HREG Moving Guide: 7 Steps to a Painless Move

Whatever your reasons are for relocating to a new area, the process can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll be changing more than your address. Besides a new house, you may also be searching for new jobs, schools, doctors, restaurants, stores, service providers and more.

Of course, you’ll need to pack, make moving arrangements, and possibly sell your old home. With so much to do, you may be wondering: Where do I start?

In this moving guide, we outline seven steps to help you get prepared, get organized, and get settled in your new community. Our hope is to alleviate the hassle of relocating—so you can focus on the exciting adventure ahead!

1. Gather Information

If you’re unfamiliar with your new area, start by doing some research. Look for data on average housing prices, demographics, school rankings, and crime statistics. Search for maps that illustrate local geography, landmarks, public transportation routes, and major interstates. If you’re moving across the country, research climate and seasonal weather patterns.

Check out local newspapers and blogs for information on political issues and developments that could impact your new community. You may also want to search for Facebook Community Groups in your new area. These can be a great place to find information, ask questions, get recommendations, meet people, and just observe local attitudes and outlooks.

If you’re relocating for a job, find out if your new employer offers any relocation assistance. Many large corporations have a designated human resources professional to assist employees with relocation efforts, while others may contract this service out to a third-party. Some employers will also cover all or a portion of your relocation and moving costs.

By gathering this information upfront, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions down the road.

Let us know if you’d like assistance with your information gathering process. We have a wealth of knowledge about this area, and we keep a number of reports and statistics on file in our office. We would be happy to share information and answer any questions you may have.

2. Identify Your Ideal Neighborhoods

Once you’ve sufficiently researched your new area, you can start to identify your ideal neighborhoods.

The first step is to prioritize your “needs” and “wants.” Consider factors such as budget; commute time; quality of schools; crime rate; walkability; access to public transportation; proximity to restaurants, shopping, and place of worship; and neighborhood vibe. Check out our Community pages for a wealth of information on different counties, towns, neighborhoods, and even popular subdivisions that have much of this information in one convenient place to help you narrow your search.

If possible, visit the area in person to get a feel for the community. If you’re comfortable, strike up conversations with local residents and ask about their experiences living in the area.

Still not sure which neighborhood is the best fit for you and your family? Contact us and we will make some suggestions based on your desires and lifestyle. It’s usually the most efficient and effective way to narrow down your options. Or, if you’re moving out-of-town, we can refer you to a local agent who can help.

3. Find Your New Home (and Sell Your Old One)

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of preferred neighborhoods, it’s time to start looking for a home. If you haven’t already contacted a real estate agent, now is the time. We can search for current property listings that meet your needs, at no cost to you.

Create another list of “needs” and “wants,” but this time for your new home. Include your basic requirements for square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms, but also think about what other factors are important to you and your family. An updated kitchen? A large backyard? Double sinks in the master bathroom?

Narrow your list down to your top 10 and prioritize them in order of importance. This will give you a good starting point to begin your home search. Unless you have an unlimited budget, don’t expect to find a home with everything on your list. But having a prioritized list can help you (and your agent) understand which home features are the most important, and which ones you may be willing to sacrifice.

If you already own a home, you’ll also need to start the process of selling it or renting it out. We can help you evaluate your options based on current market conditions. We can also give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home so you know how much you can afford to spend on your new one.

As your agent, we can also advise you on how to time your sale and purchase. While some buyers are able to qualify for and cover the costs of two concurrent mortgages, many are not. There are a number of options available, and as a skilled agent, we can help you determine the best course given your circumstances.

We would love to assist you if you have plans to buy or sell a home in our area. Please contact us to schedule a free strategy session so we can discuss your unique needs and devise a custom plan to make your move as painless as possible. If you’re relocating outside of our area, we can help you find a trusted agent in your new city.

4. Prepare for Your Departure

While everyone considers packing a fundamental part of moving, we often overlook the emotional preparation that needs to take place. If you have children, this can be especially important. Communicate the move in an age-appropriate way, and if possible take them on a tour of your new home and neighborhood. This can alleviate some of the mystery and apprehension around the move.

Allow yourself plenty of time to pack up your belongings. Before you start, gather supplies, including boxes, tape, tissue paper, and bubble wrap. Begin with non-essentials—such as off-season clothes or holiday decorations—and sort items into four categories: take, trash, sell and donate/give away. Here ate Hillman Real Estate Group we work with a lot of charities like the Green Chair Project and Note in the Pocket that would be grateful to have your donations and those donations go directly to helping our local community.

