How to Avoid Moving Company Scams

2023-06-20T01:33:52-05:00

Whether you’re relocating across the country or across town, you’ll need help moving your possessions. Moving companies can be a great resource, but stay alert for scams that could ruin your move. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers tips for a successful move—including red flags that might indicate you’re being scammed:    The mover or broker doesn’t perform an on-site inspection of your household items and gives an estimate over the telephone or online. The mover or broker doesn’t provide a written estimate or says they will determine the cost after loading. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. The mover asks you to sign blank documents. The mover or broker doesn’t provide you with a copy of the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and a copy of FMCSA’s Ready to Move brochure, which movers are required by federal regulations to supply to their customers. The company’s website has no local address and no information about their registration or insurance. The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance. On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned or marked fleet truck. The mover claims that you have more belongings than estimated. Get more resources to ensure a successful move.

How to Avoid Moving Company Scams2023-06-20T01:33:52-05:00

Moving? You Don’t Have To Take Everything With You

2023-06-06T01:15:20-05:00

If you’re like most people, you accumulate a lot of things over time. It happens gradually, just one chair, painting, bike, TV, board game, or mixing stand at a time. All those possessions add up, though, which is never more evident than when it comes time to move. A little thought and planning Make Your Decisions Now Why lug an old couch—or pay someone to do it for you—if you’re going to replace it shortly after you get to your new home? Not only can getting rid of things before the move save time and money, it will help you start fresh at your new residence without a lot of clutter Offer Good Items to the Next Person If you own your current home, you can consider adding certain items that convey with the sale, such as freestanding appliances, artwork, landscaping machines, and more. (Keep in mind that most permanently installed and built-in items are considered part of the sale unless specified in the contract as an exclusion.) Sell It Estate and garage sales are options to get rid of large amounts of possessions at once. Individual items can be sold online through Facebook, eBay, and other online platforms. You can also check with friends and neighbors who may have an interest in purchasing items you no longer want. Give It Away Some charities may pick up large items if they are on their wish list; others have drop-off locations. You can also post items to Buy Nothing groups and ask acquaintances if they know anyone looking for the things you no longer want. Pay Someone to Haul Off the Big Stuff For large items in disrepair, you may have to hire a company to take it away. The good news is that you won’t have to do the dirty work yourself before moving day will make your experience much more pleasant. Your REALTOR® can help you understand what items are included in the sale of a home you are moving from or to, and can assist if there are particular items you’d like to ensure stay with the property.

Moving? You Don’t Have To Take Everything With You2023-06-06T01:15:20-05:00

There’s More Than One Way to Move

2022-09-13T01:14:15-05:00

Moving doesn’t always mean that you have to hire your own truck or movers. There are other options to relocate your possessions.  Share a Truck You may not need a moving truck all to yourself. If you aren’t moving a great deal of possessions, you might be able to share a moving truck with another moving company customer. Ask about this option for interstate moves. Ship By Freight FedEx says that any shipment over 150 pounds is considered freight. You can ship items in bulk by land, air, or sea or some combination. It could be cost effective depending on the circumstances of your move. Portable Storage Containers With portable storage containers, a company drops off a container at your current home. You fill it with your possessions. The company picks it up and ships it to your new home. Remember to ask if portable storage containers are allowed on the property or street of your current and future homes.  Replace It Not everything you own is a treasure. Ask yourself if it is worth the cost and effort to move an item. If it isn’t, donate, sell, or dispose of the item and buy another one when you reach your destination. Anything you don’t have to take with you makes the move a little easier and more affordable. 

There’s More Than One Way to Move2022-09-13T01:14:15-05:00

Sell or Stay After Retirement

2022-08-02T01:15:31-05:00

Retirement isn’t just the end of your working days. It’s a time to recalibrate and consider what you’d like to do in your next chapter. You might be wondering: Should I sell my home now that I’m retired? Ask yourself these questions: Does your current home meet your present and future needs? Do you need as much space as you have? Do you need more now that you’ll spend more time at home? Do you think your home will meet your needs 10 years from now? Twenty? Can you afford your current home? For many people, retirement means earning significantly less income than during their careers. If you have a mortgage, will you be able to afford the payments? If you have paid off your home, are you able to afford your property taxes on a lower or fixed income? This is something to consider when deciding whether to move. Where would you go if you sold your home? Your home may be worth a lot more money than you paid for it, but so are the homes you may consider buying if you sold. Where would you like to live? Look at prices in that area. Do they work with your budget? Is your home even ready to sell? Are there any repairs you want to make before you would consider selling? Sometimes even small upgrades or cosmetic changes can make a big difference. Are you ready to move? Moving is a major undertaking. It may take you weeks or months to pack up your belongings, especially if you have lived in your home for several years. Hiring a REALTOR® is always smart when considering any real estate transaction. A REALTOR® can discuss considerations like these to help you make the best decisions. Some REALTORS® even have earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation to help buyers over 50 sort through their options. All REALTORS® pledge to abide by a code of ethics, so you know that you have a professional in your corner who puts your interests first.

