Here are the top 10 things you don’t want to forget when you move…

1. Personal Records
   • Family Medical Records (including dental and immunization information)
   • Copies of any prescriptions to take to new pharmacy (or call your pharmacy to have them transferred)
   • Veterinary Records for your dogs/cats
   • Children’s School Records (check with their new school to see if photocopies are sufficient, or if they must have a raised seal)
2. Financial Accounts
   • Call your bank before you move to check if there’s a branch in your new hometown.  If you’re going to have to change banks, it’s wise to open a checking account about a month before you move so you have immediate access to your funds…remember, some retailers will not take out-of-town checks.
   • If you’re changing to a new account, make sure you cancel any automatic payments made from your old account…Bounced payments can negatively affect your credit score.
3. Your New Address and Contact Info
   • Keep a copy of your new address and contact information in your wallet/purse
   • Make sure you label any important items with this new info (ie. pet tags, luggage, etc.)
4. Snail Mail Forwarding
   • Even though it sometimes feels that the only thing that comes in the mail are bills and junk mail, you still need to forward your mail to your new address.  You can easily do this online or at your local post office.
5. Library Books, Gym Memberships, etc.
   • Don’t forget to return your library books, cancel (or change your address for) newspapers & magazines, and cancel your gym membership.
6. Cleaners, Tailors, Etc.
   • Make sure you pick up everything being cleaned/repaired/stored, including dry cleaning, shoes, watches, etc.
7. Hidden Items
   • Remember to collect any hidden valuables or other items you may have around the house…especially that wad of cash under the loose floorboard (Don’t you wish!).
8. Spare Keys
   • You may have spare keys with a neighbor or hidden outside under a rock/doormat…make sure you collect all those and either destroy them or pass them along to the new owner.  I’m sure you’d appreciate knowing that the previous owners of your new home did the same.
9. Garage Door Opener
   • Remember to take “the clicker” out of your car and pass it along to the new tenant/owner.  You don’t want to have to deal with sending it back once you’ve moved.
10. Trash
    • It may seem obvious, but after you move out, you’ll want to dispose of any trash and do a final cleaning.  Not only for courtesy, but if you’re renting, you may wind up losing your security deposit, if the landlord has to do this for you.

There you have it!  Ready to plan your move?  Call BoxCart Moving & Storage at (703) 263-3300 or email us at info@boxcart.com.

First Priorities

Your top concern when you move into a new home must be safety and security:

• Doors.  Do all the locks and keys work?  Consider upgrading exterior door locks to deadbolts and adding peep holes and privacy chains.
• Windows.  How easily can windows be pried open from outside?  Install sash locks, key locks, and window stops to block intruders.
• Lighting.  Are all entry areas well-lit?  Install additional exterior lights or upgrade to motion-sensing fixtures.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Is there a working smoke detector on every floor?  put a carbon monoxide detector near every bedroom.

Second Priorities

With safety and security issues addressed, you can turn to broken and damaged stuff.  Your home inspection may have revealed structural elements or systems that need repair.  If the seller didn’t fix these, your next priority is to fix or replace the following key elements:

• Roof, windows, doors, and walls
• Plumbing elements and fixtures
• Electrical wiring and fixtures
• Heating/cooling system

Third Priorities

With your home safe and operational, it’s time for the fun to begin!  Figure out what you need, want, and would like to do throughout your home by conducting a Project Planning Tour:

1. Walk through each room in your home, as well as outdoor spaces.  Assess surfaces, fixtures, major appliances, and built-in structures.
2. Write the name of each room at the top of a sheet of paper and divide the page into fourths or create a multi-sectional document on your computer.  Create a list in each section, detailing:
   1. Things to Fix
   2. Things to Improve
   3. Things to Update
   4. Things to Add
3. After you create a list for a room, set your priorities.  What do you consider the most important project in the room?  The second most important?  What can you live with for a while?
4. Think about how you can accomplish the projects on your lists:
   1. Note the projects you can do yourself
   2. Note the projects family or friends can help with
   3. Note the projects you’ll have to hire out
   4. Note the projects you can afford now and those you need to save for later or take out a home loan to complete
5. Compare lists for various rooms and note the top projects for each space.  Further prioritize your projects for the whole house.  Make an overall top 10 list of the projects you’ll tackle first.

Ready to make your move or need to store your belongings while you tackle some of the projects you listed above? BoxCart Moving & Storage can help.  Give us a call at (703) 263-3300 or email us at: info@boxcart.com.  We’re ready and waiting to help you with all your moving and storage needs.

