Find a Good Realtor
Finding a realtor that will listen to your needs and do a top-notch job is hard to find. Here are a few tips and questions to ask when choosing a realtor.
- Make sure they are very familiar with the neighborhood
- Check the National Association of Realtors at www.realtor.org
- Get references from friends and neighbors
- Make sure they have a current up-to-date real estate license
- Choose one that is a full time agent
- Find someone that is patient and answers your questions fully
- Ask how long they have been an agent
- Ask for references and check them
- Ask them to give you three reasons why you should pick them
- Ask how much they charge
- Ask for their average list-price-to-sales-price ratio
- Ask for the marketing plan they have designed for you
Repairs to Make Before You Sell or Move
Simple and inexpensive repairs can add value to your home. Here are some easy home repairs you can do to make your house more appealing to a buyer.
- Caulk any holes in the walls
- Fresh coat of paint inside and out
- Pull weeds from flower beds
- Re-caulk the bathtub
- Put new floors down if really needed
Find a New School
Finding a new school in a new area of town or even a new state can be difficult. You want to make sure you child goes to a save school with high educational ranking. Below are a few tips to finding a new school.
- Visit the National Report Card site, to find information on state performances in the essential learning areas, such as reading, math and geography.
- Go to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) site, to obtain facts such as student/teacher ratio, number of students and enrollment by gender and race.
- Begin looking early if you are looking for private schools
- Look to the Internet to search and research schools
Evaluating a Daycare
Finding a facility you can trust to care for your child is a task that should take time and lots of research. When looking for a daycare here are some tips to consider.
- Do you want the center near work or home?
- Make sure the daycare is accredited by the National Association for the Education for Young Children or the National Association of Family Child Care
- Ask about their policies, hours, fees, activities, and philosophies on teaching children.
- Are they flexible to help you with your schedule?
- What is their teacher to child ratio?
- Do they change activities frequently?
- Do they have experienced teachers?
- Is the center clean and safe?
- What was your gut feeling after you and your child visited the center?
Interviewing a Babysitter
Finding a qualified sitter in a new area can be a daunting task. Below are some questions you should ask when interviewing a potential babysitter.
- Please tell me about your experience caring for children.
- Do you have references?
- What are the ages of children you have cared for?
- Do you have any children of your own? If so, how old are they?
- Do you have any special training or certification that would be pertinent to this position?
- Are you trained in first aid or infant/child CPR? When was the last time you were certified in CPR?
- What do you like most about babysitting and being with children? What do you like least?
- Which ages are you most comfortable with? Least comfortable?
- What is your approach to discipline?
- How would you handle an emergency situation?
- What is the most difficult situation you have encountered while babysitting? How did you handle it?
- What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with children?
- How much do you charge and what hours are you available?
Purchase Renters Insurance
Below are the top 3 reasons you should buy renters insurance and what a policy generally covers.
- Apartment complexes will only cover the physical dwelling, meaning all liability for damaged to your items falls on your shoulders
- It’s and affordable and convenient way to protect your belongings
- Many policies cover your living expenses in case of an event in which your home becomes unlivable, meaning you'll have the funds necessary to find another apartment.
- Renters insurance will usually protect you against:
- Fire or lightning
- Windstorm
- Hail
- Riot or civil commotion
- Smoke
- Vandalism or malicious mischief
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow or sleet
- Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam
- Sudden accidental tearing, cracking or burning of certain appliances or water heating systems
- Freezing of certain systems or appliances
- Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electric current
- Volcanic eruption
Moving Supplies
To ensure you move is organized, we’ve compiled a list of moving supplies you will need for your move.
- Razor, knife and/or scissors
- Permanent marker
- Packing tape
- Styrofoam peanuts
- Tissue paper, newspaper and bubble wrap
- Color labels for color coding boxes
- Item inventory
- Boxes:
- You can practically pack an entire kitchen using only medium boxes, and you’ll need limited smaller boxes for books, small toys and other non-perishable items.
- Wardrobe boxes, and tons of them
- Medium boxes (for a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll need at least 10 medium boxes)
- Large boxes for bulkier items
Get utilities and home services for your new home
Ordering your utilities and home services ahead of time will save you a headache later. Below we’ve listed reasons why you should sign up for service now rather than later.
- So you are sure your service is on in your new home when you arrive
- To give ample time to schedule an appointment incase a worker has to come to your property to turn a switch on or install something
Choose an Auto Shipper
Being prepared with information before you obtain a quote will make the process go smoothly. Here is what you need to know before obtaining a quote:
- Origination/destination
- Date of departure
- Type of vehicle(s)
- Whether you are transporting to the new home or a different location
- Do they require advance deposit
- Be sure to research the reputation of each company by checking references and licensing with the Better Business Bureau
Pricing Garage Sale Items
Below are some suggestions on how to price your garage sale items so you can make some money without being too pricey.
- Children's clothes:
- $0.25-$2.00 for outfits (dresses in good condition should sell closer to the $2 mark)
- $1-$2 for shoes
- Adult Clothing:
- Designer clothing and dresses should be no more than $10-$15
- Pants, shorts and jeans should price for around $3-$4; charge $3 maximum for damaged items
- Shoes:
- $4-$5 for most name brands
- Jewelry/Accessories:
- $0.25-$2 for most jewelry (Antique jewelry may sell better at an actually retailer.)