To make the unpacking process easier, be sure to label the top and sides of boxes with helpful information, including contents, room, and any special instructions. Keep a master inventory list so you can refer back to it if something goes missing.

If you will be using a moving company, start researching and pricing your options. To ensure an accurate estimate of your final cost, it’s best to have them conduct an in-person walkthrough. Make sure you’re working with a reputable company, and avoid paying a large deposit before your belongings are delivered.

If you plan to drive to your new home, map out the route. And, if necessary, make arrangements for overnight accommodations along the way. If driving is not a good option, you may need to have your vehicles transported and make travel arrangements for you, your family and your pets.

Lastly, if you will be leaving friends or family behind, schedule final get-togethers before your departure. The last days before moving can be incredibly hectic, so make sure you block off some time in advance for proper goodbyes.

Looking for a reputable moving company? We have many vendors we have worked with, some which offer our clients exclusive discounts, as well as recommendations on where to procure packing supplies at the best price.

5. Prepare for Your Arrival

To make your transition go smoothly, prepare for your arrival well before moving day. Depending on how long your belongings will take to arrive, you may need to arrange for temporary hotel accommodations. If you plan to move in directly, pack an “essentials box” with everything you’ll need for the first couple of nights in your new home, such as toiletries, toilet paper, towels, linens, pajamas, cell phone chargers, snacks, pet food and a change of clothes. This will keep you from searching through boxes after an exhausting day of moving.

Arrange in advance for your utilities to be turned on, especially essentials like water, electricity, and gas. (And while you’re at it, schedule a shut-off date for your current utilities.) Ask us for a list of the local utility companies and their contact information. Update your address on all accounts and subscriptions and arrange to have your mail forwarded through the postal service. If you have children, register them for their new school or daycare and arrange for the transfer of any necessary records.

You may want to have the house professionally cleaned before moving in. And if you plan to remodel, paint or install new flooring, it’s easier to have it done before you bring in all of your belongings. However, it’s not always feasible without someone you trust locally who can supervise. We have vendors we know and trust that we would be happy to arrange for you. Another option is to keep a portion of your things in storage while you complete some of these projects.

If there are no window treatments, you may need to install some (or at least put up temporary privacy film), especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. And if appliances are missing, consider purchasing them ahead of time and arranging for delivery and installation shortly after you arrive. Just be sure to check measurements and installation instructions carefully so you aren’t stuck with an appliance that doesn’t fit or that requires costly modifications to your new home.

If you own a car, check the requirements for a driver’s license and vehicle registration in your new area and contact your insurance company to update your policy. If you will rely on public transportation, research options and schedules.

If you’re relocating to our area, we can help! We offer “VIP Relocation Assistance” to all of our buyer clients. Contact us for a list of preferred hotels, utility providers, housekeepers, contractors and more!

6. Get Settled In Your New Home

While staring at an endless pile of boxes can feel daunting, you should take advantage of this opportunity to make a fresh start. By creating a plan ahead of time, you can ensure your new house is thoughtfully laid out and well-organized.

If you followed our suggestion to pack an “essentials box” (see Step 5), you should have easy access to everything you’ll need to get you through the first couple of nights in your new home. This will allow you some breathing room to unpack your remaining items in a deliberate manner, instead of rushing through the process.

If you have young children, consider unpacking their rooms first. Seeing their familiar items can help them establish a sense of comfort and normalcy during a confusing time. Then move on to any items you use on a daily basis.

Pets can also get overwhelmed by new, unfamiliar space. Let them adjust to a single room first, which should include their favorite toys, treats, food and water bowl, and a litter box for cats. Once they seem comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to other rooms in the home.

As you unpack, make a list of items that need to be purchased so you’re not making multiple trips to the store. Also, start a list of needed repairs and installations. If you have a home warranty, find out what’s covered and the process for filing a service order.

Although you may be eager to get everything unpacked, it’s important to take occasional breaks. Have some fun, relax and explore your new hometown! Want some ideas for fun things to do in your town? Check out our Communities page for some ideas.

Need help with unpacking, organizing or decorating your new home? Contact us for a list of recommended professionals in our area. And when you’re ready to start exploring local “hot spots,” we’d love to fill you in on our favorite restaurants, stores, parks, and other attractions!

