Real Estate Algarve - Portugal

Top 26 Home Sellers Moving Tips
Items not to ship
How to pick a mover

Top 26 Home Sellers Moving Tips
Author - whatsmyhomevalue.com

Planning ahead for your move will make it less stressful and a more positive experience. Although this is not always possible, here are a few tips and techniques to make your move easier. You can also find home values based on sold house prices in your neighborhood by using the Search for Home Values form. 

  1. If you hire a moving company they will pack everything for you, however you should pack your important paperwork and any sentimental items. If you have children allow them to help by packing their toys.
     
  2. Make sure that you are there when the movers are packing your stuff.
     
  3. Make sure that all boxes are clearly labeled on both the top of the box and on at least one other side of each box. Be sure the boxes are clearly labeled with which room they should go into. If you are using movers label the bedrooms at the new house the same way you labeled the boxes.
     
  4. If you want to save money and still use the movers you could pack your stuff yourself.
     
  5. If you have any friends or family that have borrowed any of your items this is the time to ask for them back. This would also be a good time for you to return any items that you have loaned from family and friends.
     
  6. If you have lots of books please consider either packing them in lots of small boxes or spreading them out among your furniture, such as cabinets and drawers.
     
  7. Do not store breakables or heavy items in drawers!
     
  8. Do not overload drawers.
     
  9. If you are using drawers to move things, please tie them shut so that they do not fly open while moving. Using tape is not a good idea because it may strip paint or varnish.
     
  10. Use thick tape and make a big "X" across mirrors and picture glass so that if the glass is accidentally broken during the move there is less glass to clean up.
     
  11. To remove sticky residue from tape and other adhesive products you can use mineral oil, baby oil, eucalyptus oil, or goop remover.
     
  12. Make a list of any new items you may need for the new house.
     
  13. Please keep aside any cleaning equipment so that you may use it right away at your new house. Please include in this list light bulbs!
     
  14. Before you pack any of your appliances please clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely. Especially tip all the crumbs out of the toaster.
     
  15. Be sure to clean out your refrigerator and freezer really well before moving them. To prevent the fridge from smelling use one of these ideas: wipe out the fridge with a damp cloth with vanilla essence, dry out the fridge with a hair dryer especially the corners, and/or put silica gel in the fresh department or fine blend coffee in a piece of muslin, these will soak up any extra moisture. When you have cleaned out the fridge and defrosted the freezer keep the doors slightly open to keep the air circulating just before you move them.
     
  16. If you are moving with children show them around the new house just before your move in and answer any questions they may have.
     
  17. See if any of the neighbors have any kids around the same age as your children.
     
  18. Introduce yourselves to your new neighbors.
     
  19. Look around your new neighborhood to find out where the local hospitals are located as well as restaurants and various forms of entertainment.
     
  20. Ask your current attorney, doctor, and dentist for their recommendations on professionals in your new neighborhood.
     
  21. Be sure to transfer any medical records and school records.
     
  22. Be sure to remember to discontinue the following services at your old home: gas, electric, water, phone, newspaper, cable TV, DSL and other local internet services if you have them, and cellular phone.
     
  23. Be sure to notify the following of your change of address: post office, credit cards, insurance, magazines, and bank.
     
  24. If you have any pets, it will probably be best to move them first and find a quiet place for them while all the moving is happening. For example if you have cats put them in a bathroom with their food, water, and litter box (on the opposite side of the room away from the food). Then leave a note on the door "Please do not enter!" If you have outside dogs put them in the backyard so that they can get used to their new environment and if you have lots of windows inside they can watch everything that is going on.
     
  25. Smaller caged pets especially easily stressed animals should be moved last after all the excitement has settled down.
     
