Moving -- a dream or a nightmare?

I 've moved pretty much every 5-7 years.  I've changed neighborhoods, gone from condo to coop and back again, traded vintage for new construction, added more space, replaced valet with deeded parking, and experienced remodeling and redecorating--often.  Adjusting to the physical changes in my living  space was far more difficult  than the actual move, until ....this last one.

As a Realtor, I had always felt it was much safer to sell before buying.  Wrong!  Well, at least in a market like the one we've been experiencing.  A large down payment and a promise of a quick close means absolutely nothing when the inventory is at an all time low and buyers and investor buyers are practically coming to blows to get the deal done.

Sometimes, being a Realtor is more of a disadvantage when buying and selling your own home.  "Don't worry, you'll find something."  Isn't than what we tell all of our buyers?  As long as we're prepared to compromise, there shouldn't be a problem.  Right!  If only I took the advice I give to my clients, my move to a storage facility and temporary living arrangements wouldn't have been a nightmare!

Here are some of the things I tell my sellers when they are just thinking about selling:

1.   Don't just hide the clutter, get rid of it physically.  Or else, you'll pack it, and pay to move it.

2.   Don't like a piece of furniture, get busy and sell it.  Sell it yourself, call a consignment shop, just

      remember, it won't be worth anything close to what you paid for it.

3.   Try on all clothes in the closet.  Good Rule tip:   If it doesn't fit, get rid of it.  

      When you lose those 10-15 lbs think of all the fun you'll have filling a new closet.

4.   Call and plan for a Salvation Army pick up in the future-- start now, to gather  items you don't  

      use to meet that date.  Or plan a bi-weekly trip to your favorite charity to deliver donations.  Note:
      Goodwill Industries accepts computer donations in the Chicagoland area.  Check other locations.
      Also in Chicago, the city supports several computer recycling centers.

      Good Rule Tip:  if you haven't used something in 10 years, you probably won't use it again.

5.   Plan a house sale.  Set up items by groups--$1, $5, etc.

      Good Rule Tip:  Be creative with special items.  If you've got that 40 cup percolator sitting in the       cupboard and tons or muffin tins you don't need, contact a catering company--they might be  

      interested in buying those items.  Or, donate them to a shelter.

6.   Plan a book sale if you have tons of books. How about a Mystery Book Sale????  Ask 

      neighbors to join you.  Or plan a kid's garage sale--clothes, toys and books.

      Good Rule Tip:   Specific groups of items targeting special groups will draw more buyers. 

7.   Start packing items you use occasionally-- silver, good china, and store in a closet you've 

      cleared, or an attic.   And create a real list with box number and items inside.

8.   Go thru all of your paper and digital files--tax, receipts, & recipe file folders, etc., and don't 

      forget to cull through the CDs and DVDs. (They are being outdated as we speak.)  Separate   

      everything by importance, immediate need, and files you keep as a backup.   Banker Boxes 

      are terrific and economical, if you watch for a sale at a local office supply store.   

      Good Rule Tip: Go thru files before your list your property-- before you sell your property 

      and pack for the big move.

9.   Consolidate duplications.  Everyone keeps duplicate cleaning supplies in every bath and the   

      kitchen. Condense.  Create one rolling cart with supplies you can use.

10. Consider buying storage bins for moving--not for everything, but certainly for like items that need

      special care.  The bins hold gobs of things and are more solid than expensive boxes.  And they 

      are reusable, even when you tape them.

I did follow a several of my suggestions, but time ran out and you know the story.  Just throw it in a box and tape it up--thank goodness I was so finite in what I was "throwing" into those last boxes!