If you have been reading my series on Getting Organized, you know we are now at the final stage of the process.

• We have gotten very organized as part of preparing our home for sale, and sold it.

• We got organized in preparation for packing and moving...and did.

• Now we are moving into the new house. And naturally we want to keep the momentum going and be as organized as possible in our new home and not let the old habits re-emerge.

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Getting Settled into Your New Home

Congratulations! You are in your new home and ready to begin anew.  Creating a new home environment is exciting. Before you begin unpacking, pause and take a moment to consider your newfound space. This is the perfect time to begin creating an uncluttered and improved lifestyle.

Even though you might have purged and donated while packing for this move, unpack and reconsider every item to determine whether you will use it before you assign it a home.

Your life may have changed dramatically since your last move. Do you have more children or are perhaps now empty nesters? Even if nothing much has changed in your life besides your new home, it makes sense to rethink your old storage routines before you recreate them again.

Rethink each room before you unpack your boxes. Ask yourself these questions:

1. What activities will take place in each room?
2. What items will be needed for these activities?
3. How many people will use this space?

Create one room that will be your haven until your home is in order. Start unpacking with this goal in mind. The master bedroom is a great place to begin. Work on that space until it is unpacked completely or at least until it feels like home. Comforter and bed skirt are in place, pillows fluffed, and bedside table is equipped with all necessities. This way, after each day that you are unpacking, you can slip away to sleep in a non-chaotic environment. You will awake feeling refreshed and much less stressed with at least one area in order.

Before you load your wardrobe closets, think about how you decide to get dressed everyday. For instance, I begin by determining which top I will wear. This starts with what sleeve length; sleeveless, short, ¾ or long. Once I make this choice, which is usually based on the weather, I then make the decision about what slacks, shorts, skirts or jeans I will also wear that day. After that, my choice becomes shoes. Based on this routine, I place my shirts in the front of the closet, followed by slacks, skirts and then shoes in the back. 

There is no single way to get dressed, some people start with pants, others shoes. Load the closet following the method that each person uses to get dressed. This way, when you have finished unpacking each closet, the space within will be customized and optimized for each family member.

Kathi Burns

Founder - addSpace to Your Life!

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If I can provide more information about the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

Some folks have specialty items they need to move when they are relocating.

• Some movers may not be willing to move these things or not be able to accommodate them, so you may need to arrange your own transportation.
• There may be premiums you will have to pay for these things, and the mover's insurance may have restrictions (or additional costs).

If I can provide more information about the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

First, and perhaps most obvious, you can drive your car to your new destination, depending on you willingness to do so (you might not want to drive all the way across the country, but on the other hand it can be a fun way to see the US). Make an adventure out of it if you have time (remember the moving truck will take a while to get there too), plan some touristy things to do along the way, and take plenty of photos to commemorate the trip. Do keep in mind the potential for weather issues - driving across the northern plains in January may NOT be prudent.

The second choice is to ship the car. There are several options here.

• The moving company can load the car on a trailer and tow it behind the truck. We did this on our trip from Boston to Carlsbad.
• The moving company may load the car right into the moving van itself if it is a big truck. This was how we moved one vehicle from Minneapolis to Boston.
• You can arrange your own shipping through a car transportation company or move it by train.
• If you are moving overseas the vehicle will likely go by ship with the household goods containers. It could be more cost effective to sell your car stateside and simply buy a new one in your new home
  

If I can provide more information about the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

Organizing For Your Move

1. Once you know your new address, send change-of-address forms to magazines, utilities and friends and family once you know your new address.

1. You can get pre-made forms and moving tips sheet at the Post Office

3. Make or get a floor plan of your new home

1. Mark the electrical, cable and phone outlets

                                                              i.      Arrange for utility companies to rewire if needed

2. Make a ‘Purpose Chart’ for each area/room

                                                              i.      For example: Spare BR=  guests/crafts/ games

                                                            ii.      Create zones within each room for each type of activity

                                                          iii.      List the furniture to move into that area

4. Empty the refrigerator the day before the move

1. Store what you will use during the move in a large cooler
2. Give remaining items to a neighbor or take to local soup kitchen
3. Unplug fridge and leave door open so you can clean it out the next day

If I can provide more information about the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities)

Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods (including other areas)

Are you a first time home buyer. Check out FIRST TIME BUYER CENTRAL.