Staging Secrets: Top 10 Ways to Wow Potential Buyers at Every Showing

Staging sells houses.  If you can’t hire a stager, there are several ways you can stay ahead of the curve and catch potential buyers the moment they step in your house.  Broker Rob Howard has learned the importance of preparing for showings, and here are his top 10 tips.

1. Nothing Personal But Remove the Photos:  People can be very photogenic, but many clients are distracted by portraits of the sellers, and miss out on key selling points of the home.  As an amateur photographer, I love displaying my work, but if I’m selling my house, art will be displayed without people in it.  No matter how nice the display, personal photos are just that: too personal.
2. Accentuate the Positive:  My clients usually know what they like best about their home.  It’s usually what they saw that made them want to buy, or it’s something they added to make the home particularly special.  Whether it is a staircase, a great view from the kitchen sink, a pergola, or a three-car garage, do something to make the buyers linger in that magic space.
3. Smells Like Home:  I’ve heard of many real estate agents bringing in a toaster oven to bake cookies or fresh bread.  One colleague joked about keeping an Easy-Bake oven in the trunk of her car.  I usually opt for a few plug-in air fresheners.  I like using vanilla in the kitchen, fresh scents in the laundry, apple cinnamon in the living room, and such.  Specific aromas add a theme to the tour, even when it’s not an open house.
4. Ditch the Kitsch and Hide Your Opinions:  My favorite example of unnecessary and unwelcome kitsch is the pink pig sitting on the fridge door asking if you’re eating again.  It oinks when your potential buyer opens the refrigerator.  This an other comical quips are great fun when you’re living in your home, not when you’re trying to sell it.  Especially avoid politically charged material that expresses strong opinions.  You don’t want a potential buyer to dislike you for your beliefs, so remove all questionable material out of sight.
5. Clean Up Your Act:  If you are selling your house, cleaning is a no-brainer.  And clutter is a killer.  Get a head start on packing and begin boxing up extras that are taking up space on your mantel, table surfaces, etc.  Clutter makes a house look smaller, and if you have a small house, it makes it feel claustrophobic.  Not advantageous to a quick or profitable sale.
6. Embrace the Quietude:  When showing a home, music is not necessarily a bad thing.  If you don’t know the potential buyer and their taste in music, don’t push yours.  If you are going to pay music, be sure it doesn’t have vocals.  Avoid niche music; not everyone loves hard rock or country and western.  If you are set on having music playing in the background for viewings, opt for soft jazz playing at a low-level.  Unless you have the music-only channels, keep the television turned off.  It’s a distraction.
7. Paint the Story:  A coat or two of paint is always a good investment.  If you decide to make the effort, consider flat paint in areas for resting and relaxing.  You can add some colors, but neutral is always best.  Satin paint is great for common areas and places where there is a bit more action taking place.  It’s also easier to clean if someone spills some tomato soup on the wall.
8. “Debarkation”: Pet-Proof the Pad:  If you have pets, especially indoor pets, make sure that during your listing period, you are particularly fastidious in cleaning up after them.  Ask a good friend (or your real estate agent), who will tell you the truth, to come by and give it the sniff test.  Also, if you have pets and are trying to sell your home, the purchase of a few air purifiers may also be a good investment.  Consider buyers with pet allergies.
9. Show Off the Goods:  Consider placing laser-printed cards on items that remain with the home.  Such things could include high-end appliances, dumb-waiters, laundry chutes, built-in sound systems and other goodies.  These inexpensive cards are an under-utilized way to bring attention to such selling features.  Don’t overdo it though; no more than 5-10 cards in an average-sized home.  Be sure to lock up or take jewelry and other valuables with you.
10. Go Away:  No buyers want to discuss your home while you are standing there.  On average, my clients spend about 20-30 minutes in a home that has some promise; very few stay more than 5 minutes in a house with the seller in earshot.  If nothing else, go outside on the porch or in the yard, and let the home speak for itself.

Rob Howard is a real estate agent and broker in Knoxville, Tennessee and has been buying, selling, and renting homes for more than 10 years.  He advocates the well-executed open house: If it’s well-priced and beautiful, it will sell itself!  For more real estate tips, visit www.robsellsknoxville.com.

Ready to plan your move?  Give BoxCart Moving & Storage a call at (703) 263-3300 or email us at info@BoxCart.com.  We’re eager to help!