  26. Make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks for the move. Moving is a lot of hard work!

If you plan your move very carefully and use some of the above advice you may find the move relaxing and a little bit fun. If it gets too stressful take a break and find something to laugh about, you will probably feel better. Just remember you can take your time with unpacking and this is a perfect opportunity to completely reorganize your home

Items not to ship
Contributed by Vanlines.com LLC
www.Vanlines.com

 

It is important that you understand which items you can ship or cannot be ship. Read this section before doing your own packing and loading it to the moving van. There are rules and regulations that govern all movers to ensure safety.
  • Drain oil and fuel from lawn mower and other machinery. Discard any partially used cans of paint, thinner, oil or other substances that might leak.
  • All refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard of non-refillable tanks.
  • Clean your rugs and draperies with your local cleaners. Leave the rugs and draperies wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
  • Avoid refinishing your furniture before your move. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads. Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify the value.
  • Think twice before dismantling your outside satellite dish; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.
  • If you'll move items such as hot tubs, large screen TV's and some exercise equipment you will need third-party service before your move. Please consult with the van line agent about third party servicing.
  • You should also consult with you mover about servicing of appliances, grandfather clock, satellite dish etc. before and after your move.
  • Follow the list below for information on items not to be shipped prior to packing and loading dates
  • Dispose of all flammable, corrosive or explosive items. for example:
Acid Gasoline Poisons Charcoal Lighter Fluid
Fertilizer Paints Car Batteries Matches
Nail Polish/Remover Ammunition Liquid Bleach Stern
Aerosols Kerosene Pool Chemicals Chemistry Sets
Fireworks Pesticides Charcoal Motor Oil
Paint Thinner Batteries Loaded Weapons Weed Killer
Ammonia Lamp Oil Propane Tanks Cleaning Fluid
 

  • Dispose of perishables Food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit.
    For example:

Frozen Food Plants
Open Food Produce
Please note that you should empty your refrigerator and freezers for at least 24 hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor. The van line agent may agree to transport perishables if they are properly packed and require no servicing in transit and the shipment delivery is less than 150 miles and within 24 hours.
  • Some articles are not accepted for transportation The van line agent assumes no responsibility should these items come into his/her possession without his/her knowledge.Although these articles do not create a physical threat it can create problems if your shipment is delayed or items lost. This can be avoided if all irreplaceable, sentimental items are carried with you. For example:
Address Books Files Personal Video Tapes
Air Line Tickets Financial Statements Photos and Albums
Car Keys Furs Research Projects
Bonds IRAs/Deeds/Tax Records School Records
Check Books Jewelry Sterling Silver
Coins Letters Stocks
Computer Software/Disks Medicine Stamp Collection
How to pick a mover
Contributed by Vanlines.com LLC
www.vanlines.com

Decide in advance which goods will be shipped and which will be sold or given away.Then consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other type of additional services you may want..

Call or email the movers you may consider and ask for an estimate. Get involved in the estimating process and try to meet with a relocation consultant to survey your home and prepare a written estimate. Ask each prospective mover for how long his or her estimate is valid.

Be certain that the mover has marked all items that are “going” and “not going” on the survey sheet.  The mover will prepare an estimate that will include transportation charges and the charges of additional services that you requested. Keep in mind that if you will decide to take more items or take fewer items the cost of your move will change. Please inform the mover if there are any changes with your shipment.  Communication is the key factor for a successful move.

If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by customer.However, if there is an obvious exterior damage at the delivery make a note of that on the inventory sheet of your shipment.The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that may be improperly packed.If the driver has to re-pack cartons that the customer has packed, additional charges will apply.

Please provide as much information as possible about unusual situations on either end so your estimates will be more accurate. Make the mover be aware of any problems they may encounter at the delivery such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restriction or if there are any stairs or elevators involved.     The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a “parking space” for the moving van if your new home is on a congested street.If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet from the moving van to your door you may be charged for excessive distance.

Some neighborhoods may prohibit trucks over a certain weight. The driver will than offload your possessions into a smaller vehicle and the charge for that can be quite expensive. Please advise a relocation consultant if you will anticipate this situation.  In addition to that, advise the consultant if you are moving to a high-rise building where an elevator reservation is required. This can cause problems for the delivery schedule if the mover does not know about this in advance and additional charges will apply.

Ask the prospective mover what type of estimates he or she offer.  There are two estimate options available, Binding estimate and Estimated Cost of Services.  Take the necessary time to understand your options.  This could have a significant impact on your final cost of your move. Compare all estimates for both weight and services provided by the prospective movers.  To check the reliability of the moving company you may use contact the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to inquire about the company’s complaint record.  Ask your friends, neighbors and family for advice on movers.  Ask all movers for references.

Be sure to understand the coverage for loss or damage of your shipment. All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods, which they transport.  However, there are different levels of liability.  You must be aware of the amount of protection provided and the additional charges that may apply.