Moving Tips

So you've finally found the home of your dreams and now you are facing the daunting challenge of relocating. Moving is an incredibly hectic process, especially if you have a large family, but there are ways to reduce the stress of such an event. Here are some supplies you should not forget. (Don't pack cleaning supplies until after your belongings are gone!)

1. Boxes and trash bags! Many things that you need to pack up won't fit into most boxes. This is where trash bags come in. If you can find durable clear ones, you can more easily keep track of what's inside them. Another helpful technique is color coding your bags with ribbons.

2. Tape tape tape. Get packing tape and lots of it, because often those little wheels have much less tape on them than you'd expect. If you are in a hurry, the last thing you want to be doing is making special trips to the store for extra tape.

3. Scissors. Important for obvious reasons. Have a couple of pairs in case more than one person is packing.

4. Newspaper. Do you really want to spend wads of money on "packing paper" or those styrofoam kernals? Newspaper is free and surprisingly good at protecting your breakables. Also, it's cheap and easy to find. If you get a paper regularly, set aside a newspaper collection box two weeks or a month before you plan to start packing.

5. Markers. You will want to label your boxes for when you have to unpack. Don't underestimate this step or settling into your new home will be much more difficult than it has to be. If you want, you can use color markers to further classify where your boxes or bags are going.

Other helpful items: A dolly and a dumpster.

Once your belongings are out of the way, don't forget to do any necessary cleaning. If you are moving out of a rental situation, it is extremely important to scour the kitchen and bathrooms to get rid of any tough residual grime. If you do a good enough job cleaning the place, the professionals may wind up having less to do and therefor the cleaning fees taken out of your deposit will be smaller. If you are moving from a house you own and plan to sell, the cleaning is even more important. Professional cleaners should be called in if possible, but if not, make sure you have a decent arsenal of cleaning tools.

Last tip! So many people shoulder all the work themselves for fear of inconveniencing friends and family. Don't be silly. Share the burden. Can't do heavy lifting yourself? Enlist the help of your (older) kids, nieces, nefews, friends or other family members. Help the youth learn how rewarding hard work can be. Your gratitude should be sufficient, but don't be afraid to throw a little cash their way as well.

Are you planning to relocate to Maui? Our friendly and experienced agents will help you find your Maui dream home. Browse our listings of Kaanapali condos, Lahaina homes, Kihei land, and any other neighborhood that interests you. Prefer more specific results? Try our search tool which allows you to narrow your results to your preferred criteria. If you need any help, just let us know... Whalers Realty, Inc.