7. Get Involved In Your New Community

People who have recently moved tend to be isolated socially, more stressed, and less likely to participate in exercise and hobbies. However, there are ways to combat these negative effects.

First, get out and explore. Studies show recent movers were shown to spend less time on physical activities and more time on their computers, which has been proven to lead to feelings of depression and loneliness. Instead, get out of your house and investigate your new area. And if you travel on foot, you’ll gain the advantages of fresh air and exercise.

Combat feelings of isolation by making an effort to meet people in your new community. Find a local interest group, take a class, join a place of worship or volunteer for a cause. Great resources for these groups are Meetup.com and local Facebook Groups. Don’t wait for friends to come knocking on your door. Instead, go out and find them.

Finally, be a good neighbor. Make an effort to introduce yourself to your new neighbors, invite them over for coffee or dinner, and offer assistance when they need it. Once you’ve developed friendships and a support system within your new neighborhood, it will truly start to feel like home.

Want more ideas on how to get involved in your community? Download a free copy of our report, “10 Tips to Turn Your Neighborhood Into a Hometown Haven.”

LET’S GET MOVING

While moving is never easy, these seven steps offer an action plan to get you started on your new adventure. To avoid getting overwhelmed, focus on one step at a time. And don’t hesitate to ask for help! With a little preparation—and the right team of professionals to assist you—it is possible to have a positive relocation experience. Love checklists? Download our Seamless Move Checklist!

We specialize in assisting home buyers and sellers with a painless and stress-free relocation. Along with our referral network of movers, handymen, housekeepers, decorators, contractors, and other service providers, we can help take the hassle and headache out of your upcoming move. Give us a call at 919-877-6708 or email us at Renee@HREGSells.com to begin your move!

What Clients Say About Renee: Joe and Ann Monza

“We’ve known Renee since she started in the business and had no hesitation on who to call when we were ready to sell. She really knows her stuff inside out and is on the ball! She is not only a very smart business woman but also very personable. She definitely knows how to make great recommendations on things to do to ‘sell’, knows the market and how to move houses. We were blown away with the ‘Coming Soon’ strategy to build motivation and it worked! We highly recommend Renee when selling or buying. She’s top-notch!” — Joe and AnnMonza

The Monza’s selected Renee and the HREG team to market and sell their custom-built executive home in Cary’s Buckhurst West neighborhood.

To read more five-star reviews about Renee Hillman and Hillman Real Estate Group, check out these reviews at Realtor.com.

What Clients Say About Renee: Jeff Byzek

Thank you Jeff for allowing Hillman Real Estate Group to list and successfully sell your beautiful Cary, NC home! We appreciate your thoughtful review of our professional services and local market expertise:

“She knows the market so well and has forged so many relationships in the industry that she takes all the guesswork out of selling your house. I consider myself relatively clever, but I’ve got nothing on Renee when it comes to real estate. I couldn’t imagine a better experience.” — Jeff Byzek

Relocating to the Triangle: Get to Know the Area

When I talk to real estate buyers about relocating to the Triangle, one of the first things we have to figure out is which town checks the most boxes on their wish list for their next home.

“The Triangle” is actually a pretty wide geographic area that is made up of a wide variety of mid-size cities and small-town charm, including most notably, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, but also smaller suburbs like Cary, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, and Clayton.

Here is a quick sixty-second take on each locale, but if you want to talk more in-depth about what it’s like to call any of these areas home, give me a call at 919-868-4383 or email me at Renee@HREGSells.com!

Raleigh

Nearly 440,000 people call this North Carolina state capital city home. According to VisitRaleigh.com, the “city’s founding fathers called Raleigh the ‘City of Oaks’ and dedicated themselves to maintaining the area’s wooded tracts and grassy parks.” Downtown, you’ll find a wide variety of properties – from condos to single-family homes – and the trend continues, with an emphasis on apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, as you move out from the city’s center. Wake County Public School System is the school district for this town and you’ll find lots of colleges here, too, including NC State University, Meredith College, Wake Technical Community College, Shaw University, William Peace University, and more. Several private schools serve the Raleigh area, including Wake Christian Academy, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Ravenscroft, and others.

Durham

Almost 250,000 people call the “City of Medicine” home, as does Duke University and NC Central University. Durham is known for its creative workforce, arts and cultural influences, and a well-known foodie scene. Single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments are the most common types of homes you’ll find here, but there are some condominiums in the Downtown footprint, as well. Schools are operated by Durham Public Schools and many private options exist for elementary through high school, as well.

