HOW TO BUDGET FOR A LONG-DISTANCE MOVE

Downsizing even the word can create fear, anxiety, and insecurity to the home owner or their family members because it can be a major change to your life!  Going from a familiar, comfortable environment into the unknown.And yet, you may know you want or need to start considering a transition.  The house you now reside in is too large or does not work well for your current needs.  The demands that come with it are cleaning, repairs, maintenance, yard work, and other items youd prefer not to do or maybe cannot do any longer.  And the amount of stuff that has accumulated over the years needs to be dealt with.Like anything else, the more you discover about home downsizing, the better your result will be!Thats the goal of this article.  Through more than 25 years of working with seniors and their families that want or need to downsize a house and move to senior living, weve learned a great deal to help make the transition easier. Downsizing can be more difficult than it needs to be if you dont take the time to become familiar with the many facets involved in moving to a smaller living accommodation. This article contains specific items on the ins and outs, the do's and donts, what to avoid and what to embrace, so that after youve made the transition to senior living, youll be in a better place.Mistake #1: Failing To See the Big PictureMany who decide to downsize dont realize soon enough that it is a two-sided equation.  They have decided to sell their house, however they dont have a clear picture of what the selling process involves and secondly, where they will move to.Theres an old saying putting the cart before the horse, and for some people this definitely applies when downsizing their house.  Because of this, it is very important that you fully think out and decide where youre heading.Some options include:A smaller houseA condoAn apartmentMoving in with an adult childA senior community (independent living, assisted living, or other)There are choices, and as you consider downsizing your house, it helps to figure out your next step.  In addition, you will want to know, once you decide to make a move, theres actually availability where you want to be.  An example here is youve decided to relocate into an apartment community in a particular neighborhood, but you discover there are no vacancies at this time.  Its not uncommon for highly desired communities to have a waitlist.Do you have a plan B?  You may need one.  Other than the option of moving in with an adult child, there will always be the question of availability, so before you start packing, youll need to know.Knowing this information will provide some peace of mind as you start your home downsizing journey. Mistake #2: Not Assembling a Strong TeamTo win in sports, it takes a team effort from a group of dedicated people.  Even in individual sports, athletes must rely on a coach and a trainer, among others as part of their team.The same team concept holds true when selling your house and downsizing.  Earlier, we asked an important question to consider: where will you be going?  The answer serves as the end result to the downsizing process.  However, there are a multitude of other questions/scenarios to consider, which will cover in this article.  For now, let's focus on what you must do to place yourself in the best possible position to achieve your goals.First, who is going to be the leader of your team?  This should likely be a real estate professional who is highly experienced with home downsizing scenarios.  Some things to consider when selecting this professional:Does this person have a track record of accomplishment, specifically working with seniors and their families and the particular needs you have?Is this person familiar with the various home downsizing options so that they can provide outstanding guidance and direction to help decide the best options for you?Can they offer good advice of what you need to do to get your house ready for sale so its attractive to potential buyers?Will the real estate professional know the local market well enough, understanding realistic values and potential values of your house and the neighborhood?Will they be able to give you realistic expectations of what you may NET from the sale of your house in its as is as well as potential value?There are other factors involved in this process, but choosing the right real estate professional is a key decision in creating a good home downsizing team. Mistake #3: Getting OverwhelmedThe age old question goes like this:  How do you eat an elephant?  The answer: One bite at a time!The same applies with downsizing your house.  If you stop and think about all thats involved, youre likely to get overwhelmed.  Yes, theres a lot to do, but as with the item above, you just take it one step at a time. Again, this is where having a trusted, experienced real estate professional who is a specialist at downsizing can be a major asset.  They can guide you through this transition.  It's important to have a game-plan in place, a roadmap if you will, to follow.  This in itself, will give you some peace of mind and comfort during the process.  Some things to take note of:What repairs or deferred maintenance needs to be done to put your house in a good sellable condition?Whats the best way to market your house?Do you have accurate pricing and valuation information for your house?Are you going to live in the house until its sold, or find other living arrangements?All of the above are important items to consider.  Each will have a definite bearing on the process of selling your house.Along these lines, in particular, is the last bullet point, regarding whether you plan to stay in the house or move out.  If it is the former and you will be living in the house while selling, then be aware of a common mistake many sellers make.This will be covered next and is a key item in getting your house sold in a timely fashion.  