New year’s resolutions are usually helpful like losing weight, or quitting smoking, but our list of 3 moving resolutions (for people who are relocating this year) can be time-saving and stress relieving.  Our New Year’s resolutions break up into 3 areas; identify, organize, and discard. 

Identify

Identify is the first step in the process.  Identify means go to an area of the house like a storage area, etc and decide whether items are keep, donate, or throw away.  Make sure all members of your household buy into and participate in the program.  Put items into 3 piles.  The “throwing away” is easiest.  These items you don’t need.  The “donate pile” should be combined with other “donate” items and the “keep items” should move on to the next organize step.

Organize

Organize means anything you are going to keep should be logically stored.  Whether in boxes, tubs, on shelves, or in cabinets, an efficient system should be put into place at this time.  Make sure anything you pack into a box or tub is clearly marked with tags facing out to avoid confusion.  Use the concept of items that are seldom or never used are packed away the farthest and items that need to be accessed more often are easier to get to.  This system will help you use your space more efficiently.

Discard

Discard is the final step of the program and whether it’s throwing items in the garbage, donating to a charity, or giving away to friends or family, this step will help declutter your house and help streamline your future move.

One nice thing about the New Year’s Resolution program of identify, organize, and discard is that it lessens the load of work you will need to do when it comes to moving time.  Hope these help get you off on the right foot.

When you move into a new community, neighborhood, or building, it’s a good idea to get to know who your neighbors are.  Knowing your neighbors, and being familiar with your surroundings can provide a safer environment for you and your family besides building some new relationships that can last a lifetime.

There are many different ways to get to know your neighbors, the first one is as direct as it gets, and that is personally going over to them and introducing yourself.  It’s always a nice idea to bring a small token (cookies, candy, jam, bread, etc) to break the ice.  You don’t need to do the whole neighborhood in one day, but pick a day during the week (for maybe your first month) and get to know everyone.

Another way to meet your neighbors is host an open house, host a house party, or back yard party.  Have everyone bring a dish, or bring a drink;  keep it casual.  You can also do this at a local park, if you don’t want to do it in your home; it’s an easy way to get to know everyone around you.

The other way is less direct, but it also helps you observe your surroundings, and slowly get to know your neighbors by spending more time outside in the front yard versus your back yard.  You can get to know what time your neighbors leave, come home, who has kids, who doesn’t, etc.  Make sure to wave hello , goodbye, and when you are ready to have a conversation, try not to approach your neighbor if they are just coming home or leaving-they too have an agenda, so choose your time wisely.

When meeting new neighbors, some general rules of thumb, don’t approach them when they are coming or going. 

Keep the conversation short-do not give them your whole life in one sitting. 

Be polite, if you find you have nothing in common, talk about the block, neighborhood, shake a hand and walk away.

By getting to know your surroundings, you will know who you can turn to in case of emergency, and maybe find a friend with some common ground.

An open house or housewarming party is always a perfect way to meet neighbors, and welcome friends and family into your new home.  You are busy and have a lot going on, so keeping it simple is important.

Don’t spend months planning, you probably have a million other things to do.  If you do an afternoon gathering, it’s generally a little more casual.  If you want something more formal, then do a dinner and evening get together (you will probably end up spending more money this way too)!.

PLAN YOUR MENU 

Feel free to serve appetizers, deserts, cakes, cookies, and tea.  It doesn’t have to be a 3 course dinner, unless you are going the formal route.  If you want to have some type of heavier food served, food stations are a good option.  Having pasta and one other dish, and a couple appetizers is sufficient.  Keep your drink options limited (soda, beer, wine).  You don’t need to serve mixed drinks or have a full bar, it is a housewarming party, not a wedding.

Keep your invites either verbal, by walking over to your neighbors and telling them in person, and calling your family or friends.  You can also do flyers and drop them off.  If you don’t request a RSVP, it will keep it more casual.

COUPLE DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY

A couple of days before your party, get your house clean.  Make sure you have enough seating for everyone.  Make sure to have plates, plastic cups, paper plates, ice, and all of your food in order.  Disposable will save you from having to do 100’s of dishes at the end of the party.  If your house isn’t decorated, fresh flowers, and candles can warm up the mood in your home and have it more welcoming.