• If you’re moving from state to state, sometimes your plants aren’t allowed to move with you.  So, before you take plants with you, find out what species are allowed into your new state or country, before you attempt to smuggle them in unknowingly.
• Most movers will not cover damage to plants.  Plants are too fragile and are very likely to suffer from the move.  Some moving companies will not even allow plans on their trucks.  Ask before you move if the company has any rules on plants.
• One option is to move the plants yourself.  Get some sturdy boxes, line them with plastic and place your plant inside.  Stuff bubble wrap or foam cushioning between the pot and the box to make sure your plant doesn’t shift or tip during the move.  Put them in the back seat of your car, with taller plants positioned on the floor.  This will give you some comfort knowing you can keep an eye on them.  Just make sure if you have to spend a night in a motel, that you check the weather.  Cold temperatures can damage fragile plants, so to be safe, move them indoors with you.
• If you’ve planned your move well, you should have time to re-pot your plants into plastic containers.  Just remember that your plants need time to adjust and recuperate from re-potting, so do this a few weeks in advance of the move.
• Tall plants should be bagged or wrapped in plastic.  Just make sure you poke some holes in the plastic to let your plants breathe.
• If you want to take some of your outdoor plants with you, but don’t want to deplete the new owner’s garden, take some cuttings.  Purchase some floral tubes, fill them with water, then cap them.  This should ensure that your cuttings arrive ready for your new home and garden.
• When your plants arrive at your new home, make sure you remove the plastic immediately, take them out of their boxes and give them some water and plant food.  If you had transplanted them into plastic containers and you want to put them back into their original pots, make sure you wait a week before doing this.  Moving plants is very hard on them.  You don’t want to over-stress them by changing their location, then re-potting them.  This could result in stunted growth or even death.
• Observe any garden plants that you plant at your new home.  Difference in soil, climate and air quality will have an effect on their health.  Keep a watch on their progress and call in some local help if you’re having problems.

Ready to plan your move?  Call BoxCart Moving & Storage at (703) 263-3300 or email us at info@boxcart.com.

CLIMATE CONTROL:

BoxCart Moving Company provides the Ultimate Climate Control, including Air-Conditioning, Heat, and Humidity Control. PODS storage units do not.

CONVENIENT & AFFORDABLE:

BoxCart Moving Company provides storage units conveniently sized to hold 1-1 ½ rooms of belongings, so you can order only as much storage as you need. PODS storage units are 12’ and 16’, requiring you to have potentially unusable storage space.

100% STEEL CONTAINERS:

BoxCart Moving Company’s storage units are 100% steel & weatherproof, providing you with added security & peace of mind. PODS storage units are made of fiberglass with plywood floors.

CONVENIENT PLACEMENT:

BoxCart Moving Company uses a forklift delivery system, allowing our portable storage units to be placed in tight spaces that PODS storage units cannot.

CUSTOMIZABLE MOVING SERVICES:

BoxCart Moving Company provides a range of moving services (packing, loading containers or units, direct moves with or without storage), all using our own employees. PODS strictly provides portable storage delivery & pick-up, and any labor is contracted out to a 3rd party.

BoxCart® is not associated, sponsored by, or affiliated with PODS Enterprises, Inc. PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS Enterprises, Inc.

Forbes.com Interactive Moving Map

Source: Internal Revenue Service data. The IRS only reports inter-county moves for more than 10 people, so some moves are not shown on this map.

Ready to plan your move?  Give BoxCart Moving & Storage a call at (703) 263-3300 or email us at: info@boxcart.com.

Keep up the Routine

• Try to stick to your pets’ regular schedule of feeding, exercise, and playtime. This will minimize the disruption to your pet, hopefully reducing any potential problems down the road.

Showing your Home

• If you’re selling your home, you’re going to have lots of people (realtors, potential buyers, workmen, etc.) all entering your home at various times. Make plans to confine your pet in a safe place, or it may even be wise to have your pet stay with a friend during these times, if you have an especially anxious or sensitive animal.

Check-Up

• Plan to visit your vet for a check-up and to receive any upcoming inoculations for your pets.
• Ask for a copy of your pets’ vet records, so you can give this information to your new vet, and you’ll likely need proof of inoculations when registering your pet in your new city/county/state.
• If you have a very anxious or nervous pet, it may be wise to talk to your vet about sedatives, but make sure you tell your vet how you plan to travel (they’re not recommended for any means of transportation during which time you cannot watch them carefully, ie. Air travel).

Regulations

• Do some research before you move regarding requirements for pets moved into your new city/county/state. Most areas have license fees, leash laws, and other pet restrictions…best to know this upfront, so you’re prepared.