Failing to adhere to this will potentially put you at a major disadvantage with potential home buyers!Mistake #4:  Not Seeing the Forest for the TreesIt's your house, which you know like the back of your hand.  Because of this, its easy to be lulled into a trap.  You walk through the various rooms and do so with the blinders that come with being the owner.  Here you arent always able to step back and see what is there.  In a word:CLUTTERPotential buyers want to image what the home will look like with their things in it.  Items such as furniture, pictures, and their personal keepsakes enter into a buyers visualization process.  Because of this, every place where you have something displayed makes it more difficult for the potential buyer to put their stuff into the picture.Unless you are planning on moving during the selling process, this is something you (and potential buyers) will have to deal with.  However, all is not lost!The answer is to remove as many things as possible, especially those items which can cause a negative imprint of the space.  Do what you can to not have overcrowded rooms or rooms with too much stuff.Your real estate professional can provide guidance in order to make sure your house looks its very best!  It may also be beneficial to consult with a professional home stager, someone that can help present your house to attract potential buyers.If nothing else, your real estate professional can serve as a fresh set of eyes to help get your house sold.  Its all about making your house as attractive as possible so that potential buyers see your house as where they want to live!Mistake #5: Unrealistic ExpectationsExpectations.  We all have them, no matter the circumstances.  It's human nature!  We think about the given situation and our mind forms an opinion, or expectation.Its the same with the process of selling a house and downsizing.  Expectations can become more clear once youve set a clear path for where you are heading.  Here, you will be able to see first-hand where you will be living.The second part of the scenario is more out of your control.  Thats because the potential buyer of your house will have a say-so in what you will actually NET from the sale.You can certainly ask whatever you want for the property.  It's your right as the owner.  That said, there is usually a asking price and the selling price.  Then there is the actual net amount you will receive from the transaction.Many sellers think with their heard and not their head when formulating the initial asking price.  Thats because they get emotional in regard to the property.  It's understandable.  Its the sellers home.  It's likely a family was raised in the house.  You may have owned the property for literally decades and created many memories.For many, all these thoughts influence the asking price.  Again, this is normal.  However, the bottom line is that this is a business transaction.  Indeed, you as the seller are trying to get every possible dollar from the sale.In the end though, the market will dictate the price for the property, and it is up to you to decide if that amount is acceptable. Mistake #6: Not Being Open to All PossibilitiesAs the home owner, you will be the final decision maker as to what you will or will not accept for the house.  Having a real estate professional can help in determining what that amount will be in order for you to accept the result and move on.The real estate professional can research what comparable houses have sold for in your neighborhood in the recent past.  They can also see whats currently on the market (your competition), and what was on the market but didnt sell.  They will also be able to show you the condition of these houses.  All of this is very good information to have! Part of the decision regarding an asking price may be based on how quickly you want or need to move.  It may be a result of a health-related matter, or that the apartment or senior community is available right now and may not be in the near future.  There are often factors that contribute to the timetable to sell and move.Did you know that there are other options available to sell your house, in its current as is condition, and at a fair price?  There are professional home buyers that provide benefits that may be of value to you and your unique needs and be just what you are looking for!Here again, a real estate professional that has experience working with home owners and their families wanting or needing to downsize can help to provide the benefits or negatives or the various selling options.It certainly doesnt hurt to explore the various options to sell your house, whether you are wanting to make a move in the next few days, weeks, or months.Your goal is a smooth transition, where when all is said and done, you are satisfied with the outcome, no matter who the buyer is!Mistake #7: Fear Of the UnknownOne things for sure the decision to sell your house and downsize means you are in for a visit into unchartered territory. If you are planning to move in with an adult child, this may not be as much as an unknown as the other options.Otherwise, youll be looking at a smaller house, condo, apartment, or some type of senior community. Rest assured that many people, just like you, have gone through the downsizing process and made it successfully to the other side.  They are living a life where they know they made the right decision for them.The unknowns can certainly be scary, but it can also be an exciting and rewarding experience. The right real estate professional can be an important and valuable resource to make this process go as smoothly and stress-free as possible.  If youd like to discuss your options, and how Home Downsizing Solutions can help with your specific situation, just let us know!  With our 25+ years of downsizing experience, we are confident that we can help!