DAY OF THE PARTY

Set up tables, set up food, have deserts  ready, have ice.  Put out fresh flowers, light candles, etc.

Wait for your guests to arrive, and enjoy your party, it’s always a nice way to end the party by having a little favor for them when they leave (whether having a basket of cookies, or candy at the door); your guests can grab before they leave.

There are many myths out there about moving.  These will help identify some of the misconceptions out there, so your moving experience can be better planned, saving you time, and money in the long run.

ALL CONTAINERS ARE THE SAME FOR MOVING:

Moving boxes are specifically made for packing, carrying, and holding the weight of heavy items.  You should always use quality boxes to make sure your items are protected.  Many moving/storage companies will sell moving kits, and many online box companies sell them too. ( and will ship directly to your home)

I DON’T NEED TO PURCHASE MOVING INSURANCE:

“If the movers drop it, it will be covered” is definitely far from the truth.  All states have standard movers liability for each moving company whether it is a local move, or long distance move.  If you do not purchase additional coverage, depending on the state, your goods are released at $.30 cents or $.60 cents per lb, for local (depreciated value), and interstate (replacement value)usually with a deductible).  Make sure you know your coverage options, otherwise your remedy may be limited.  Also with electronics, if the mover did not drop it, it is considered mechanical condition unknown (not proven if it worked before it was moved, and most moving companies will not test electronics).

MOVERS WILL REPLACE ITEMS IN BOX IF BROKEN AND THEY MOVE IT:

If the moving company did not pack it, and there is no damage to box, it will most likely not be covered (packed by owner or PBO).  If the box is still intact, there is no way to determine if the box was packed properly, (if not professional packed).

LABELING AND INVENTORYING ITEMS ARE A WASTE OF TIME:

While this may take you more time in your initial packing and sorting, this will save you hours and hours when it comes to looking for items, especially if you need something right away.

I DON’T HAVE TO PAY MOVERS UNTIL  ALL THE BOXES ARE UNPACKED:

Most moving companies are C.O.D, unless, a corporate account.  Some companies will collect payment before the truck is completely unloaded, or upon arrival at destination to ensure payment is made.

EXPECT ITEMS TO BE BROKEN:

This is not true, especially if you hire a reputable professional moving company.  Accidents do happen, but most reputable companies do background checks, and know who they are sending to your home.  That is why it is always a good idea to make sure you check references, get referrals.  The companies are there to make sure your items arrive in the manner they were picked up.

 MOVES CANNOT BE PLANNED:

It is always best to plan your move well in advance, and don’t wait till last-minute to hire your mover.  Do your research, eliminate items, get quotes, get references, pack ahead of time.  Waiting till the last day can make your day disastrous because you never know what could lie ahead of your day.

GETTING QUOTES IS A WASTE OF TIME:

Every moving company is different, and may have different rates and different services offered.  Don’t assume everyone does the same thing.  Make sure you know what you should expect to pay, and what services you will be receiving if hiring a professional moving company.  Remember cheapest is not always the best option.

ALL MOVERS ARE THE SAME:

WRONG! This couldn’t be farther from the truth, there are reputable moving companies, and there are “rogue” moving companies out there.  Always make sure to check better business bureau ratings (and # of complaints), get references, and referrals from friends and family.

Tis the season to be jolly, but having to move or relocate during the holidays can be very stressful.  Here are some helpful tips that can make your holiday a little more enjoyable for you and your family!

Scheduling Professional Movers: 

This is a good time especially (if you can afford it), to hire a professional mover.  This will save you time, help avoid an emergency room trip from throwing out your back before the holiday.  Make sure to start shopping for your mover in advance, many professional moving companies will shut down for the holidays, but you will have more options to choose from as the winter season is generally a slower time for moving companies.  The end of the month, however, is still usually busy for movers, so make sure to do your research, in choosing a reputable moving company earlier rather than later.

Packing in Advance:

As soon as you know you will be relocating, make sure to start packing.  This may be a good time to have a family member or friends host Christmas Dinner, New Years Dinner, etc.  If you plan on having the holidays in your own home, (or have children), make sure you leave your china, dishes, party favors  last for packing.  Start with areas ike out of season items, garages, basements, items that won’t necessarily be used for a while.  Make sure to mark your holiday items if you are going to be moving before the holiday, like Christmas Ornaments, Stockings, etc,.  Make sure you either put these sentimental items in your car, or know where they are so when you are at your new location, you can have these items up for your family to keep the holiday spirit.  You can read “When to Pack Before Your Move” for more tips.

