This article was originally run in Touchmark Retirement’s May Newsletter
An Organized Move – Part I
May is National Moving Month and I’m going to show you how – in this article series – how to execute an organized move. Since the secret of a stress-free move is in the forethought, I will dedicate this first article to the critical planning process. Here are some of the first things our professional organizers establish for our moving clients:
Make an accordion file to manage all the paperwork for both the home you’re selling and the home you’re buying (one for each). These documents include: Realtor agreements, sales and purchase agreements, disclosures, inspection reports, title documents, assessments, comparative market analysis, correspondence, sales expense receipts, and anything else that establishes the value of your home and your title to it.
Set communication and performance expectations with your real estate representative(s). A little communication up-front about your desires and needs will go a long way. Express what you need in terms of frequency and forms of communication.
Develop a list of repairs and cosmetic improvements that will improve individual spaces. Once you have your repairs-to-be-made list, you can set dates on your calendar to execute the work, and begin making appointments with professionals to fix the things that require special skill or materials. This list should be prioritized by importance. Consult with industry professionals to determine which improvements will give you the most “bang for your buck” in your particular market, and then assign a budget to each item based on its priority. Be sure to get quotes in writing from service providers and check references.
Create a master schedule spreadsheet that includes packing, cleaning, repairs and remodels, and coordinating details at both locations. You can also just add dates to your current calendar if that’s easier for you.
Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, and no matter what season of life you’re in, invest the time now to ensure you can stay organized during the process.
Related:
- Read Touchmark Retirement’s May Newsletter
- Want hands-on help for an organized move? Learn more about our services
- Visit our Life Simplifying Services page for local recommendations on Moving and Hauling companies
- For more practical moving strategies, read Helping a Client Move
