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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By Pam Ingram
Relocating is an exciting endeavor for many reasons. You may relocate for a better job, a new opportunity like a bigger living space, or even a new life. You might be really looking forward to moving to a new place, meeting new people, and new experiences. But if it is not carefully planned, relocating can be a difficult and stressful experience.
Here are 7 tips to make your relocation an overall great experience:
1. Be clear on why you want to move. Many think they have little choice because of a work transfer however some people are just tired of where they are living and want to experience the "greener grass on the other side of the fence." You should do some soul searching first. Don't relocate to a new area without any rhyme or reason - you may regret it when it is too late.
2. Make sure you do your homework. Before deciding on an area to live in, make sure that the schools are good (if you have children) and that your spouse will also be able to secure employment. It is not a bad idea to look at future land use plans either, to make sure there won't be any surprise construction around your new home.
3. Consider the change in the cost of living factor. You want to be sure that you can afford to live in the new area, and that your new job will pay you accordingly.
4. Make sure that you do not cancel your existing lease too soon. For all you know, your travel date may be postponed by a week's time. If your landlord leases out the apartment to a new tenant, then you will end up sleeping on the street literally! So build in a buffer period. Similarly, if you own a home, don't make the closing too soon. If possible, make the relocation first and then go back for the closing later.
5. When looking for a home in the new area find an experienced Realtor who really knows the entire area. You may have been told about one town but someone with a broad knowledge of the area might be able to show you areas that better match your affordability and special requirements. There are various things to consider before choosing a home - cost, location, facilities, proximity to shopping, transportation and the like.
6. Make a checklist of all the things you need to do and also of all the things you need to take with you. Don't forget things like establishing doctors and other professionals before you move in case any emergency comes up, and establishing a local bank for merchants who only accept local checks.
7. Most of the time, children are not too keen on changing their surroundings. They do not want to leave their friends behind. Do not be harsh on them. Try to talk them about the idea gently and make it like a new adventure. Also try to come up with some positive things they can look forward to such as getting their own room or something else they might enjoy about the new area.
Planning certain things in life makes them go much smoother. With these tips in mind your relocation should be a breeze.
Pam Ingram has resided in the Santa Clarita real estate market for over 30 years. Her local knowledge, experience, and contacts are invaluable in finding your dream home or a buyer for your current property. Looking for a Santa Clarita realtor? Call Pam for the scoop on the local neighborhoods and other useful information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pam_Ingram
www.mydreamlocale.com comment:- Pam makes some useful points here- DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST! make sure that before you visit any potential area you know what the schools are like for your children, you know what the price of houses compared to where you live now is and you know what the cost of living is like. Start by checking out here. Good luck!
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By G. Smith
There are a lot of decisions that have to be made when considering a move to a new home. Of these decisions one that will affect every aspect of your life is the area in which you choose to live. It is not really possible to spend too much time researching areas when buying a home. You as the buyer will need to be comfortable and feel safe in your new home and the location has a lot to do with that feeling of security that we all deserve in a home.
When beginning the process of finding the right area there are a few ways that you can go about it. The best way is to simply head out to the area and spend some time looking around. Find out where the daily necessities are for you. If you have to commute to work, is there transit readily available? If you drive to work, what is the traffic situation like? Are there schools nearby for your children if you have them? Are there social services close by like hospitals and doctor's offices? Also take into account the proximity of shopping, recreation, entertainment and other extras. After this has been considered, don't be afraid to talk to people in the neighborhood and ask about what it is like to live there. Have there been any problems in the past? Also try to find out if there are any development plans for the area. This can usually be accomplished by a quick trip to the local city hall. Future development can greatly affect your property values and is always something that should be considered in the purchase of any property.
Finally, the most important aspect of location is that you feel comfortable there. If you have found a home that suits all your needs, make sure you view it a few times to really get the feel of it. There is nothing worse then having to live in an environment that just feels wrong. Don't jump to a purchase, take your time and make sure it is the right purchase for you.
Greg Smith is the managing Broker of Re/Max Alliance & President of Hinkelman, Smith & associates. Hinkelman, Smith is the premier Colorado real estate company featuring 75 agents to ensure that customers receive nothing but the best service possible. Click here for more info on the Boulder real estate market
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G._Smith
www.mydreamlocale.com comment- We are never afraid to post an article that we don't wholeheartedly agree with- and this is one. Most of what Greg says is good advice, but we just don't agree with his view that "the best way is to simply head out to the area and spend some time looking around". That may work if you have the time, the money for the gas and where you are moving to is local, but it simply won't work for most folk who are time pressured and have hundreds, maybe thosands of miles to move. For these folk, they need to do their groundwork here and here. Armed with this useful information, then head out to the area with knowledge rather than just aimlessly wandering about....
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