As we grow older, the desire and sometimes need for a different and safer living arrangement increases.  That new living arrangement may be a smaller home, moving in with a family member, apartment community, or other senior living arrangement.  It may also include staying in the house were already living in, with some modifications to provide a better living environment.If the decision is to sell your house and move, this article will cover the 5 critical steps needed to sell your house and downsize.Assess Your Current Living SituationBefore looking for a new living arrangement, it's important to assess your current situation, needs, and future needs if possible.  Take a realistic look at your health, mobility, and any medical conditions that may require special care and attention.  Do you need help with activities like bathing, dressing, or making meals?  Do you need medication management or help with medical equipment?Make a list of your needs and desires to help you determine what level of care you need now or may likely need in the future.  This will help determine what type of living arrangement will be best for you.Research Living Arrangement OptionsOnce youve determined your needs and preferences, youll be better prepared to research your living arrangement options.  Is a smaller home or apartment community a good option?  Or is a senior community, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, or continuing care community (a community that have different levels of care that can adapt to your needs) a better option?Look for a living arrangement or community that best fits your needs and preferences, that are hopefully located in areas that you want to be in and are close to services that you want or will need.  Often times, a knowledgeable senior placement agent can play an important role in helping locate a community that will fit your needs.Preparing Your House for SaleTypically, the next step is to get your house ready for sale.  This can include decluttering (getting rid of the sometimes decades of stuff that has accumulated in the house), getting a whole house inspection to discover known and unknown issues with the house that potential buyers will discover, making any necessary repairs and updates the house may need, and making the house inviting to potential buyers.What do I do with the stuff is usually the most common statement I hear.  But taking care of the stuff and depersonalizing the house, so that the house is inviting to potential buyers are important steps when selling a house in a traditional manner.If your house hasnt been updated in the last several years, you may need to decide if you will need to find contractors to update the house to what most home buyers expect in the current market, or price the house accordingly if the repairs and updates are not done.Locating The Right Real Estate ProfessionalI would recommend interviewing a few different real estate professionals to see what type of service is best for your specific situation.  Note- a friend or relative that happens to have a real estate license may not be your best choice.If your house is in great condition or you want and are able to get the house into a nice retail condition, and dont mind showings with strangers in your house or the other potential challenges that can go along with Listing a house, a great real estate agent may be your best solution.If you prefer to not do any repairs or updates, dont want to handle or deal with the stuff thats not important to you, dont want to get and keep the house in show ready condition, dont want strangers in your house, and want more control over the closing date and how long you can stay in the house, a trusted and experienced home buying company like Home Downsizing Solutions home buyers may be a great solution.The Move to Your New HomeOnce you have the sale of your house taken care of, it's time to make the move!You can start by creating a moving plan and schedule.  This can include going through your house, room by room, and identifying the items you want to take with you and ensuring they will fit in your new accommodations.  A senior moving/organizing company can help with sorting your stuff if needed.If you have enough good stuff that you dont want to take with you, you may want to contact a local estate sale company to monetize and get the most value from those items.When it comes time to pack and move, you and your family will need to determine if you have the abilities and resources for these tasks, or if its best to contact a local move manager and moving company that are specialists when it comes to downsizing and moving to senior living.And dont forget to notify utility companies, the post office, and others about the change in service and your new address.Downsizing and moving to new accommodations may be challenging, but with the right guidance and resources, can be rewarding and result in a better and more enjoyable life and lifestyle.For additional information on how to sell your house and downsize, just go to www.HomeDownsizingSolutions.com

