, you will be utilizing an entirely new company. When planning your budget, set aside money to pay start-up deposits on your electricity, water, cable, gas, and any other utilities you might have. You also need to budget your transportation costs. If you are moving to a neighboring state, these should be minimal, but for a cross-country move, they can be significant. If you are moving across the country, make sure you plan for extra meals, lodging and incidentals while you are on the road.
The United States offers a great variety of climates and cultures within its borders. Starting over in a new state can provide you with the opportunity to experience the ocean for the first time. Maybe your children will get a chance to enjoy their first snow day ever. Whether you are moving near or far, a few simple preparations will allow you move with little hassle.
Find long distance moving companies near you at MovingCompaniesforyou.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lou_Ross
www.mydreamlocale.com comment:- Lou highlights what fantastic opportunities there are to explore in the US. The most scary part is perhaps not knowing the new area at all and getting it wrong- big style! Use the data on the Internet such as here- compare what I know with a new place will help you reduce the likelihood of being unhappy and give you the excitement of your new life in a new state.
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By Bronia Suszczenia
Worried because you're moving house soon? This really doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some proven tips to help you achieve a successful, organized home move.
USE A MOVING CHECKLIST Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.
LEAVE IT BEHIND Avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won't be using. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later.
THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT STORAGE If you must put household items into storage be sure you really will want them when they come out. After a year in storage you will wonder why you've been paying someone to look after stuff that you no longer want. It is obviously really, but make a detailed list of what is in storage to avoid lengthy pointless searches in your new home.
IT’S CURTAINS FOR YOUR CURTAINS Decide whether curtains are any use to you in your new house otherwise sell them to the buyer of your old home. If you are taking them they’ll probably need to be re-sized. Unless they are expensive material, custom made or virtually brand new you’d probably be better off getting new window dressings for your new home; call in professional help before you move so they are ready to fit as soon as you have moved.
GET RID OF CLUTTER Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale or visit a boot sale.
DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR REMOVAL SERVICE Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.
ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too. And someone can keep the crew served with tea and biscuits to keep them going!
BOX IT Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Wine or spirits boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.--but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with strong packing tape as you use them.
MARK IT Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.
USE THE A PRIORITY SYSTEM Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY 1. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY 2. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY 3. Then, unpack in 1, 2, 3 order.
WRAP IT You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy-duty packing tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock- resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material. For really delicate items get yourself a supply of plastic bubble wrap.
LABEL IT As you're packing, place removable, coloured, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different colour code for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you'll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding coloured sticker on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to. This can guide the crew from the removals firm so they leave items in the correct room.
LIGHTEN UP Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50lbs / 30kg, fully packed. Keep this in mind when you're packing.
ROOM BY ROOM Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking.
PACK EARLY Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.
ORDER ADDRESS LABELS Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them some stamps to cover any postage costs.
GET YOUR METERS READ Tell the electricity, water, gas and phone companies you are moving & get them to read the meters.
REDIRECT YOUR POST Set up a mail redirection service with the Post Office for at least three months to automatically divert your post. But don’t use this as an excuse for not telling people you’ve moved, unless you are trying to avoid a stalker or debt collectors!
CREATE A SURVIVAL KIT Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it's too late to unpack or the movers didn't show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.
HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone baby sit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won't be interrupting your progress and you'll accomplish more with less stress.
MAKE IT PET FRIENDLY If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for them when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don't leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.
USE THE ONE ROOM RULE Set-up one room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you'll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.
DEVISE A PLAN Before you begin unpacking randomly sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly and avoid arguments.
HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes simple tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, light bulbs, electrical fuses, etc. And don't forget to have a fully charged battery in your mobile phone.
FUNCTION BEFORE FORM It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.
MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.
GET READY FOR BED As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You'll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you're really tired.
LET EVERYONE KNOW Inform everyone that you've actually arrived at your new home with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.
GET ACQUAINTED Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some days on your calendar to meet the neighbours. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering.
Finally, enjoy your new life in your new home!
Bronia Suszczenia is co-founder and Creative Director of York interior design company Art from the Start Ltd based in England. She designs projects ranging from dressing a single window, designing interiors for new homes, right through to refurbishing whole hotels. Visit http://www.art-from-the-start.co.uk to see more FREE design tips, to see the design portfolio and to learn about the unique Room-in-a-Box interior design service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bronia_Suszczenia
www.mydreamlocale.com/ comment:- once you have found the best place for you and your family to live here you will know that you are in the best place to be happy. Bronia's post is a really useful checklist to keep those stress levels low. Any other tips you can add?
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By Idan Lavi
When you are moving, you don’t need the added problems of not having the correct stuff for moving and packing. You also don’t want to pack your items incorrectly. Following some simple packing tips can lessen the stress you will have during moving day. Other tips on moving boxes can also help make sure you have the correct packing supplies.
Moving Boxes
Moving boxes are corrugated to provide more strength from the cardboard than your typical box.
They are also designed with specific dimensions in mind to making packing your items easier. These standard sized moving boxes allow for your items to be packed properly so using just any box may not work. There are other boxes available such as the specialty boxes discussed below.
Wardrobe boxes are designed to help you pack your clothes in a sturdy box to avoid damage. These boxes are usually 24x24x40 for all types of clothing.
Kitchen Boxes should be at least 18x18x22. If you are using a moving service, they should have the correct boxes for the kitchen or you can purchase these boxes at any moving company. When you are packing your kitchen, you will want to spread out the heavy items.
There are also boxes for your pictures, which is important since you don’t want them damaged in the move. These boxes can come in a variety of sizes, but usually 41x6x26. It is important to back your pictures with bubble wrap or blankets.
File Boxes are also important if you are not going to bring your file cabinets with you. A lot of people tend to empty out their file cabinets to make it easier to lift, but you are wasting space with more boxes if you do this.
Packing Advice
You will want to have plenty of towels, blankets, or old linens to wrap around furniture and other items that might be scratched. Chairs should be stacked seat to seat to save space if possible. If they are wood chairs or other types of chairs that could be scratched, you will want to use a towel or paper between the seats. It is important to label all boxes with the contents and if there is anything you are disassembling, you will want to label where the parts go for ease of putting it back together.
Heavier items should be split up in boxes rather than packed in the same box. This is especially important when you have books. Textbooks can be extremely heavy as are other books, so if you use smaller boxes or fill half the box with books and the other half with linens you may save yourself so problems. Keep in mind you will want the heavier items on the bottom.
Moving is stressful so knowing how to pack, having the correct boxes, and other packing supplies is important. Other packing supplies you may need for your trip are tape, magic markers, and newspaper.
for the complete Moving and Packing guide, visit GoMovers.com, we also offer a free Moving E-Course delivered straight to your email box.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Idan_Lavi
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