 |
|
New House Tips - Advice Article
|
Browse home loans, check rates, and quickly compare payments.
Get great deals and fast, friendly service
at E-Loan, the #1 online lender.
Pick your best loan deal, then get approved in five minutes!
Click here to
Check Current Rates (opens
in new window) |
Before You Move, Clear Out The Clutter
dan the roommate man
One of the biggest hassles of moving to a new apartment is packing, and unpacking-- your belongings. While it's tempting to just throw everything in any box, packing isn't that straight-forward. Breakables and odd-sized items need to be protected, boxes need to be light enough to lift and carry and items that are housed in various rooms need to travel together.
One terrific way to make packing and unpacking much easier (and save money on your moving costs) is to clean house and clear out the clutter before you even begin to pack. There's simply no reason to go on storing things you'll really never use, especially when you're investing the time and money to move those things to your new home.
Disposal options are many and include giving things to family, friends and neighbors, donating things to charitable organizations and selling things at a yard or garage sale. The garage sale is a popular choice because it brings in some extra cash for any unanticipated moving expenses.
Place an classified ad announcing the garage sale in your local newspaper, open your event early in the morning and be prepared to sell your belongings for much less than you paid for them. People will buy just about anything at a yard sale, but they usually expect a hefty discount on stuff that's been used. The items for sale should be cleaned, reasonably priced (use small round stickers) and attractively displayed.
If you want to price things right and get the most money for your stuff, visit a few other sales in your neighborhood before you hold your own. Ask the people holding the sale how they determined their prices and how well various categories of goods (e.g., books, clothing, toys) are selling. Then price your own items accordingly.
If you want to dispose of expensive electronic gear, sporting equipment or recent-year designer clothing, consider offering the items at a consignment store. These stores have become more up-scale in recent years and they offer a neat way to sell your more valuable but used belongings at a fair price. Check the telephone directory for consignment shops in your area.
Other tips and reminders:
# Get receipts for your donations, so you can take an income tax deduction.
# Take all hazardous wastes (e.g., motor oil, leftover paint, spent batteries) to the designated drop-off area in your community.
# Don't stock up on groceries or personal care items right before you move. Instead, use up your canned goods, frozen foods and spare boxes of tissues, so you won't have to move them to your new home. Then restock after you've moved and unpacked.
# Many professional movers don't handle open liquor bottles, so you'll have to give those away to your neighbors, transport them yourself (be mindful of vehicle code rules on this one) or have a party.
# If you really can't bear to part with your unused belongings, consider a storage facility. Be sure to ask about access hours, key control, lighting, climate control and security at the storage site.
Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people find roommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 or www.roommateexpress.com |
Related Pages
Listing Agents Role
- The role of the real estate listing agent in selling your home - How using the
right listing agent will sell your home fast.
Showing Your House
- Quick tips on getting your house ready to show in ten minutes - How to show
your house the right way.
Closing Costs
Explained - Information about home loans closing costs and good faith
estimates provided by lenders within three days of your mortgage application.
What Is Escrow
- Explanation of what is escrow - Title escrow company process explained - List
of duties for buyer, seller, and escrow agent.
Down Payment
Leverage - Avoid PMI with a two-loan strategy. How to grow your equity faster.
Home Loan Online
- Discover the best ways to get the lowest rates - Links for checking current rates.
Loan Directory - Complete home loans directory for thousands of loan products,
companies, brokers, and lenders. Search our loan directory by keyword or by
category for complete listings of all things related to mortgages, home equity
loans, refinance, and more.
In The News
|
|
|
|
