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If you’re getting ready to list your home for sale, one of the best things you can do is stage your house. If you do this, potential buyers will have an easier time imagining themselves in your home. According to a REALTOR® study, staged homes sell an average of 88% faster and for 20% more money than non-staged homes.

Where do you begin with staging your own home? There are some common mistakes to avoid when prepping your house to sell.

1. Getting Too Personal With Your Decor

Remember that the primary goal of staging is to help your potential buyers see themselves living in the home. This isn’t easy to do if framed photos of your family and other personal decor (like sports memorabilia) are all over the walls. So when you begin staging, one of the first things you should do is remove any personal decor and replace it with something more generic and neutral.

2. Choosing a Style That’s Too Trendy

As tempting as it may be to go trendy with your furnishings and decor while staging, the reality is that this can alienate and turn off potential buyers. Trendy design choices like fake shiplap walls won’t appeal to every buyer—and they may be highly unappealing to some segments of buyers.

Rather than going trendy with your staging, consider a more traditional and timeless design. For example, simple area rugs and abstract art can help blur the lines between conventional and trendy.

3. Overlooking the Lighting

Lighting can make a significant difference when staging a home, yet you can easily overlook this detail. Invite as much natural light into your space as possible by removing heavy window treatments during the staging process. Likewise, take time to add light sources to rooms where they may be lacking—and always opt for warmer lighting over cooler lighting.

Most importantly, ensure your lighting is consistent from one fixture to the next. This means that each light should have the same warmth and brightness level.

4. Forgetting About Photography

Remember that someone will photograph your staged home to create your formal listing before your house hits the market, and your staging should reflect this. People often need to consider how a staged room will photograph. The result may be a space that looks great in person but fails to attract potential buyers because the listing photos need to be more appealing and cohesive.

List Your Home With Confidence

Staging your home can make it much easier to sell, but only when you do it correctly. So take care to avoid these mistakes in your staging efforts, and you’ll be in better shape. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you can always hire a professional stager to help you.

Once your home sells and you’re ready to move, having a team of professional movers by your side can also make all the difference. So contact our knowledgeable and experienced moving team to request your free moving quote today!

Moving is undeniably one of the most significant undertakings most people will navigate. However, having access to skilled professional movers can make your job easier. While you will leave the heavy lifting and transport of your belongings to the professionals, you can do a few things to ensure a smooth process. 

Take a few simple tips to ensure your chosen movers have an easy day and your move goes as planned.

1. Make room for parking.

Depending on the size of your home and how much you have to move, the moving truck needed for the job can be a sizable vehicle. Some moving trucks are as much as 26 feet. For the movers to do their jobs as efficiently as possible, they will need space to park the moving truck close to the house or apartment. 

To make sure there is ample room for parking such a large vehicle:

• Move your own cars out of the way
• Talk to your neighbors about possibly moving their vehicles for the day
• Remove any yard decor or outdoor furniture that could be in the way

2. Clear the way to your front door.

The front or largest door in your home will likely be the movers’ primary entry and exit point. Therefore, clear the area around the main entrance and exit doors before moving day. The movers will navigate in and out the door with their equipment and bulky furniture. 

Move anything that could impede the process, such as:

• Planters or potted plants
• Freestanding statues or porch decorations
• Welcome mats that could pose a trip hazard
• Wreaths or other decor hanging on the door
• Porch furniture

3. Make sure everything is prepared and packed.

When you hire professional movers, the goal will be to have everything in boxes and ready to load onto the truck. If the movers have to wait on you to pack boxes, this cuts into the time needed to load the truck and transport your items. Therefore, it is best to get started well in advance so you know you have time to complete packing before moving day arrives.

4. Label your boxes according to room placement.

As you pack your boxes, be sure to label each carton. Marking the box according to the contents is essential for you when you start unpacking. However, the movers benefit from you labeling boxes according to what room they should be placed in during unloading. This helps the movers load the moving truck so the unloading is streamlined, and all your boxes will be in the appropriate rooms at the new place.

5. Plan to be present.

Sometimes movers may need the homeowner’s guidance when questions arise. Further, you can help the movers navigate your home and point out items that may need to stay.

Move the Easy Way

Are you getting prepared for your upcoming move? Hire professional movers. Contact our team to request a no-obligation moving quote today.

 

Moving from one home to a new home typically involves multiple to-do lists. One essential list involves assembling your first-night box. As you pack these items for your household members, remember that your pets will need their essentials too.

1. Carrier/Crate

You’ll need a pet carrier to transport your furry friends to their new homes safely. Be sure to tuck in a comfortable blanket or other material your pet is familiar with to help them feel comfortable and secure.

