Home Resource Preparing to MOVE |
Whether you are planning a move just across town or a longdistance move across the country, being “PREPARED” is the key word. But where to start, and what to do first – now, this is often the dilemma.
Most people moving into the “Lowcountry” are excited about their move because of the weather, beautiful environment and recreational amenities. They may be moving because of a career opportunity and can be faced with considerations for their family such as schools, the best neighborhoods and the basic adjustments a family must make. No matter what the actual reason may be, the research and gathering of necessary information is essential.
Now that almost everyone owns a computer, or has access to one, making use of the Internet can be most helpful in your move to a new area. Check out The Chamber of Commerce (www.hiltonheadisland.org), real estate companies, moving companies, the Town of Hilton Head Island (www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov) and some general sites such as www.moving.com and www.monstermoving.com.
A few things to research include the cost of living, tax rates, average home costs, property tax information, population, air quality, seasonal weather information, average power costs and crime conditions.
MOVING SERVICES
One important aspect of your move is the choice of services for the actual move. Who should you use? A local move is just as important as a long-distance one, and the common mistake many people make is to depend on friends or family.
If your budget allows you to use a professional moving company, then by all means, alleviate the stress, and hand over that responsibility to a good company. Now, how do you choose the best company? You can use the Internet for the basic information, but personal references are always the best resource. Be sureto ask questions and make notes when getting actual quotes from moving companies, and have your questions prepared ahead of time. Get as much explained in writing as possible, and get at least three quotes.
Who should you turn to for the best help and advice during a move to a new area? Many builders in the area have interior designers that not only work as a liaison for you and your builder, but also live here and can offer insight into this very special part of the country. Also, your real estate agent can be helpful and refer various service-oriented companies to you. Some real estate companies have new services available specifically for their client’s “move.” One of these is called the “Moving Coach” and is offered to work on the more personal details for moving to a new town. In speaking with local realtors, they commented on offering their client’s special insight and advice because Hilton Head is basically a “small town” but many of your new neighbors might also be new to the area. Making their clients feel a part of the community is what they try to achieve. This is when you will want to explore what your Homeowner’s Association offers to the residents in your new neighborhood, or in Hilton Head it’s known as your “plantation.” Research the following services while you are preparing to move: banks, doctors, home security, insurance companies, dentists, lawn care, cable service, power & gas service, houses of worship, newspapsers and magazines, schools, newcomers clubs, post offices and your P.O.A. office.
SORTING THROUGH THE STUFF
Before you get quotes for that important move across the country, it is an especially good time to evaluate your current furniture and all that wonderful “stuff” you have accumulated through the years. Consider sofas, chairs, beds, large or old TV’s and worn out items as possible “Garage Sale” or donation items. Keep any beautiful antiques you own because with the current trend of eclectic decorating, it will probably work somewhere in the new home. Or consider offering a few of those items to your adult children so they can have a piece of their history to enjoy. Now, when it comes to your attic – clean it out first if at all possible. Just like most of us, there will be items up there that you haven’t seen or needed in years! If you can eliminate these items, it will reduce the cost of your move along with packing and storage.
THOSE ENDLESS BOXES
The moving company can do packing, and it’s a great service to consider. If you plan to do this yourself, there are some great tips on the web site www.moving-supply.com. Just be sure whoever packs the boxes clearly marks each one with the room you prefer to have them placed in. Ask to have “no boxes” in the kitchen. This will make life more pleasant during the crazy move-in day. Supervising the move yourself is always wise because a careless worker could place items in the wrong area, and it’s best to have it corrected while the movers are there. Also, watch to see that all items on your inventory appear to be unloaded.
ELECTRONICS & SPECIAL WIRING
Many homeowners are trying to prepare their home for electronics such as computers, fax machines, Internet connection, home entertainment centers and the usual phones. If you are purchasing an older home, you should check to see what is currently in the home and consider adding more phone lines and additional wiring. Be sure to consult with specialists in this field.
STORAGE EVALUATION
One thing you’ll want to consider in your new home is storage space. Sometimes adding shelving to a closet or choosing a “closet specialist” to redesign your closets is a tremendous way to improve your new home. Also, inspect the garage to see if it will accommodate your needs. The kitchen is often the more complicated project, and remodeling will be much more involved. If you have time to update with new hardware or a few new cabinets, then definitely consider that as a priority. A totally remodeled kitchen can take several months. New appliances should be considered if you can tell the age and condition is questionable. Those items can be purchased and installed before the move.
CAREFUL DECORATING DECISIONS
Be sure you don’t make a rushed decision and paint all of the walls off-white. If time does not allow for carefully thought-out decisions, save the money and paint later. This is your home and you will be happier to get advice from professionals that will have a complete plan in mind for each room. Many mistakes have been made by homeowners that feel rushed into a decision. The process of planning and decorating your home should be fun and rewarding. It is best to wait if you are unsure.
Evaluating what to do in the way of “decorating the new home” can seem overwhelming to most people. This is a good time to select an interior designer from the area you are moving to. Establishing a relationship with a local designer is important because each area is unique and it’s extremely helpful to get good referrals from businesses they have used locally and trust. Also, you can set up the priorities for each decorating project and a plan that may take up to a year to complete.
One item to put at the top of your list of priorities is privacy for the windows in your home. Many homes in our area have an abundance of windows for views of the lovely landscapes. But a few rooms need privacy and sun control such as bedrooms and bathrooms. So, having custom window shades or blinds could be especially nice in those first few weeks in a new home. Local home improvement stores have reasonably priced shades and blinds if you are considering doing it yourself.
If you can possibly look at this move as an opportunity to re-think your lifestyle and add an element of simplicity, low-maintenance and efficiency, it truly becomes a positive change. Maybe this is the perfect time to create an atmosphere in your home you have always dreamed of. Our community is rather casual and “low key”, so have fun with your decorating and include colors and fabrics that make you happy. Make careful decisions and create a home that reflects your interests and personality. Moving does not have to be a “Nightmare” if you stay focused on all the positive changes you are making. Remember to get the advice and guidance where you need it and prepare for an “Adventure”.