In Florida, the subtropical climate can pose unique challenges during a move, especially due to high humidity and heat levels. Proper packing is essential to protect your belongings from weather related damage, such as warping, mold, or mildew.The Essentials of Effective Packing: Tools and MaterialsWhen planning a move in Venice, FL, having the right packing supplies can make the difference between a stressful relocation and a smooth transition. Heres a list of essential packing materials and tips on how to use them effectively:List of Necessary Packing Supplies:Moving Boxes: Invest in sturdy boxes of various sizes. Consider specialty boxes for items like dishes or wardrobe.Bubble Wrap: Protects fragile items by cushioning.Packing Tape: A strong packing tape ensures that boxes are securely sealed.Labeling Materials: Use markers and labels to clearly identify the contents and handling instructions.Furniture Covers: These protect furniture from scratches, dust, and moisture.Eco-Friendly Packing Tips:Biodegradable Bubble Wrap: Made from recycled materials and decomposes naturally.Cardboard Boxes: Opt for recycled or FSC-certified boxes.Cornstarch Packing Peanuts: An eco-friendly alternative to Styrofoam peanuts.How to Estimate Packing Supplies:Room Size Calculation: For a small apartment, you might need approximately 20-30 boxes, while a larger home could require 60-70. Adjust based on the number of items you own.Special Items: Allocate extra materials for artwork, electronics, or other valuables.Room-by-Room Packing GuidePacking can be overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to start. Here are some effective packing methods to help you pack your Venice, FL home efficiently:Kitchen Packing:Fragile Items: Wrap dishes, glasses, and other fragile kitchenware individually with bubble wrap and pack them in sturdy boxes.Appliances: Clean and dry all appliances before packing. Use the original boxes if available or strong boxes with plenty of padding.Pantries: Seal perishable items tightly and use plastic bins for transport to avoid pests.Bedroom Packing:Clothes: For quick packing and easy unpacking, consider using wardrobe boxes that allow you to simply transfer hangers directly from your closet.Bedding and Linens: Use vacuum seal bags to save space and protect against moisture.Furniture: Dismantle furniture if possible. Wrap pieces in furniture pads or blankets to protect during the move.Living Area Packing:Electronics: Use original packaging for TVs, stereos, and computers. If not available, wrap items in anti-static bubble wrap.Decorations: Wrap pictures and mirrors in bubble wrap and box them up with clear labels indicating "Fragile."Books and DVDs: Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines. Use small boxes to keep weight manageable.Bathroom Packing:Toiletries: Prevent spills by sealing caps with tape. Pack toiletries in waterproof bags or containers.Medications: Keep medications accessible and in a clearly marked container.Towels: Can be used as cushioning for other fragile items throughout the house.Special Items Packing: Art, Antiques, and MoreWhen moving to or from Venice, FL, special care needs to be taken with items that are irreplaceable or have significant emotional or financial value. Here are specific techniques and recommendations for packing art, antiques, and other valuables that require specialty move:Artwork Packing:Protection: Wrap paintings and framed art in glassine paper, which prevents sticking and moisture damage, followed by bubble wrap for cushioning.Boxes: Use mirror boxes or custom-sized crates for large or unusually shaped pieces. Ensure there is little room for movement within the box.Antique Furniture:Disassembly: Remove any pieces that can be detached, such as table legs or shelves, to prevent stress during transport.Wrapping: Use soft, clean blankets or specialty furniture pads to wrap the pieces. Avoid plastic wraps directly on surfaces, especially wood, as it can trap moisture.Transport: Ensure that the moving team is aware of the item's value and fragility for careful handling.Special Collections (Coins, Stamps, etc.):Secure Containers: Use lockable, hard-shell cases for transport. These cases should be small enough to carry by hand if valuable or extremely delicate.Climate Considerations: Consider a portable climate-controlled solution if the collection is sensitive to temperature or humidity changes.Recommendations for Extra Services:Insurance: Always get additional moving insurance for high-value items. This could be through your moving company or a third-party insurer.Professional Packing: For extremely valuable or large items, consider hiring professionals specialized in packing and transporting fine art or antiques.Unpacking Strategy: Setting PrioritiesPacking and unpacking in your new Venice, FL home can be as daunting, but with a clear strategy, you can make the process efficient and stress-free. Heres how to set priorities and approach unpacking:Prioritize by Necessity:Essentials First: Begin with the boxes containing daily necessities like toiletries, basic kitchenware, and bedding. This helps you maintain normal routines from day one.Set Up Essential Services: Ensure utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are established to make the house livable immediately.Logical Room Order:Kitchen: Often the hub of daily activity, setting up the kitchen can help restore family routines and provide a sense of normalcy.Bedrooms: After a long day of unpacking, a good nights sleep is crucial. Set up the beds and unpack personal items in the bedrooms next.Bathrooms: Functional bathrooms are essential. Make sure these are set up with toiletries, towels, and medications.Unpacking Tips for Efficiency:Zone Creation: Divide your new home into zones and focus on one zone at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed.Label Utilization: Refer to the labels on your boxes that were carefully crafted during packing. This helps in quickly finding and placing items where they belong.Family Involvement: Assign tasks to family members based on age and ability. This not only speeds up the process but also helps everyone feel involved in the new beginning.Room-by-Room UnpackingUnpacking your belongings strategically in your new home in Venice, FL, can significantly affect how quickly you settle into your new space. Heres a guide to effectively unpack room by room:Kitchen Unpacking:Appliances First: Set up major appliances like your refrigerator and stove to make meal preparation possible.Everyday Items: Unpack everyday dishes, utensils, and cookware. Organize cabinets as you go to avoid reorganizing later.Bedroom Unpacking:Assemble Furniture: Begin with assembling beds and arranging the major pieces of furniture.Clothes and Personal Items: Unpack clothes and personal items next, organizing your closet and dresser as you go.Living Room Unpacking:Large Furniture: Position sofas, chairs, and entertainment centers first. This establishes the layout of the room.Electronics and Books: Set up the television, sound systems, and bookshelves. Sort books and media to their designated places.Bathroom Unpacking:Essentials: Start by setting up shower curtains, toiletries, and towels.Storage Solutions: Install any shelves or storage units for toiletries and cleaning supplies.Childrens Rooms:Familiar Setup: Try to arrange furniture and dcor similarly to their previous room to ease the transition.Toys and Books: Unpack toys and books early to help children feel settled and entertained.Home Office:Desk Setup: Begin by setting up your desk and chair, prioritizing the arrangement of your working space.Technology and Documents: Unpack and connect essential technology like computers and printers. Organize documents and supplies.Adjusting to Florida: Post-Move Settling TipsMoving to a new city like Venice, FL, involves more than just unpacking boxes and setting up furniture. Here are some tips to help you adjust and integrate into your new community effectively:Connect with Local Services and Amenities:Utility Services: Ensure all essential services like water, electricity, and gas are fully operational and registered in your name.Local Authorities: Register with local government offices if necessary, especially for voting and community services.Explore the Community:Local Organizations: Join local organizations or groups based on your interests. This could be anything from sports clubs to arts councils.Community Events: Participate in community events to meet neighbors and learn more about the local culture and activities.Settling-in Strategies:Schools: If you have children, liaise with their new schools. Attend meetings and events to familiarize your family with the educational environment.Doctors and Dentists: Register with a local doctor and dentist. Having healthcare arrangements in place provides peace of mind.Fun Activities in Venice, FL:Beaches and Parks: Explore Venices beautiful beaches and public parks. Its a great way to relax and appreciate your new surroundings.Historical Sites: Visit local historical sites and museums to connect with the history of the area and its development.Why Choose Master Movers for Your FL RelocationChoosing the right moving company is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition to your new home in Venice, FL. At Master Movers, we pride ourselves not only on our moving expertise but also on our deep commitment to customer satisfaction. Heres why you should consider us, Master Movers, for your upcoming move:Local Knowledge:Area Expertise: With years of experience in Venice, we understand the unique challenges and needs of moving in this area. From navigating local regulations to handling the humid climate, we've got you covered.Comprehensive Services:Full-Service Packages: From packing to unpacking, we offer comprehensive services to handle every aspect of your move. Our "Movers With Manners" pledge guarantees respect and care for all your belongings.Specialty Item Handling: We are skilled in handling antiques, art, and other valuables, ensuring they reach your new home safely.Choosing Master Movers Movers with Manners means opting for a stress-free move managed by local experts who care deeply about making your transition as smooth as possible. Our commitment to quality service and community values makes us your ideal partner for relocating to FL.