2. Collars and Leashes

Before you leave, double-check to ensure your pet’s collar has an engraving of your name, phone number, and new address. Hectic events like moves can scare a pet. If they run off during the chaos, the person finding them can ensure they return home to you.

Once you arrive, your dog will likely need a walk fairly quickly. Remember to bring a leash for each dog you own.

Pro Tip: If your pet is microchipped and registered, update the details on your account. Change your address, phone number, and email address as needed. Additionally, you can update your veterinarian or insurance information or change your pet’s name.

3. Food

Plan to pack enough pet food to last a few days, so you aren’t digging through moving boxes or running from store to store to find the type of food your pet eats, especially if they’re on a special diet. This way, your pet can keep up its standard routine, and you won’t be stuck dealing with an upset tummy and extra clean-up tasks.

4. Dishes

Remember to tuck in suitable water and food bowls for your pets. This way, you don’t need to grab the first thing you find, such as your vintage dishes or mom’s China bowls.

5. Toys

Your pets will feel more comfortable and less stressed if familiar items surround them. So, pack a few of their favorite playthings, including chew toys, bones, catnip, or small toys they can use to bat around and play.

6. Litter Box/Poop Bags

Like humans, pets will need to do their business when they arrive. One of your first to-do tasks is to plan to take your pup for a walk and set up a litter box for your kitty. This way, they don’t find their own places to go, which will likely be the opposite of your plans.

When you take your dog for its walk, be sure to bring poop bags. Many communities have strict laws and issue fines to people who don’t pick up pet waste. You don’t want to be caught without any means to pick up after your canine, upsetting your neighbors. Besides, it creates a mess.

7. Bedding

If your pet typically sleeps in a specific bed, pack it in a place where you can easily find it. If not, pack a comfortable quilt or blanket for them to sleep on. (Unless, of course, they usually cuddle up with you!)

Ready to Plan Your Upcoming Move?

Making sure your furry pals have essential items they need, along with a few niceties, can go a long way towards giving them an easier transition to a new home. Pets, like humans, can get stressed, and perhaps even more so, since they don’t know what’s happening.

Ready to plan your move? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help ensure you have a seamless move. We offer free quotes.

Proper packing is one key to a successful household move. Packing can be an art form. Here are some common packing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Starting Too Late

Procrastination is a part of human nature. However, if you wait too long to begin packing, you may have to rush at the end and make mistakes. Packing almost always takes longer than expected, so start packing as soon as possible.

2. Failing to Plan

Packing is a project. Projects go more smoothly if you develop a plan before just diving in. Decide which rooms you’ll pack up first and which rooms and items you’ll leave for last. You’ll also plan what to do to prepare each room for packing.

Also, decide what necessities you’ll need to pack separately and keep that essentials box with you in your car.

3. Inadequately Decluttering

Chances are, you have many items in your home that you haven’t used for years and don’t plan to use. Moving costs are based on the amount of stuff you have, regardless of whether the mover charges by weight, volume, or time required. So you can save money by removing those items you never use.

As soon as you start thinking about moving, start sorting. Put items in four piles: to keep, to discard, to sell, and to give away. You can sell items in a yard sale or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook. Local charities also will take many of your unwanted items.

4. Lacking Supplies

Effective packing requires the right moving supplies. You’ll need the following:

• A collection of quality boxes. You’ll need plenty of each size. Your mover might provide moving cartons, or you can buy some from home goods stores. Avoid the temptation to use containers that weren’t made for moving.
• Packing tape. Have a dispenser for each family member that is helping to pack.
• Packing materials. You’ll need packing materials, such as packing paper and bubble wrap, in the boxes to protect your items. Packing paper is better than a newspaper because the ink can transfer to your belongings.
• Permanent markers. You’ll want to write the room destination for each box on all sides.

5. Overstuffing the Boxes

Before you start stuffing the box, find its capacity. Then be sure to keep your packing within that capacity. Putting too much in the box will break and spill your stuff on the floor. Remember that small cartons are better for packing heavy items, and no packed box should weigh more than 50 pounds.

6. Striving for Perfectionism

Doing an excellent job of packing is essential. However, perfection is probably not achievable. You’ve done enough as long as you’ve wrapped each item and packed it properly in a solid moving box. Avoid adding stress by demanding perfection from yourself or others helping you pack.

7. Disregarding Professional Packing Help

When you get estimates, it’s worth asking the movers how much they’d charge for packing your household. Often the cost is less than you expect, and having the professionals pack takes much of the pressure off you.

Pack It up and Move It Out

If you’re moving, contact us. We can help you pack or help you do it yourself. We do everything to ensure your move goes smoothly.

 

 

 

Deciding to move into a larger home is an important decision. While larger homes offer more space, they generally cost more and require more maintenance. Sometimes, however, a larger home is the only way to live comfortably.