Cary

Well known as the headquarters for tech business giant SAS, Cary maintains a population of just over 150,000 and is known for its suburban living amenities: spacious single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments are the most common, often located near shopping centers and conveniences of nearby grocery stores, movie theaters, great schools, and more. Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System, but also offers private schools including Cary Academy.

Chapel Hill

Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as UNC Health Care, this quintessential “college town” packs in the southern charm, while having a smart focus on health-related careers and quality of life. The town’s population count sits at just below 60,000 residents. Here you’ll find lots of local art, independent retailers, and farm-to-fork dining options. Public schools are operated by Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools.

Apex

Regularly featured in national publications, Apex is known affectionately as the “Peak of Good Living” by its nearly 45,000 residents – and there are plenty of reasons to support that claim. In the historic downtown district, you’ll find lots of shops, award-winning restaurants, and locally-owned and operated service providers. Festivals and special events take place here year-round for residents who opt not to drive into nearby Raleigh, although it’s close enough to not be inconvenient for regular visits or daytime commuters. In Apex you’ll find lots of single-family home planned neighborhoods, townhome neighborhoods, and some apartment developments, too. (Check out our profile of a few popular neighborhoods here!) This is another Wake County Public School System area.

Wake Forest

Homes in Wake Forest may be located in Wake County or Franklin County based on the neighborhood or street address. The charming town located just north of Raleigh is home to nearly 35,000 residents and has grown tremendously in the last ten years. Its historic downtown district hosts numerous events and is great for enjoying small restaurants and independent retailers and recently renovated and repurposed “The Factory” is home shopping, restaurants, and lots of community recreation, as well. In Wake Forest, you’ll find a traditional mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and more apartment complexes as the area continues to grow. Homes here may fall in either the Wake County Public School System or Franklin County Schools.

Holly Springs

Nearly 30,000 residents call this popular Wake County suburb home! Holly Springs has become a popular destination for families and working professionals because of its close proximity to US-1, which connects drivers to other major Triangle roadways for workday commutes. You’ll find lots of community-organized cultural events, recreation programs, and even an occasional farmers’ market event. Here you’ll find mostly single-family homes, as well as townhomes developments and some apartment complexes. Homes in Holly Springs are in the Wake County Public School System.

Garner

Just shy of 30,000 residents have made their home in Garner, located just south of Downtown Raleigh and the first suburb of the city that you’ll meet on your way east on Highway 70 before you get to Clayton (the next town featured on this list). While Garner isn’t known as some of its suburban counterparts for a vibrant historic downtown district with shopping and restaurants, you will still find lots of modern comforts here including various shopping centers, an active parks and recreation program, and medical outposts by both UNC Rex Healthcare and WakeMed. Single-family homes are the dominant real estate listings here, with some townhomes/duplexes available and a few apartment complexes, especially closer to newer shopping centers. You’ll find listings in both Wake and Johnston counties here. Garner neighborhoods are included in the Wake County Public School System. Nearby, you’ll find Wake Christian Academy as a private school option.

Morrisville

Almost 22,000 people call Morrisville home – and it’s easy to see why. This Wake County suburb has super quick access to the Research Triangle Park, Durham, and Chapel Hill via the local highway infrastructure and its growth in the last decade has made way for lots of new home developments, shopping centers, and all the amenities you’d expect in a modern town. Homes in this area are also served by the Wake County Public School System.

Clayton

With close access via Highway 70 to Interstate 40, Clayton continues to be an increasingly popular destination for those who desire close access to Raleigh and the greater Triangle area, with more room to grow and the acreage to support it. Close to 20,000 residents are in this area within both mature and brand new builder neighborhoods. Clayton has a bit more of a rural vibe than other nearby suburbs because of its close proximity to counties where manufacturing and farming is more prevalent. Real estate listings here are in Johnston County. Homes here are within the Johnston County Schools system.

If you’re thinking about moving to any of these areas or have friends or family moving this way, my team of local market experts would love to help. Give us a call or email us anytime to set up a time to see just what this market has to offer!

Make Your Spring Move a Breeze with These Free and Low-Cost Moving Tips

Spring is a popular time for home buying and the resulting move that comes along with it. Although the winter weather we’ve had in the Triangle this week doesn’t make it feel too much like spring is coming soon, it’ll be here before you know it. So if you’re planning a spring move, read through these tips now and get to work early to make quick work of your next big move.

Spring Clean – Six Weeks Out: Before you pack a single thing for your move, clean up and clean out what you can first. Linen/hall closets, bedroom closets, attics, pantries, outdoor storage units and garages – in you’re being honest, they could probably all use a good purging. Trash what’s become unusable, donate what you no longer need that is still in good to great condition, and neatly put away the things you plan to take to your next home with you.

Keep an Eye out for Sales on Things You’ll Need to Buy – Four Weeks Out: Start watching for sales of Rubbermaid (and the like) storage containers at retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, etc. These not only make packing for a move easy, but are still useful for outdoor and attic storage once you’ve moved into your new digs. Buy them once for less than $10 each, keep them for life.

Get Quotes From Movers – Four to Three Weeks Out: If you’re considering hiring a moving company, now is the time to start getting quotes. Be sure to have all costs included in the quote, including any fees outside of labor like truck rental, packaging materials, travel costs, etc.

Collect Boxes & Moving Supplies – Three Weeks Out: Thanks to sites like Craigslist and Freecycle, one of the things you shouldn’t have to budget for if you plan accordingly is boxes. Businesses regularly allow pick-up of free boxes (ABC stores here in NC!) and many residents offer up boxes from recent moves rather than sending them out for trash and recycling. Spending money on packing peanuts and other materials also isn’t necessary if you consider what can pull double-duty in your move: dish towels, bedding, etc. all make for great buffer material between breakable items and the best part is you won’t have to send them to a landfill after unpacking.

Make An Inventory – Two Weeks Out: Will you need to rent a moving truck? Put it on the list. Got a friend who will let you borrow their truck — and maybe help lift those heavy items? Call to ask for their help early. Thinking about what pieces of furniture and which boxes will go in each room? Write it down now and label boxes you’ve already begun to pack.

Take It One Day at a Time – One Week Out: Who wants to spend the entire weekend before their move packing up the entire house or apartment? Nix the evening commitments and spend an hour or two each evening the week before your planned move-in date packing up one room at a time.

Those are my tips for making your next move as painless as possible. Got your own tips? Share them in the comments below – I can’t wait to read them!

Dealing with Financing

As the events of the last few years in the real estate industry show, people forget about the tremendous financial responsibility of purchasing a home at their peril. Here are a few tips for dealing with the dollar signs so that you can take down that “for sale” sign on your new home.

Get pre-approved. Sub-primes may be history, but you’ll probably still be shown homes you can’t actually afford. By getting pre-approved as a buyer, you can save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can’t afford. You can also put yourself in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Unlike pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history. By doing a thorough analysis of your actual spending power, you’ll be less likely to get in over your head.

Choose your mortgage carefully. Used to be the emphasis when it came to mortgages was on paying them off as soon as possible. Today, the debt the average person will accumulate due to credit cards, student loans, etc. means it’s better to opt for the 30-year mortgage instead of the 15-year. This way, you have a lower monthly payment, with the option of paying an additional principal when money is good. Additionally, when picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points (a portion of the interest that you pay at closing) in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you plan to stay in the house for a long time—and given the current real estate market, you should—taking the points will save you money.

Do your homework before bidding. Before you make an offer on a home, do some research on the sales trends of similar homes in the neighborhood with sites like Zillow. Consider especially sales of similar homes in the last three months. For instance, if homes have recently sold for 5 percent less than the asking price, your opening bid should probably be about 8 to 10 percent lower than what the seller is asking.

Preparing to Sell

Selling your home doesn′t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.

Repair. Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.

Neutralize. You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Repainting and reflooring will make everything look fresh and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.

Stage. Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Home stagers can add small details and décor touches that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks dated. Think of it as a little mascara and rouge—if it’s done right, you notice the beauty, not the makeup.

Relocating to the Big City

Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible.

Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you can, visit a city before moving and connect with someone who’s lived there before.

Have a plan. There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you’ll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven’t seen. If you can’t get there, find a friend or an employer to check for you. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’s insurance, and parking passes ahead of time as well.

Get involved. Meeting people in a big city can be daunting. Don’t expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive: city life is often too noisy and hectic. Take the initiative. If there are things you liked to do in your town, find ways to do those things in the city. Try new things. Volunteer. Big cities offer so many opportunities to engage other people, so find what you like.

Mind your wallet. City life is expensive. Everything costs more: food, insurance, clothes, rent. There are also a lot more ways to get ripped off, whether legally or criminally. Be careful how you spend, and know where your money is going.