- Tables:
- $25-40; with chairs $75-$100
- Recliner:
- $35-$50
- Lamps:
- $15-$20
- Lawn and Patio Set:
- $25-$50 (Plastic sets probably won’t sell for more than $30, and that may still be a stretch)
- Beds:
- $50-$150 (Frames alone should sell for at least $50 unless damaged)
- Sofa:
- $50-75;
- Like new $100-$150
- TVs:
- $15 for smaller sets. Older sets probably won’t sell for much more than $20 maximum.
- Charge $30-$50 for newer sets.
- DVD Player:
- $15-$30; although a brand new should garner at least $50 depending on condition and original retail price.
- Stereo Equipment:
- $15-$30 for floor speakers and smaller units; larger systems with receivers and large speakers should price at $50-$75. Research your model on eBay to determine a closer estimate.
- Computer:
- $100-$150 for PC with monitor, though I would recommend checking with local companies that buy and refurbish computers before selling at a garage sale. You may be able to get a higher price going that route.
Choose a Mover
Knowing what to ask and when to ask it are the keys to a successful moving estimate, and here is how you separate the good from the bad.
- Check out the company with your local Better Business Bureau.
- Ask for a copy of the company’s "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires moving companies to provide you with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," as well as any information pertaining to whether they participate in a dispute settling program. Reputable companies cannot operate legally without at least meeting these guidelines.
- Whether a binding or non-binding estimate, always ask for a copy of all charges and services offered in writing.
- Ask for an explanation of your insurance options.
- Ask the mover to outline fees for packing, vehicle transport, storage and any additional services.
- The bill of lading is the official contract between you and the mover, and the mover is required by law to present a bill of lading for each transport. KEEP A COPY with you at all times, and be sure to obtain the bill of lading before movers transport your belongings.
Avoid Moving Scams
Moving is already an expensive and time consuming task, so getting scammed is the last thing you want to happen. Here are some suggestions to avoid being scammed when hiring a mover.
- Never take an estimate based on cubic feet. IT IS ILLEGAL. Scammers offer low bids to customers then surprise them with a much higher bill upon delivery, often threatening to hold their belongings until paid in full.
- Use the Better Business Bureau to determine if the company has unresolved or outstanding complaints.
- Reputable companies will not give an estimate without visiting your home in person.
- Never work with a contractor. If a moving company can quote you, they can load and transport you as well.
- Write down all contact information, including asking for their Motor Carrier license numbers.
- Keep a written record of everything throughout the moving process.
Do Not Pack Hazardous Items
There are certain items that movers will not transport because they are hazardous or flammable. Below is a list of items that are best left behind.
- Aerosols
- Ammonia
- Ammunition
- Car batteries
- Charcoal
- Charcoal lighter fluid
- Chemistry sets
- Cleaning solvents
- Fertilizer
- Fireworks
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Lamp oil
- Liquid bleach
- Loaded guns
- Matches
- Motor oil
- Paint thinner
- Nail polish remover
- Paints
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Weed killer
Moving Appliances
Always read the appliance manual for the proper way to disconnect that appliance. Below are some pointers to get you started.
- Washer and Dryers:
- Detach and wrap hoses in a towel
- Clean out insides thoroughly
- Place a box of baking soda inside to prevent mildew buildup
- Stuff insides with old towels to insulate tub and prevent damage during move
- Remove accessories and parts and place in a separate bag
- Clean out lint trap before transporting
- Tape cords to the back of the machines
- Refrigerator:
- Give at least one day of lead time to defrost
- Dry out all bins and ice maker
- Drain bottom pan before moving
- Tape cords to the back of the machines
- Dishwasher:
- Detach hoses and dry out inside
- Try to give at least two days with door open to fully dry out the inside
- Stove:
- Hire a professional for disconnection process
- Clean out inside thoroughly, removing any grease or grime
- Clean burners, pans and racks before packing separately
Run Final Errands
In the hustle and bustle of moving, small items are usually overlooked so don’t forget the following items:
- Pick up dry cleaning
- Return library books
- Take back rented movies
- Get consignment items that haven’t sold yet
- Retrieve any shoes still sitting at the shoe hospital
- Bring back any items from the tailor
- Close any local boutique credit card accounts
- Empty your safety deposit box
- Close your PO Box
- Discontinue local gym membership
- Stop all local automatic withdraws from your bank in writing
How to Pack Your Moving Truck
If you have decided to move on your own then here are some tips to packing a truck so all your valuable fit and arrive in good shape.
- Disassemble any furniture or other items that have swinging or moving parts, as well any extended limbs that take up unnecessary space.
- Pack the bulky or large items first, taking great care to line furniture and heavier items along the back of the truck to evenly distribute weight.
- Wrap all furniture in blankets or old sheets to prevent scratching.
- Stuff drawers with towels to add weight and prevent sliding.
- Try to place sofas and mattresses against the side of the truck to help insulate the items in the middle.
- Heavier boxes should go toward the back or stack on top of sofas on the side. Medium and lighter boxes should be packed toward the middle and front.
- Pack your perishables last.
- Make sure to lock the truck with a padlock.
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