On the Move

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By Linda Kralik, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/ Drysdale Properties, Resident since 1984

As I began to write this article about moving, I thought about all of the moves I have made since moving into Blackhawk thirty four years ago. The last recorded move brought the count up to 15 times. Yes, I have moved 15 times within the span of years since moving to Blackhawk in 1984. The math on that makes it about once every 2 years. And one time, I actually moved twice in one year due to a gas leak in the rental home we had leased while building one of four customs! Actually, moving these many times did have some advantages. It forced me to really take stock in what I owned and evaluate the importance and cost of keeping it either in storage or stowed in a garage. As I began my Real Estate career in 1987 the realization that the years of moving gave me great insight for my clients. They have benefited from my experience in the preparation, timing, evaluation, and necessities of moving. Whether you are moving out or moving in, here are some helpful tips to make Moving Day run smoother.

TIMING: Consider the day of your move. Is it on garbage pickup day? Is it near a holiday? Where is the delivery? When truck arrives? (review one and two above). Make certain you are not in conflict with garbage pick-up day when all the waste bins are lining the curbs making it impossible for the moving van to park along side of the home. Also, be aware of the length of the truck and warn your neighbors of any impeding blockage of driveways, etc. Contact the HOA, if there is one, in case of any restriction over holiday weekends. And do the same procedures for where the delivery of your moving van is going.

EVALUATION: In getting ready for the move, take the time to evaluate what you want to move. Why pay the moving fee for something you have no intention of every using again? Or those boxes of your children’s goods that they never claimed. Give kids an ultimatum: “ Please come get your keepsakes and goods by (a certain date) or they will be donated to someone or a charitable cause who can use them.” Then do it! And be as ruthless with your own keepsakes, because it is a sure bet that keeping them for your kids will not be wise. Most times the “kids” do not want the things anyway. If there has been an expressed interest, that is something else, but in general the next generation has enough of their own keepsake and treasures without burdening them with yours.

PREPARATION: Be ready! If you have packed your own boxes, have them marked appropriately and on more than one side of the box. Remember, the movers do not know what might appear obvious to you. A well-marked box will arrive in the right room for unpacking. For arrival at the new destination, have the rooms well delineated so movers can identify which box to which room. A box marked MISC. has no home.

NECESSITIES: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON! Be flexible. You will be called in many directions during the actual move, so be ready to multi-task. Have several extra moving boxes and your box strapper and black marking pen in a handy place. Keep out some rags and cleaner spray for any last minute cleaning. Make sure you have lots of bottled water handy for you and for the crew, everyone needs to stay well hydrated. And take time out for lunch. And most importantly, know where your car keys are so that they are not stuffed in some last minute box by mistake.

That’s it. Hope these handy moving hints make your next move smoother.

Linda Kralik, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices