Preparing for and Making a Move

Last week, local realtor Kimberly Cestari was the featured speaker for NNV’s Know Your Options Series, a series of monthly programs that provide information about services and providers who can help you navigate the changing landscape of aging. Kimberly’s program on preparing for and making a move provided a wealth of information. Here are some of the highlights:

Early Planning and Education – When possible, developing a plan three to five years before you want to move can provide clarity and avoid last minute decision making. This is the time to start determining where you’d like to move and if you need the equity from your current home to purchase your next home. This is also a good time to find out how much your current home is worth, keeping in mind that market conditions may change by the time you are ready to sell. It’s also a great opportunity to begin conversations with family members so everyone’s expectations are aligned with your plans

Organize – It takes time to be ready for a move so start organizing early. Kimberly recommends beginning with “low emotional spaces” like the garage or den. Focus first on your paperwork. Enlist friends and family to help you sort items into piles to keep, donate, or discard. Talk to your family about items they’re interested in and arrange to have them pick it up. This is a time when professionals like appraisers, organizers, and estate sales companies can be helpful.

Market Analysis – A realtor can work with you on timing when to sell your home based on your goals. They can also discuss options such as selling your home as-is, or making wise investments – like landscaping and painting – to attract buyers. Kimberly shared that if you are planning on renovating a space like your kitchen, do so five years before selling your home so you can enjoy it. She generally does not recommend bathroom and kitchen remodeling in order to sell a home, due to the cost.

Preparing for the Move – Kimberly recommends spending time on packing and labeling. Label each box clearly using a numbering system that matches its room destination. This helps movers place items exactly where they belong. If packing and unpacking are too much for you, there are professionals who can help with the moving logistics, from space planning, to packing, transferring utilities, post-move set up, and removing packing materials. Your realtor can recommend someone or you can click here to search for a professional move manager.

If the idea of a move feels daunting, Kimberly’s advice is, “think of it as a transition”. Life changes and milestones typically spark the desire to move. Realtors are familiar with working with people in good times and in bad. If you are considering a move, talk to a realtor to explore whether or not you are ready. For Kimberly, this is just a conversation with no obligations to move ahead. Other realtors may work like this as well. Click here to watch the recording of Preparing for and Making a Move.