Monthly Archives: May 2015

You’ve already found your dream home in your new town, even though your current home still has a big “For Sale sign” on it. Interested buyers come and go. But you’re ready to move on-now.

Before you make an offer and call the movers, take a deep breath and look at the big picture. Moving typically takes between six and nine months. In some markets, it can take as long as a year. It requires you to sell your home, buy a new home, and potentially find a short-term rental as you transition from one to the other. It requires you to store valuable items, figure out what to pack for the interim, and decide what you want professional movers to transport.

While we’ve reviewed packing checklists and offered detail-oriented recommendations, for this blog, we want to talk about the bigger picture of moving. For the sake of planning with enough wiggle room, lay out a six month-long moving timetable. Then, follow these simple steps to preserve your peace of mind as the moving process unfolds.

1. Coordinate Your Home’s Sale with the Purchase of Your New Home

Many people get so excited about moving that they buy the first house they fall in love with, and do so before they sell their current house. This can be a recipe for disaster,

especially for families. Two mortgages represents a major financial commitment. Even if you can reasonably afford to pay for two homes, the logistics of negotiating two sales at once are very time-consuming.

Before you jump the gun and buy a new home, talk to your real estate broker about how you can speed up the sale of your home. Often, that may mean lowering your asking price. Once you have sold your home, it may mean you stay with your in-laws. Or, it may mean you rent a condo while you negotiate the purchase of your new home. However, your patience can save you much needed time and money.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Transition

Buying and selling homes involves more than a transfer of money. Mortgage applications, home inspections, lawyer visits, and price negotiations are only a handful of things on your to-do list. Most people dramatically underestimate how long these things take-up to three months-and how much mental and emotional energy they expend during each of part of this process.

Make a list of every single meeting you have to have and add them to the six-month timetable. Cut out any meeting that’s not 100% necessary. Safeguard your time, and don’t overdo it. If you and your spouse can split the workload, do so to avoid either of you getting overwhelmed.

Focus first on everything you need to do to facilitate your home’s sale. Once it is sold, then it’s time to start packing.

3. Start the Moving Process As Earlier As Possible

Organize all forms of identification, financial statements, and other important documents before you start packing. You don’t want to be searching through closed boxes for your tax returns or your children’s birth certificates. Next, pack the clothes, toiletries, and comfort items that you feel you need for your interim location. Typically, it’s best to pack a month’s worth of items.

Now, start thinking about moving day, even if it’s still three months away. Give yourself two weeks to sort through what you should pack versus what the movers should pack. A moving professional can advise you on what you should keep with you, what the movers should take care of, and how best to prepare for moving day.

When you’re relocating, it can be easy to get bogged down in the details. Instead, follow our guidelines to stay focused on the big picture of moving. And remember, it’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon.

When your employer asks you to make a temporary relocation, you can expect a lot of advantages. Often, employers will reward individuals willing to make the sacrifice with a bonus or job promotion. That being said, this situation also presents a few concerns. You may wonder what to take with you, where to live, and more.

If you worry about committing to a relocation, rest assured that the transition can be made smoothly. The information below will serve as your survival guide as you make a decision and move forward with the process.

Negotiating Your Arrangement

If you hope to make the most of your temp relocation, negotiations are a key step. As we’ve said, employers will often reward relocated employees for their sacrifice. Maximize your incentives by asking for the following:

• A Paid Visit to the New Location. You’ll want to scout schools and find a place to live prior to making your move. Feel free to ask your employer if he or she will fund a short visit to the new location.
• Compensation for Your Move. Don’t feel shy about asking for financial compensation during your move. Your employer may help with the costs of travel and hiring a moving company. Just make sure to keep your requests within reason.
  
• A Bonus or Higher Salary. The way a company treats their relocating employees will often impact their recruiting efforts. For this reason, you may expect to obtain some sort of bonus or raised salary.

The key to getting what you want in a negotiation is making your case. If your employer sees your requests as an investment, they will more likely meet your needs. Take the time to explain how the money you ask for will ultimately benefit the company.

Deciding What to Take with You

If you’ve settled on an agreement and decided to temporarily relocate, the next step will involve packing. Depending on your situation, you may need to bring only a few things or all of your belongings. As you determine what you need, these tips will help:

Tip #1: Plan on the Essentials

At the very least, you’ll have to take a few essential items with you. Necessary medication, personal documents (SSC, birth certificate, etc.) and your business wardrobe represent a few of the items on your checklist.

Tip #2: Consider Your Climate

When the move is only temporary, there’s no need to take your entire closet. Consider your climate as you decide what clothing to take and leave behind. You should also ask yourself which recreational activities you’ll participate in. Will you need your golf clubs or skis?

Tip #3: Find Out about Your Living Arrangement

Perhaps the most important step will involve learning about your new living arrangement. Will your space be furnished or unfurnished? If furnished, you can go ahead and find a storage solution for your current furniture.

Finding a Temporary Living Arrangement

Your employer may determine living arrangement. If, however, the responsibility is left in your hands, consider the following options:

• Normal Hotels. If your temporary relocation only lasts for a few weeks to a month, a regular hotel may be the answer. Keep in mind that this solution costs the most and doesn’t offer amenities such as a laundry room.
• Extended-Stay Hotels. If your stay lasts longer than a month, consider an extended-stay hotel as your solution. With these facilities, you’ll have the advantage of a kitchen and shared laundry room.
• Rental Apartment or Home. Finally, a rental apartment or home will be your best choice. That is, if you can find a rental agreement that fits your timeline. This solution will allow for optimal comfort and allow you access to features such as cable TV and internet.

Finding a living solution is not easy, so you’ll want to get started on this step as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns, get in touch with local resources. A moving company or real estate agent will be able to lend a helping hand.