Here are some common reasons for needing a larger home.

1. Growing Family

Perhaps you bought your new home when you first became a couple. However, now, you have a dog, a cat, a child, and another child on the way. As a result, the tiny home that once was perfect is now getting a bit cramped.

Living in a home that is too small can be frustrating. If you’re beginning to feel squeezed, it’s time to move to a larger space.

2. Solid Finances

When you first got your job, you probably had little savings and may have had to settle for a home that was too cozy. However, now that you’ve been working awhile, your income is higher, and your savings have grown. As a result, you can afford a larger place.

The time might be suitable to consider moving to a more spacious home if

• Your income has increased, so your debt-to-income ratio will be good.
• You have a healthy emergency savings fund.
• Your credit scores are good to excellent.

3. Need Space for Your New Lifestyle

Our lifestyles often change, and some changes can require additional living space. For example, you’ve taken on a new hobby, such as painting, collecting antiques, or woodworking. Moving your hobby supplies back and forth from the kitchen table to a closet daily can become annoying.

Or, you’ve started exercising at home and need a dedicated space for your sports equipment. Or, you’ve developed a meditation practice that needs a quiet room.

You may also have recently started working from home. You may find concentration difficult if you only have the kitchen table as a workspace. If you’ve created a business from your home, such as tax preparation or hair styling, you’ll need a dedicated space to welcome customers.

4. Friends or Family Visit More Often

Finding a place to put relatives in a small space can be difficult, especially as they age. Sleeping on the couch or in sleeping bags on the floor may not work as well as it did when your friends were just out of college. Moving to a larger place can provide a dedicated guest room.

5. Parents are Moving In

As parents age, they may become unable to live independently as they once did. Or, you may worry about them and want to keep them close. A larger home creates the opportunity for an in-law suite.

6. Need a (Larger) Yard

Your current home may be a townhome or condominium with no or small yard. But, now you need space for children and pets to play or to entertain friends outside. Or, you’ve taken up gardening. A new home can provide more external space, as well.

Make the Transition

If you plan to move to a larger house, we can help ensure the move goes smoothly. Contact us today for a free quote.

 

 

 

 

Moving is the perfect time to sort through your belongings and purge those items you no longer use. Many things, however, may have value for others, and you could pick up some pre-moving cash by holding a garage or yard sale.

If you are preparing for a residential move, here are some tips for a successful pre-move sale.

Choose the Best Day

Be smart about the day and time. Usually, a weekend day is best. Avoid days when other significant events are happening in your town, such as a parade or sports event.

Start in the morning and plan to continue until evening. Be prepared for early bird shoppers arriving before the posted time.

Check on Local Rules

Most localities are lenient about garage sales. But, to be sure, call your town hall for any applicable rules.

Invite Neighbors

Shoppers are more likely to come if you are having a multi-family sale. Ask your neighbors if they’d like to participate. If so, advertise it as a community yard sale.

Make an Inventory

Make a list of all the items you’d like to sell. Then, organize the items in one place until the big day. The inventory will help you stay organized and may help you answer specific questions from potential buyers.

Market

The more people who know about your sale, the better. Put signs up on the main thoroughfare nearest your home a few days ahead of the date. Also, post an announcement on your social media and community pages. Post fliers at local businesses. If you have special items, list those to boost interest.

Gather Supplies

You’ll need plenty of pricing stickers, which you can buy at the dollar store. You’ll also need a table and chairs for checking people out and tables to display your items.

One security tip: Consider wearing a fanny pack instead of using a cash box. With a fanny pack, you can always keep the cash you’ve earned with you.

Make Items Attractive

Make your items as attractive as possible. Clean and dust them. Fill bicycle tires. Put batteries in items that require them. Have an extension cord handy to let buyers test out electrical appliances.

Price Your Items Well

Pricing is a crucial factor in the sale’s success. Of course, you want to make money, but you also want to avoid scaring buyers away. So here are some pricing tips:

• Research items on online sites such as eBay and Craigslist. Consider choosing a median price if you see different prices for the same thing.
• A good rule of thumb is to price items at 5 percent to 10 percent of their original retail price. Used clothes prices are different. Baby clothes generally are $1 to $3; adult clothes are $3 to $5. Shoes are $5 to $7.
• Group smaller items and offer a deal for buying the whole grouping.
• Make pricing easily visible.
• Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t overprice. Buyers will walk away if the prices are too high rather than make an offer.
• If your item is worth more than you can get at a garage sale, consider taking it to a consignment shop or selling it online.

Moving Done Right

Choose your mover as carefully as you’ve prepared for your yard sale. Contact us for attention to detail and excellent service. We can help you with a stress-free move.