You’ve built your dream home. Now what? This should be an exciting time for you and your family. Here are a few tips for making the transition smooth. You’ll probably be juggling a lot – packing, closing on the sale of your old home and your new home, and moving – all while conducting everyday life, like school and work. Having a plan in place can help to alleviate some of the stress.
While your home is being built, ask many questions during the building process. Communication is key. If you keep on top of things, there won’t be any surprises when it comes time to close. Call your project manager weekly, especially as the project nears completion. Pop over every few weeks to check on the project. You don’t want to find out something is in the wrong place when they’ve finished the build. Be sure to chronicle the progress with photos. You’ll want to look back at these later or show them to potential buyers when you’re ready to move on.
Your contractor will schedule a pre-occupancy walk-through with you the week before the closing. Take lots of notes during this final walk-through so you know where everything is and how it works. Bring a list of questions with you and make sure not to miss anything important. When your home is nearly finished, have a third-party inspection before your final walk-through. This extra set of professional eyes will note anything not up to code or concerning. Then, ensure completion of any needed repairs by bringing the list of mentioned items to double-check at your final walk-through.
Be sure to get a thorough run-through of your home warranty from your contractor and make a note of what is and is not covered. This can include appliances to window seals, irrigation, and lighting fixtures.
Prepare for closing day. If you are selling a home simultaneously, you’ll need to coordinate closings and the timing of moving out of your old home and into your new one. People often need to be out of their old home before moving into the new one. In those cases, you’ll have to find someplace to stay and store your belongings. Building in some flexibility makes things easier.
Make your list and check it twice. There are loads of little and big tasks that need to be addressed before, during, and after the move. Here are a few of the more common items you should have on your checklist: hiring/confirming a mover; changing your address; arranging for school transfers for your children and transportation options; locating grocery stores, gas stations, the gym, and restaurants; and garbage pickup days: coordinate utility shutoff and transfer. Also, don’t forget about your pets.
You’ll need to hire a mover at least six weeks before your planned move date. First, do some research, check websites, ratings and get recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed the list down, get an estimate. Ask about damage and loss insurance and whether they provide boxes, and get it in writing, so you aren’t surprised with add-on charges.
Pack your bags. It’s time to hit the road. Organizing your packing and labeling boxes clearly can make a big difference. Start early by packing up decorative items and the things you use infrequently. Then work room by room, marking boxes, so the movers know which room to put them in. Make a list so that nothing gets lost during the move. Get rid of items you haven’t used in more than a year. Donate things or have a garage sale.
Pack a bag of essential items that you can carry in your car. The things you’ll need that first night you stay in your new home that you may not come across while unpacking that first day. Be sure to include toiletries, clothes, pajamas, sheets, towels, snacks, drinks, toilet paper, and essential documents.
Moving into your new home shouldn’t be a stressful time. Working with Harbor Classic Homes to ensure a smooth transition is the first step in this life-changing experience.