Sell or Stay After Retirement2022-08-02T01:15:31-05:00

Help Your Pets Adapt to Your New Home

2022-07-05T06:18:38-05:00

Moving into a new home can be equally exciting and disruptive—not just for you and your family but for your animals as well. Since pets are creatures of habit, changing the environment can cause anxiety. Here are four ways to make the transition to the new setting easier. Restrict Access In the beginning, limit access to certain rooms so that it isn’t so overwhelming. Take your pets on a tour of the available rooms and let them roll around to incorporate their own scent. Make it Familiar There may be a temptation to buy new things for the new space. However, it’s best to incorporate recognizable scents. Keep their bed, toys, cat tree, blanket, or other favorite items around. It can also help if you stay home as much as possible the first few days to make them feel more comfortable. Don’t Mess with Routines This isn’t the time to stop letting them sleep on the bed or change the type of food they eat. The key is to create consistency and stability. If your dog is used to walks at six in the morning and again at five, stick to it. The same goes for feeding time. Have Patience During the orientation period there may be bathroom accidents, excessive barking, or frequent hiding. Give your pets space and time to get acclimated. If needed, contact a veterinarian for additional coping strategies. Need a recommendation for a vet in the area? Check with your REALTOR®.

Help Your Pets Adapt to Your New Home2022-07-05T06:18:38-05:00

Tips on Moving From the City to the Suburbs

2021-10-26T09:22:33-05:00

Moving can be difficult in any circumstance, but transitioning from the city to the suburbs can be particularly challenging. Here are tips to help you transition between the two living environments. Take Time to Adjust Cities have a lot to offer, such as an abundance of jobs and entertainment. There’s also a certain culture in urban areas that make them special places. While suburbs have positive aspects that cities don’t, it’s normal to miss where you moved from. It may take time to adjust to the new environment, but don’t be too hard on yourself for missing your old stomping grounds. Get Involved and be Social Some argue it’s more difficult to meet people in the suburbs versus the city, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are plenty of ways to get involved in your new community and meet friends. Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to meet people and build new connections. You could also try going to local coffee shops, sitting at the bar at restaurants, and going to local events to mingle with the community. Another useful tool could also be joining social media groups in your area, such as your new neighborhood’s Facebook Group. Personalize Your Home Some say the home becomes a more central part of life in the suburbs compared to cities, so it’s important to make that space one you love. Spend time thinking about what décor, furniture, and personal touches you can add to make yourself comfortable in your new place. Pillows and pictures can add a lot more to a home than you may think—especially if it’s a place you’ll be spending a lot of time at. Get Used to Driving Because most cities offer public transportation and many conveniences within walking distance, having to drive places can be a big adjustment to suburban life. Be prepared to pay for gas and vehicle upkeep in your suburban lifestyle.

Tips on Moving From the City to the Suburbs2021-10-26T09:22:33-05:00

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets

2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

Moving is stressful—and not just for humans. Not only can animals sense your anxiety, they also dislike unpredictability. Here are suggestions to help your beloved companions have a smoother experience: Have a Travel Plan Coordinate how you will transport your pets ahead of time and give them a chance to get acclimated to the travel crate or carrier. Have treats, bathroom supplies, and a leash or harness ready for the trip. Also, reach out to your vet if you think they will need calming medication. Reduce Food Intake Prevent car sickness by not feeding your pet right before traveling. Instead, either feed them a few hours before or wait until you have reached your destination. Separate Your Pets from the Chaos Board your pets or put them into a closed room while your stuff is being moved out or into the new home. Keeping them confined will also protect them from accidentally getting out of the house. Reestablish Routine Ensure there are smells they recognize in the new home, so that your pets don’t feel completely out of place. For example, have their toys, favorite blanket, food, crate, or litter box nearby. Also, take your dog on walks with a leash around the neighborhood, and let your cats slowly explore the house to help them adapt to their new surroundings. And don’t forget, whether it’s finding a new vet, animal daycare, or different dog parks in the area, your REALTOR® can be an excellent resource.

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A Move

2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00

There are more than just logistical challenges when you move with children. Many kids feel emotional about leaving their friends or old home behind. Here are some common challenges kids face when moving and ways to help them feel more comfortable in their new place. When Your Child is Nervous About a New School … Coordinate a tour of the school before her first day so she can get familiar with the building. Introduce her to teachers and a few classmates so she’ll have connections on her first day. When Your Child is Upset About Leaving Friends Behind … Put together treats your child can use to remember her far-away friends. Include a photo album, frames, and other mementos from your child’s hometown. When Your Child is Worried the New City Won’t Have Familiar Activities … Get your REALTOR® to help you find out where your child can participate in the hobbies she enjoys. Whether she likes to play soccer or take art classes, Texas REALTOR® should be able to point you in the right direction for similar activities in your new location.

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A Move2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00
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