• prompt decision-making
• on-going communication with the appropriate parties
• following-up to make sure things happen when they are supposed to
• gathering information and acting on it
• asking questions
• getting things clarified
• taking care of paperwork in a timely manner
• keeping a close eye on the calendar and making sure deadlines are met, and so much more.

Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities)

Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods (including other areas)

Are you a first time home buyer. Check out FIRST TIME BUYER CENTRAL.

If you are relocating, or may do so in the future, and a relocation company will be involved, it is essential that you understand the role that they will play in your relocation and how this will impact you, financially and otherwise.

Relocation companies operate in different ways, and programs that are offered to transferees will vary depending on the employer and what they authorize, and the specific services the relo company is able to provide.

For example:

• Are they paying closing costs on either the buy side, the sell side or both?
• Are these costs paid up front by the transferee and then reimbursed, or does the relocation pay these fees directly?
• What additional paperwork does the relocation company require during the transaction (e.g., a copy of your signed offer on your current home, the contract on your new home); what records should you keep (e.g., receipts for temporary housing)?
• Is the relocation company doing any direct billing for the services they provide or must the transferee pay for these up front?
• How is the moving company selected?
• Can you select the agent that you wish to work with (for either the buyer and/or sell sides) or is that mandated by the relocation company (however this is determined, your agent(s) will need to work closely with your relocation company to make sure they comply with all requirements.

These are just some of the things you should ask about. Having a written contract and overview of the services, and terms and conditions, is important.

And make sure you have a good contact person who will have knowledge of your transfer and can assist you as needed throughout the transaction.

Are you a "glass half full" or "glass half empty" kind of person? Do you know what your attitude about things is in general?

What does this have to do with your relocation to Carlsbad, or anywhere?

Are you taking the perspective that your relocation will be a great learning experience? A way to research, explore new areas, see new places, have new experiences, and challenge your ability to adapt quickly? Is it an opportunity to learn about yourself, and for family members to do the same? And for everyone to enjoy the excitement of a new beginning?

Or are you seeing it purely from the perspective of an overwhelming list of tasks to accomplish - a home to sell, stuff to pack, finding a new home, learning your way around, and so on.

There is no doubt relocation is a huge challenge - mentally, physically, and emotionally. There are endless things that need to happen in order to accomplish a move from one part of the country to another. Things will not always go the way you want or expect - that's a given - so don't be unrealistic. Murphy's Law will rear its ugly head on more than one occasion. So what?!

Your attitude about your move will become an increasingly important aspect of success in your relocation. And it can play a huge role in helping your children, if you have them, to cope with the huge changes. Instead of regretting what you are giving up, celebrate the new beginning! A new home, new people to meet, new things to do, different weather, new schools, new services, a different lifestyle, and so on. Have fun reading and researching about your new home before you get there. Get excited about all the neat things you and your family will have to experience.

Are you going to angst about all the things that you have to do, and complain about what a nuisance it all is?

Or will you see this as a series of new experiences to enjoy, to learn from, and to conquer? Isn't it just another part of living?

Your choice. Is the glass half full? Or half empty?

I have talked about timing issues with regard to relocation in the past, as well as the importance of being aware of critical dates in your contract.

Here is another article touching on these issues - it was featured on Realtown.com in the Relocation section. I hope you find it informative. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or if you need further information.

Jeff

If you are moving (and I assume you are, or will be, or you probably wouldn't be reading this blog), be prepared for your life in boxes.

I suppose this sounds a bit strange, but it's true. A friend of mine down the street who is packing to move emailed about purchasing some of the large boxes I have for paintings from moving, and it reminded me of some of my past moves.

Moving yourself is one thing. We have all done it in college, or moving from apartment to apartment before we could afford a house. My first move using a moving company was pretty disconcerting. Not that they didn't do a great job - their efficiency  was amazing! If only we could be so efficient when we packed ourselves.

But I recall, quite clearly, really being struck at the sight of EVERYTHING in a given room going into boxes...quickly. What was a comfortable, well-lived in home filled with treasures, memories, acquisitions over the years, and just lots of stuff became, in a relatively short time, rooms filled with boxes and nothing else.  My life was in boxes. A very strange feeling.

