Let’s face it. Moving is a hassle and can be expensive, but there are options you may not have known about or considered before that can make your life a lot easier and your wallet a lot happier. Continue reading
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Tag Archives: Moving
Life in the Suburbs of NOVA vs. Life in the City
As millennials get older and start having kids, they are leaving the bright lights and all the excitement of the city to reap the benefits of suburban living. Washington, D.C. may be where a lot of the jobs are, but you just may decide that living in Northern Virginia meets your family’s needs far better than living in the city. Continue reading
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The Benefits of Downsizing to a Condo
Downsizing your home is a big decision and one that requires some consideration. We are often emotionally, as well as financially, invested in our homes. While it may be beneficial to move out, it is not always an easy choice. On the bright side, there are many benefits of downsizing to a condo that might make it worthwhile. Here are some of the top benefits to help you decide if moving into a smaller home is the right choice for you. Continue reading
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Special Considerations for Moving Late Summer
With kids out of school and weather being warmer, many people choose to move in the summer. Each move presents its own set of challenges, and if you’re moving in late summer, there are some unique ones to consider. Extreme heat can be the greatest challenge. You must consider the effect of heat on you, your crew, and your pets and children, as well as the items you are packing. Continue reading
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Moving Tips and Tricks
Getting ready to move? Are you excited and anxious about it at the same time? That’s often the case. While moving can be exciting, it can also be one of life’s most stressful events. There’s so much to think about and a multitude of things to get done, not to mention the changes that you and your family may face. That’s why I’ve put together some of the best moving tips and tricks to help make the process a little easier. Some organization and planning can lighten the stress load. Continue reading
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You Need to Move, so Move That Mindset!
I overheard two gentlemen talking at a party one evening. One gentleman was going on about how he really needed to move to a bigger house, but every year he thinks about how big of a change it is. He waits until the last minute and never gets his house ready, meaning he just stays another year in his house he thinks is too small.
His friend told him that it wasn’t his house he wasn’t getting ready; it was his mindset. His buddy was right, but how do we go about mentally preparing for a task that can be so daunting?
- Detach and declutter: One of the best ways to begin a mindset change is to detach yourself from your soon-to-be old surroundings. Get rid of things that you have been meaning to give away, and take down personal pictures and memorabilia. This will allow you to let go and see the house as just a house and not your home. The bonus, of course, is that a potential buyer will also be able to imagine themselves in this new home when the time is right.
- Make a “sell it and move” checklist right away: Write down a date you want to put your house up for sale and contact a local Realtor to see if it is recommended. With your Realtor’s assistance, add to your list the actions you need to do prior to, during and after the move. Break the list up into a timeline so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Once you have written down the steps, it may make the process more real and achievable in your mind.
- Make a “new house” checklist: What are all the things that you really want or need in a new property? While you may think you are comfortable where you are, your list may shine a bit of light on some of the reasons moving is a great idea.
- Go on a house hunting adventure: Your date to stake a sign in your current yard may be a few months off, but you can take the time to check out your dream neighborhood and view homes available in your price range. Let the idea of a new home adventure inspire you. List the positives of the areas you are interested in, such as access to schools and activities.
- Do some new home prep: Keep your mindset positive for your new adventure by doing some pre move-in fun tasks once you have bought your new abode. Every home has that one paint color or cabinet hardware that you told yourself you would change out if you bought the place. Try to inspect your new home when it is empty and chose a few small upgrades that you can do before you move in. Tackling a few tasks ahead of time will help make the new house your new home.
So, are you wondering if that gentleman ever did move on to a new adventure? From the conversation I heard, I bet he did. And if you are ready for a new adventure, we are always ready to show you some great homes in our area. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.
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Moving? Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy Too!
Moving? Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy Too!
First came the house cleaning, de-cluttering, and staging. Then you found your dream home and put in a bid. Now it’s closing day and you’re all packed up and ready to go. The humans in the house are no doubt very excited today, but for pets, moving can be stressful. We put together some tips on how to make a smooth transition with your pets so that moving day is fun and exciting for everyone in the family.
· Have a first day kit for your animals. Just like you want to have your essentials easily accessible as soon as you get to your new home, you want to have the basics for pet care at your fingertips. Pack what you will need for the first few days in your new home in a separate box that goes with you in your vehicle (rather than being packed away in a moving truck or van) so that you don’t have to dig through 100 boxes to find dog food or cat treats.
· Have things set with your new vet. If you’re relocating to an unfamiliar area, you’ll want to go to your old vet and get copies of your pet’s medical records and make sure all prescription medications are filled. Your vet may be able to recommend a new vet wherever you are moving, so while you’re there, ask.
· Keep things calm for your animals on moving day. Ideally, kenneling your furry friends or having them stay with a friend is the best way to keep them out of the moving mayhem. With doors being left open to move boxes and furniture out of the house, it is easy for a dog or cat to slip out the front door, and the last thing you need is a search and rescue mission in the midst of a move. If you’re unable to find someone else to watch your pets, keep them in a quiet room away from the moving action until you have everything out of the house.
· Move your pets in your vehicle. Don’t place animal crates in the moving van or truck where it may be unsafe and uncomfortable for your pets. Instead, crate them (if possible) and let them ride with you.
· Get the house (somewhat) set up before bringing your pet to your new home. There will be a lot of change in one day for an animal, so giving your pets some familiarity by setting up the basics in even just a room or two will give them a sense of home.
· Don’t let your pets escape once you arrive. When you get to your new home, make sure your animals are secured either in a kennel or on a leash before opening the car doors so that they do not bolt off into unfamiliar territory. If you have a cat who is typically an outdoor cat, keep him/her inside the new house for a few days to adjust before allowing outdoor exploration.
At Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, we know pets are part of the family, and when a family member is unhappy, that can make moving day more difficult. By keeping your pets feeling safe and secure, the transition between the new and the old will be a lot smoother, and everyone will settle in a little more quickly. Let us help you make your next move a positive one in every way. Contact us to buy, stage or sell a home.
“Belinda, we can’t thank you enough for all the hard work you did and for putting up with us through the rough spots…service was excellent!” –A and M
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