Tips Blog

Have you got a move planned for the near future, or are you helping someone who does? Check out our top 15 tips to make your move easier:

1.     Keep an inventory of the number of boxes packed and what is inside each. Clearly label each box with a number and contents label.

2.    Supplies, supplies, supplies – if you’re moving without the help of professional movers, or if you are doing the packing yourself and a professional is doing the actual moving, purchase more boxes, tape and packing supplies than you think you’ll need. You’ll likely  want to have on hand: boxes, scissors, tape, garbage bags (both for garbage and for packing items that may not fit easily in a box such as a comforter.)

3.    Ask around for  used  boxes – a friend, or friend-of-a-friend may have recently moved and have a garage full, just waiting to be taken.

4.    Don’t pack too much in one box, making the box too heavy or unwieldy.

5.    Book boxes, which can  be  sometimes be found in a bookstore’s dumpster, work great for packing as they are sturdy and sized so you can’t pack too much and make the box too heavy.

6.    On the day of the move,  we suggest wearing  an apron with large pockets so that you can keep markers, tape and your packing list handy at all times.

7.    Keep items together that go together: Pack wires & remote controls with the TV, picture hooks and nails can be taped to the frame,  and if furniture comes apart, pack all parts together.

8.    Pack ahead – pack everything you won’t need during or immediately before you move: Your out-of-season clothes, your cooking utensils (except the few you may need for the last meal or two), etc.

9.    Consolidate cleaning supplies so you aren’t moving 4 half-empty containers of the same thin. For long-haul moving, you’ll need to give your half-used cleaning supplies to a neighbor and start over at your new destination. By law, moving companies won’t take chemicals. (see http://www.mayflower.com/moving/full-service-movers/moving-tips/nonallowables.htm)

10. Keep your valuable possessions & important papers with you and not on the moving van.

11. Take digital photos of the set-up of electronics such as entertainment systems so that hooking them back up at your new destination will be easier.

12. Use towels, t-shirts and soft clothing to wrap dishes – dishes, clothing and towels stay clean and can be unpacked and stored without re-washing.

13. Move on a weekday when banks, business offices and utilities are open.

14. Keep a utility log of when you’ve requested turn-off and turn-on of utilities at both locations.

15. Leave pets with a friend on moving day.

More moving tips and ideas can be found at: http://www.movers-edge.com/101-Best-Moving-Tips-s/29.htm, http://interiordec.about.com/od/moving/a/org_movetips.htm, http://www.flylady.net/pages/flying_movingtips.asp, http://www.uhaul.com/tips/, http://www.movinghints.com/

Another list of top cities to buy a house, another fantastic showing for Austin, Texas.  Forbes came out with a list of the Best Cities to Buy a Home and you guessed it, Austin was number 2 on that list!  The article states:

The University of Texas campus provides young blood and research-related jobs to No. 2 city Austin. This state capitol is a hip area on the rise. The vacancy rate has fallen by 37.5% in the last 24 months to just 1.5%, despite a lot of building in recent years. And buying isn’t much more expensive than renting. An average mortgage payment is $1,022.40, and average rent hits $767.

Here, a whopping 98.5% of homes are filled, and that small sliver of vacancy is thinning. Home prices, meanwhile, have surged from $163,800 in 2005, to $183,700 in 2007.  A trendy art and music scene–the city plays host to music festivals South by Southwest and Austin City Limits–makes it an affordable place to live for any culture vulture. 

With so many great things going for Austin, don’t you think it’s time to make yourself a permanent resident?

There are always lots of opportunities in the Austin housing market. We are always pleased to talk with you about selling or buying homes. We want you to buy or sell only when it is right for you. Call or email us if we may be of service Info@CarolDochenRealtors.com

We do a lot of work with buyers moving into Austin from other Texas cities and many from out of state. Relocating can be very stressful. In addtion to adjusting to a new home and new job situation you have a whole new city to learn and adjust to. Realtor.com offers these helpful suggestions:
 
1) Push yourself slightly beyond your basic comfort zone. Pick an activity to do each week that you would not naturally do.
2) Volunteer-many of my dearest friends here are people I met through my various community service and volunteer activities. You’ll do something to help someone in need and maybe make a new friend in the process!
3) Join a club-try something totally new or renew an old interest. That way you’ll meet people right off the bat with a common interest.
4) Find a common-interest support network. This could range from a play group for your kids, to a health condition support group or church or synagogue group.
5) Call someone new. If you have a friend who knows someone in your new town, call them. Meet for coffee and get their take on your new community.
6) Buy a map and start exploring. In Austin, pick up a Thursday Austin American Statesman and look at the XL Guide. It’s always loaded with fun things going on that weekend.
 
Most of all realize that this is a stressful time and cut yourself some slack!
 
There are always lots of opportunities in the Austin housing market. We are always pleased to talk with you about selling or buying homes. We want you to buy or sell only when it is right for you. Call or email us if we may be of service Info@CarolDochenRealtors.com