Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Top 10 Ways That Moving to a New House Can Be a Disaster

From our ready Teri Jones: For more info: http://www.movingtips.org/blog/2011/top-10-ways-that-moving-to-a-new-house-can-be-a-disaster/

Who wouldn’t want to move into a new home? Take a minute to uncover the reality of new homeownership. Often, even when the mortgage is doable, there are many “extras” that you never had to deal with before, including house taxes, unforeseen costs from home repairs and higher electricity bills. While you no longer have a landlord asking for the late rent, owning your own home means that you are now your own landlord. Sometimes this doesn’t hit people until the kitchen faucet breaks for the third time, or it’s your responsibility to replace that overhead ceiling fan in the middle of summer. While there are many benefits of having a home to call your own (the space, designing it as you see fit, and not sharing a wall with three different neighbors!) there are many other factors to take into account before nose-diving into it.

Moving into a new home can be more expensive than you budgeted for. As opposed to an older home, new homes are placed on the market at escalating prices, so you’ll need to be prepared for that. If you’re not moving into your grandma’s home, chances are you will have competition of offers, and while you’re not the only one wanting to move into that new starter home in the suburbs, you will have to fight for it.
Broken down appliances and fixtures. Especially in new homes as opposed to older homes, you’ll want to keep the brand new appliances, condition of the walls and your door fixtures looking brand new or as much as possible for when you sell your home later on.
The chaos of confused movers and packers extends a 1-day task into several. Moving from your old place into your new place can cause a headache. Getting all of your ducks in a row for moving day is a lot of work but once the day comes and goes, you’ll be glad you were organized and thorough in your preparations. Moving companies also tend to charge by the hour, so being organized is a plus.
Going into deep debt. Moving to a new home involves a lot of unforeseen expenses. Some costs include food for the refrigerator, light bulbs, lawnmower, rugs, furniture, hardware, and more. Not to mention that cute lamp and that adorable bath mat and towel set that is just a little pricey. Little things add up!
Moving in your furniture only to move it again. Take a look at what your home needs before moving in! Does your new home need carpet or hardwood floors as opposed to what it already has? Does it need some color on the walls? Doing these preliminary changes before moving in can save you a lot of work later on.
Being disappointed once the deal is done. Be 100% sure this is the house of your dreams. With the many things you’ll have to deal with down the line, such as cost repairs of failing appliances and the amount of time alone you’ll spend here, it’s worth it to love your home in spite of all its minor inconveniences.
Leaving precious things behind or fragile things getting broken. Plan ahead and pack everything yourself! Although it can be a time intensive project, don’t hire or rely on friends, professionals or family to help you pack up your things. Otherwise, you may go crazy as you unpack and can’t find your dinner plates or family photos.
The moving company loses or breaks your furniture. Don’t hire the cheapest moving company. Spend money where it important to, like a reliable moving company that knows what they’re doing and won’t break your bed!
Someone gets lost in the caravan…unfortunately they have the only key. Make copies of keys. Prior to moving day, make sure you have plenty of key copies, but not too many. You want everyone in the family to have a copy, and make sure they work so you and your movers aren’t locked out on moving day.
Heat stroke, heart attack, or other injuries from using muscles you haven’t used in years. Take a breath. Pace yourself and get help when you need it. You’ve worked hard to get to moving day, and this is your moment to take a breather. Nobody deserves it more than a new homeowner!
While moving into a new home can be overwhelming at first, your new home will soon bring you all the joy, space and privacy you hoped for. Enjoy being your own landlord, painting the walls to your liking and most of all, relishing the fact that this home is yours for as long as you want it to be!

Posted in Moving News