Life can get hectic when you’re in the process of re-defining “home.” Here’s to stress-free transitions!
Big lifestyle changes, such as selling your home, are stressful. Learn how to navigate the ups and downs of selling your home and moving at the same time with these simple tips.
Line up new living arrangements before you move
Don’t put the cart before the horse, the old saying goes. The same is true of moving: don’t list/sell your current home before you have another place to live! If you’re planning on buying a different house, finalize that first before you list the home you are currently living in. Once the deal closes on the new home, you can put your current one on the market. While you’re waiting for the home you’re in to sell, you can prepare the new home for move-in by sending boxes ahead, setting up utilities, and arranging beds and furniture. If you think this setup would be too stressful, arrange a temporary rental or stay with family before you put your home on the market. Either way, knowing where you’re landing will help make the whole moving process go much smoother.
Create a back-up plan
As much as homebuyers would love for everything to go smoothly during a move, there is always the chance something could go wrong. Maybe the housing market will go south or maybe you’ll find out an older loved one needs you to move in with them instead. While you can’t predict the unpredictable, you can prepare for it. Think ahead, try to anticipate bumps, and have a plan in place for your worst-case scenario.
Make sure your finances are in order
It’s no secret that moving costs money. Most of us will think of the obvious expenses like closing costs, utilities, moving truck fees, etc. But it’s much more difficult to predict unexpected expenses. (Like the night you’ll need to order pizza because you accidentally packed the kitchen items too soon!) Having plenty of buffer in your bank account will give you peace of mind and the ability to handle whatever surprises come your way.
Accept help from friends and family
With all the stress that comes with moving, you need all the help you can get! So when friends offer to bring you a meal or watch your kids so you can get some packing done, take them up on it. If you can afford to hire someone to do the cleaning or heavy lifting, invest in the help. There’s no shame in accepting much-needed assistance, especially when it comes to selling your home and moving at the same time.