Pet ID

• Make sure your pet’s collar has proper identification with your name and emergency contact information, in addition to the rabies tag. Include your cell phone number and/or the number of a friend or family member who would be easy to reach while you’re en route to your new home.
• You may also want to consider chip identification, since you’re going to be in a new place. Ask your vet for details on chip ID.

Transportation

• If air travel is necessary, contact the airlines for rules, regulations, fees, and carrier requirements. Do this well in advance, as pet approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If you’re moving by car, make a list of things you’ll need for your pets’ “travel kit” (carrier/crate, food & water dishes, favorite toys, water, food, and treats). If your pet is not used to riding in the car, practice with short trips around the neighborhood or have them go with you while you run the tons of errands you’ll have before your move.
• Plan your trip ahead of time…knowing your driving route will allow you to research and pre-book hotels/motels that are pet-friendly. Make sure to ask if the room has easy access to the outside, in case of late-night bathroom breaks.

Moving In

• Dogs: Immediately walk your dog around your new neighborhood, so he/she becomes familiar with the new area. Maintain regular feeding/walking schedules to make them feel like they’re home. Before you let your dog outside alone, make sure all fences/gates are secure, and/or that you’ve adequately set boundaries within your yard to reduce the risk of your dog(s) running away.
• Cats: Cats can become easily overwhelmed by new spaces…try to limit the number of rooms the cat is allowed in to allow them time to gradually explore their new environment. Keep familiar items close at hand during the move, and don’t let your cat outside until he/she is familiar with the new environment. This should reduce the risk of your cat running away.

Getting Settled

• Although it may be tempting to get your pet new beds/dishes/etc. to coordinate with your new surroundings or decor, it’s better to use your pets’ familiar items to start with, until the animals are used to your new home.

Ready to plan your move?  Call BoxCart Moving & Storage at (703) 263-3300, or email us at: info@boxcart.com.  We look forward to hearing from you (and your furry friends).

Ready to plan your move?  Let BoxCart Moving & Storage (and our beagle) help!  Call us at (703) 263-3300 or send us an email at: info@boxcart.com.

• Before the movers arrive, do a walk-through of your house and make sure all your “DO NOT MOVE” items are in their specially-marked room or closet in your house, and that all’s set for the movers to start loading up the truck.
• When the movers arrive, do a walk-through with the crew leader to point out any items needing special care, any areas of the house to be especially careful with, etc.
• Now just stay out of the way, but remain available if the crew has any questions. If you’re so inclined, it never hurts to provide beverages and snacks to keep the guys going throughout the move.  They’ll greatly appreciate it!
• When your old residence is all loaded and you’re about to head to the new place, make sure to do another walk-through with the crew leader…check cabinets, closets, etc. to make sure nothing was accidentally left behind.
• When you get to your new residence, do a walk-through with the crew leader to show him where the different rooms are, then direct the guys as they bring each box/piece of furniture inside.
• Last but not least…you guessed it…one final walk-through with the crew leader to make sure the boxes are in the right rooms, the beds and other furniture items are all re-assembled properly, etc. This includes walking out and looking in the truck to make sure nothing was accidentally left behind. 
• Actually, I was mistaken…one last thing…sit back, relax, pour yourself a cold drink and give yourself a pat on the back…you survived moving day!

You’re done!  Wasn’t that easy?!  Need some help planning your move?  Call BoxCart Moving & Storage at (703) 263-3300 or email us at info@boxcart.com.  We’re here to help!

• Pack a “survival kit” for each person in your household…for what to include, see The Essentials…Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
• Place all items not to be moved in a separate area (closet or bathroom is good) and clearly label “DO NOT MOVE” on the door.  Don’t forget to put the following in this specially marked area: KEYS!!, phone, purse, wallet, checkbook, address book, your “survival kit” for each person, small electronics (ie. iPods, mp3 players, camera).
• Transfer any prescriptions to your new pharmacy.
• Transfer newspaper delivery to your new address.
• Use up any perishable food items and defrost all refrigerators and freezers.  Time for a party!! 
• Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammables such as paint, varnish, and thinners; gasoline; kerosene and oil; bottled gas; aerosol cans; nail polish and remover; ammunition and explosives; corrosives; and cleaning fluids and detergents.
• If you’re not planning to move your plants, now may be a good time to hand them off to your friend or neighbor – watering plants will likely not be your 1st priority this week!

Now that you’ve made it through one of the toughest weeks of your life, stay tuned for tomorrow for tips on the big move day!

Ready to plan your move?  BoxCart Moving & Storage is here to help you!  Give us a call at (703) 263-3300 or email us at info@boxcart.com.