Congratulations on finding your new home! Now it’s time to turn your attention to the next step: moving to Atlanta.
Here are 6 simple but essential tips to keep you and your family focused and relaxed for the big move:
- Plan ahead
- Stay organized
- Create and stick to a budget
- Make sure the new house is ready for your arrival
- Sell or donate stuff you don’t use anymore
- Pack a moving kit
If listing a current home to sell, give yourself at least an 8- to 12-week head start to prepare moving. The lead time will give you plenty of room to plan your transition—declutter, create a budget, compare moving companies, and organize the room layouts at your new home.
Changing homes can be overwhelming. To minimize stress, consider the following tactics:
– Notebook or binder
Keep everything in writing—from your moving timeline to your rough ideas, crucial questions, and the most random notes-to-self. Granted, a laptop or mobile phone can also serve this purpose (and be a great back-up), but sometimes pen and paper are simply more convenient and intuitive. For example, you can’t staple or clip receipts and contracts to your phone.
– Checklists
Lists make things easier to track. Make lists for everything—from a moving-day checklist to the items you need to purchase for your new home.
– Labels
Labels come in handy when your moving boxes start piling up. You’ll have an easier time unloading and unpacking when you know which boxes go where.
After spending a significant sum for a new home, you’ll definitely want to manage your moving expenses. Consider the following when calculating your moving budget:
– Moving company fees
– Moving supplies such as tape, padding, and boxes
– Cleaning materials and supplies for the new house
– Travel costs, including gas, food, and supplies
– Car maintenance prior to a lengthy move
– Emergency funds
Before moving day, be sure your new house is move-in ready. This includes any necessary painting, cleaning, and repairs.
Check if you have essential utilities—water, electricity, heating—as well as other services that your family might need, such as a landline or internet.
It may also help to introduce yourself to your new neighbors ahead of your move. You might gain for yourself a few helping hands or dinner on moving day!
While packing, sort your belongings and pick the items you can do without. You can hold a garage sale or sell items through consignment, donate items to your local community or charity of choice, or even post items on social media.
On moving day, be sure to bring with you a small bag with your travel essentials. Think of items you’d typically pack in a carry-on when flying. Recommended items include a toothbrush and other basic toiletries, any prescription medications, a change of clothes, IDs, and your wallet. Be sure to look after the needs of your kids and/or pets, too!
To learn more about real estate in Atlanta, call Natalie Gregory at 404-550-5113 or email .