Mav Realty

It’s not hard to see why moving ranks among the most stressful experiences a person has to go through. Depending on how far you’re moving, and how much stuff you own, moving can consume several days -- or even an entire week. Organization is critical before and during the move, but also afterward. Unpacking and settling in aren’t tasks to be taken lightly, and defining your priorities beforehand can make the process much smoother.

Set Up the Basics

Unless you’re moving to a desert island, you'll need power, heat and electricity. For most people, cable and internet access fall under the category of essential items, too.

• Set up an account with your local energy company, water supply provider and waste management service operator. Some places combine services, but you want to make sure you establish the necessary accounts before you wake up and find your water turned off.
• Depending on your location, the utility company may offer a limited grace period before canceling your services.

Correct Those Annoying Hardware Problems

When purchasing new real estate, the items you’ll actually need aren't always obvious, until you move in. Loose doorknobs, torn window screens and burned out light bulbs can make it hard to settle into your new home.

• Take an inventory of all the things you need and confirm that they’re available at the local hardware store.
• Ask a friend with a sturdy truck to help you move large, cumbersome items, such as BBQ's, sheetrock or air conditioners. You’ll spend a lot less time making multiple trips to the store if you can load everything into the back of his Chevrolet Silverado in Arizona.

Add Your Own Colors

Choosing your own colors helps personalize your new home, and can liven up the entire atmosphere. Bringing in furniture and accessories immediately after moving might seem convenient, but it will ultimately make painting the walls that much more difficult when you have to rearrange everything all over again.

• Make painting a priority by setting up only the most basic furniture, and delving deeply into color samples.
• Check with your landlord before painting the inside of your house; ask your homeowners’ association before changing the exterior.

Must-Have Furniture

Things you never needed in your previous home can become necessities in your new place. For example, maybe your previous residence had sprawling bathroom counter tops, while your new place has only a pedestal sink. In that case, extra storage shelves become essential.

• Purchasing new furniture items such as an above-the-toilet bathroom rack or a bookshelf allows you to unpack, and neatly store, the contents of many boxes.
• Enlist the help of a friend, or rent a truck, to cart your new merchandise home.

Learn the Territory

If you’re unfamiliar with your new city, learning the location of essentials like a hospital, train station, gym, etc. can help you feel less disoriented. You’ll eventually need to know the location of all these places, so you may as well establish yourself now.

• Make an appointment with your new physician.
• Ask your real estate agent for a "welcome packet" of relevant materials about schools, parking and HOA rules.

Meet Your Neighbors

Some neighborhoods experience tons of resident turnover, while others keep the same population for decades. Introducing yourself to your neighbors is a great way to learn about the area and make new friends.

• Ask for recommendations about local services or home contractors that you anticipate needing to hire in the future.
• Host a barbecue and invite your new neighbors and their families.

Adam Tarr PC
Citywide Real Estate
Phoenix,AZ
480-236-7374