Real Estate
So you have kids... and you want to move... what's the big deal?
Moving with kids is no walk in the park. Brittany Purcell offers tips on how to make it a quick jog on a slight incline.
So you have kids... and you want to move... what's the big deal?
Likely, you're just like me and you've decided it's time to move and you're wondering "how in the world am I going to do this?" Well, lucky for you... I've already been there and done that. Below are a few tips to help you get ready to sell your house (while raising children), do it quickly, and maintain your sanity.
The House
- Start the repairs and aesthetic fixes first. (1-2 months before getting ready to list)
- Replace the weather stripping
- Paint the doors
- Do any repairs you have put off because you didn't care
- Have the major systems inspected and serviced now (check for termites, check HVAC etc)
- Dump it: you know what I'm talking about... the stuff you forgot was even in that cabinet or closet. And you KNOW no one else wants it. Dump it.
- Sell it/Donate it: The stuff you no longer need, wear, or remembered existed - start out selling it (classified ads, yard sale, social media), and what doesn't get purchased gets taken to goodwill.
- Pack What's left: Next season's clothes? Your kids 14 million outfits they either no longer fit in or don't wear? Pack it up. You're moving anyway... right? Pack it in boxes and get ready to store it if you don't have a garage.
- Everything left can stay IF it has a place. And that place better not be the middle of the floor ;-)
Keeping it clean
- A strategy that worked nicely for us was only leaving out 7-10 combined outfits. Especially for the kids. That means less piles of laundry, easy clothing selection in the mornings, and overall easier lives during the week. Wish I had thought of it sooner.
- Clean every night. You're going to be making beds and spot checking every morning - don't save the big stuff for the morning you find out you have a showing.
Moving
- Half of your stuff is now trashed, sold, donated, or packed away. This is a piece of cake. Start at LEAST 2 weeks before moving. If you can get a POD or a rental truck you can keep for a while, you can stagger the loading and unloading.
- Hire babysitters for the day of moving. I'm not kidding. Pay them well, and feed them well.
Once you've gotten through all of this, the rest is between you and your realtor. Choose wisely - the right person can relieve 80% of your stress in the transition.
Can I serve you? We have partnering teams across the country and we may be able to align you with a great realtor with a great reputation. Feel free to reach out!
Happy Moving!
Brittany PurcellCEO, Realtor, Associate Broker, Free-Spirited Southerner
706.389.0907