Making a move down the street or to a nearby town is one thing (been there, done that), but moving across the country was yet another experience (now 4 times). I also remember thinking about our entire house being loaded, box by box, into a large truck (and in 2 moves, along with one of our cars) and knowing that we would not see our possessions again for about 10 days, and feeling very disconnected. While we were excited about going to our new home, the thought of our entire house in boxes in a large truck traveling the highways across the country was an odd experience. I didn't dwell on it, of course, but in retrospect I know it had an impact on me. As I'm sure it did our children.

Maybe it won't strike you in the same way. And it's only temporary. But if you have never made a big move, I guess I would be prepared to experience some of these feelings...and know that it is quite normal and to be expected. It's part of the fun of moving.

Buyers have often asked if there is a good time to relocate? Tough question, and one with many facets.

First, you may not have a choice if you are transferring with a job, so the question may be moot.

If you DO have a choice, let me throw out some issues to consider:

• Time of year - holidays may be tougher in terms of getting the services you need and working with poroviders. Plus it disrupts your family traditions.
• Children - this can be complex. First, moving in the middle of the year or in the semester can be very disruptive academically and emotionally. If you can, go after school is done for the year. Other considerations - check to see about enrollments in the new school district - you may need to be a resident in your new home for a period of time in order to get your kids into the school you want.
• Movers - check  with your moving company (or the ones you are considering). They may be booked up at certaing time of the year, and it is common that the end of the month is busiest. You may actually save money moving at certain times of the year or month, so ask these questions.
• Selling your home - this  may be easier in the spring, when most markets heat up. And it is often tougher during the winter, especially around the holidays. Fewer people are looking, although who are tend to be really serious buyers.

Bottom line? You relocate when you have to, but if there are some options, consider your timing. Good luck, and don't hesitate to drop me a line if there are questions about YOUR relocation.

Here are a number of things to consider as you are planning your move (this does NOT include everything but you help you on your way). You should also talk with your REALTOR, and your moving company, if used, will also have some helpful suggestions.

Send change of address to:

• Post Office (can be done on-line)
• Charge Accounts and Credit Card Accounts
• Friends & Relatives
• Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks for magazines.
• Cancel newspaper(s)

If you need to select a moving company (i.e., either you are moving yourself OR the relocation company, if used, allows it), there are some things to consider, especially if you are moving a great distance.

1. Interview and obtain estimates from 3 vendors. You can pretty safely go to the national brands (North American, Mayflower, United, among others) without getting a referral from someone else, but I suggest asking friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Keep in mind that the major van lines operate under different names depending on where you are in the country (.e., independent offices). Start this EARLY in the process - it takes time to schedule estimates and you don't want to delay your move because you procrastinated.

2. Make sure you get the same information from all vendors - insurance, timing (estimates of dates), how they handle shipping a car, costs for packing and unpacking, costs of supplies (box, paper, tape) etc. It is hard to compare vendors if they are providing different information.

3. Review the estimates carefully and ask the vendors to clarify anything you do not understand. DO NOT make a decision until you have examined the estimates in details.

4. Make sure the mover can handle the move to your new city. If they don't handle it directly but farm it out, who to? You will want to investigate this further. How many cross-country or long-distance moves do they handle yearly?

5. If you are shipping a car, find out if the mover does that or if it is handled by an independent shipper. Who arranges this? How is this coordinated? How does this get paid?

6. Insist on  multiple references from each mover and CALL THEM before you decide. You might want to develop a list of questions to use for each reference (be concerned about reliability, punctuality, care in handling household goods, breakage and resolution of problems, accuracy of estimates, etc.)

7. Keep in mind that the least expensive estimate may NOT be the best mover. Check for differences in insurance, what happens when the weight estimate is off, premiums for distance or additional time. How do insurance claims get handled and by whom?

8. Obtain estimates on the packing, pick-up and arrival dates. Realize these are estimates (especially the arrival) but a reputable mover knows the schedule and can tell you what you need to know about timing. If they can't accommodate you, move on!. Will your stuff go direct to your new home or is the mover picking up other households (not unusual in cross-country moves, especially if you don't fill the van), which can cause delays in the arrival, as can weather.

10. If there is a big difference in the estimates, you will want to understand what the differences are and why before you make a decision.

Pick a cheap mover, and that's what you'll get. Your home is too important, and your move as well - you don't want to have to worry about the caliber of the mover just to save a few dollars.