Your New Home:

Once you have relocated, make sure to get your holiday decorations up.  Stick with normal traditions especially when it comes with little ones, the less change that children have in their routines, the more natural their holiday will seem!  Have an open house, host a dinner, make cookies, try to stay relaxed through the moving process.  This will keep yours and your family’s mood (and sanity) intact.

If your home is cluttered and you are tripping over things or feel like a hoarder, it may be time to consider renting a storage unit.  Self storage units can be used for seasonal clothing, out of season decorations, out of season nick knacks, seasonal toys, bills, paperwork, etc.  You can also use storage for antiques, wine, beer, etc.

In our difficult economic times, storage facilities are more apt to match a competitors price or give a better deal (if you ask).  A self storage unit can provide a safe place for your valuables items.  Some storage facilities offer surveillance cameras and gates requiring pass codes for after hour access.  Others have staff on site for part or all of the day, lights triggered by motion detectors and other safety measures that ensure that you (or someone you authorize) are the only person(s) with access to your storage lot. 

If you live in an area where the weather can be extreme, whether it is hot or cold, you may want to consider storing items versus using a garage or shed.  Renting a temperature controlled unit where the humidity levels are constant is important to help avoid mold.  Temperature sensitive items can have their life extended considerably with proper storage methods.

Many storage units are very affordable, so if you are afraid of the cost being too high, many storage facilities will offer special like $1 for the first month, 6th month free, or 1 year free, etc.  It’s a good idea to check with the facility to see what kind of specials they are running for the time of the year.

Before you choose your self storage facility, here are some questions you should ask the storage facility manager before you choose the right one for you to make sure you are at ease to know your goods being stored are in good hand.

Is there an alarm in the facility?  Is there 24 hour surveillance?  Is the area gated?  Is there a manager on duty?

What are the access hours for customers to enter into the storage unit?  What are the office hours?

What size storage units are available for rent?

What is the cost per unit?  When is payment due?  Can I pay online and what forms of payment are accepted?

Is there a minimum period of time you must remain in storage?  For instance 2 month minimum, etc.

Are the facilities indoor or outdoor storage units?

Is there boat storage, rv storage, wine storage, document storage, motorcycle storage, etc?

Does your company offer any special discounts?  (1^st month free, or $1.00) Are there senior citizen discounts, or military discounts, etc?

Do you have truck rentals available?  Dollies available?   Are there Furniture Pads, other moving or packing materials available?

Is there semi or tractor-trailer access into the facility (for real large moves, that are using a professional moving company?)

Are my items insured in case of flood, fire, weather related disasters?  Do I need to purchase additional insurance?

These are some great questions to ask before you choose the best storage facility for yourself.

When you rent an apartment, here are some tips, and thing to look for in a new place before signing a new lease.  Some of these questions may need to be addressed to other tenants in the building, and some of these will apply to the management team, or landlord.

Expenses:

Who is responsible for gas, heat, electric, cable, water, etc?  Make sure it is on the lease, and get it in writing.

Laundry facilities:

Do people share the laundry facilities?  Where are the facilities located in the building?  It might be a good idea if it is a small building and only 1 or 2 laundry units, ask other tenants when they do their laundry, so you can arrange a schedule with them.

Computer/Wi Fi Access:

Is there high speed internet available?  Where are the jacks/outlets in the building units, etc so you know where you can set up your computer?

Transportation:

Where is the local train, bus, cab service, etc?

Parking:

Is there designated parking?  Is there a fee for parking?  Ask tenants if there is any problem with finding parking? Is there guest parking available?

Repairs:

Who is responsible for repairs (dishwasher quits working), If there is a flood? etc.  Ask other tenants if the landlord or maintenance team responds to repair problems in a timely fashion.

Noise:

Are there any noise restrictions?  How are the rules enforced?  If your unit is on a bottom floor find out if there are kids in the floor above you, or if younger adults who have parties, etc

Getting these questions answered ahead of time can save you from moving into an unpleasant environment, and having to break your lease or contract.