BuyersHome Ownership January 3, 2023

Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment?

Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment?

Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment? | MyKCM

If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re likely focused on saving up for everything that purchase involves. One cost that’s likely top of mind is your down payment. But don’t let a common misconception about how much you need to save make the process harder than it could be.

Understand 20% Isn’t Always the Typical Down Payment

Freddie Mac explains:

“. . . nearly a third of prospective homebuyers think they need a down payment of 20% or more to buy a home. This myth remains one of the largest perceived barriers to achieving homeownership.

Unless specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. This means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. In fact, the median down payment today is only 14%. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers at just 6% (see graph below):

Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment? | MyKCM

Learn About Options That Can Help You Toward Your Goal

If saving for a down payment still feels like a challenge, know that there’s help available. A real estate professional and trusted lender can show you options that could help you get closer to your down payment goal. According to latest Homeownership Program Index from Down Payment Resource, there are over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs in the U.S., and the majority are intended to help with down payments.

Plus there are even loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5%, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

To understand your options, be sure to do your homework. If you’re interested in learning more about down payment assistance programs, information is available through sites like Down Payment Resource. Then, partner with a trusted lender to learn what you qualify for on your homebuying journey.

Bottom Line

Remember, a 20% down payment isn’t always required. If you want to purchase a home this year, let’s connect. You’ll also want to make sure you have a trusted lender so you can explore your down payment options.

BuyersHome OwnershipSellers January 2, 2023

What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year?

What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year?

What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year? | MyKCM

If buying or selling a home is part of your dreams for 2023, it’s essential for you to understand today’s housing market, define your goals, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus.

In the last year, high inflation had a big impact on the economy, the housing market, and likely on your wallet too. That’s why it’s critical to have a clear understanding of not just the market today, but also what you want out of it when you buy or sell a home. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, so that you can stay in your home long enough that buying is a sound financial decision.

Here are a few questions you can start thinking through as you fine tune your goals for 2023.

1. What’s Motivating You?

You’re dreaming about making a move for a reason – what is it? No matter what’s happening in the market, there are still many compelling reasons to buy a home today. Your needs may have changed in a way your current house can’t address, or you could be ready to step into homeownership for the first time and have a space that’s truly your own. Use what’s motivating you as a guidepost in partnership with an expert advisor to help make sure your move will give you a lasting sense of accomplishment.

2. What Does Your Next Home Look Like?

You know you want to move, but how would you describe your dream home? The available supply of homes for sale has grown, and that could mean more options to choose from when you buy. Just be sure to keep your budget in mind and work with a trusted real estate professional to balance your wants and needs. The better you understand what’s essential and where you can be flexible, the easier it can be to find the home that’s right for you.

3. How Ready Are You To Buy?

Getting clear on your budget and savings is essential before you get too far into the process. Working with a local agent and a lender early is the best way to make sure you’re in a good position to buy. This could include planning how much to save for a down payment, getting pre-approved for a home loan, and assessing your current home equity if your move involves selling your existing house.

A Professional Will Guide You Through Every Step of the Process

Buying or selling a home is a big process that takes expertise to navigate. If that feels a bit overwhelming, you aren’t alone. According to a recent Harris Poll survey, one in five respondents see a lack of information or knowledge about the homebuying process as a barrier from owning a home. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from your goals this year. A trusted expert can bridge that gap and give you the best advice and information about today’s market.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect to plan how your dreams for 2023 can become a reality.

BuyersSellers December 30, 2022

Here’s to a Wonderful 2023!

Home OwnershipSellers December 29, 2022

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro.

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro.

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro | MyKCM

With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions in the housing market are different today. And if you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to understand how the market has changed and what that means for you. The best way to make sure you’re in the know is to work with a trusted housing market expert.

Here are five reasons working with a professional can ensure you’ll get the most out of your sale.

1. A Real Estate Advisor Is an Expert on Market Trends

Leslie Rouda Smith, 2022 President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“During challenging and changing market conditions, one thing that’s calming and constant is the assurance that comes from a Realtor® being in your corner through every step of the home transaction. Consumers can rely on Realtors®’ unmatched work ethic, trusted guidance and objectivity to help manage the complexities associated with the home buying and selling process.”

An expert real estate advisor has the latest information about national trends and your local area too. More importantly, they’ll know what all of this means for you so they’ll be able to help you make a decision based on trustworthy, data-bound information.

2. A Local Professional Knows How To Set the Right Price for Your House

Home price appreciation has moderated this year. If you sell your house on your own, you may be more likely to overshoot your asking price because you’re not as aware of where prices are today. If you do, you run the risk of deterring buyers or seeing your house sit on the market for longer.

Real estate professionals provide an unbiased eye when they help you determine a price for your house. They’ll use a variety of factors, like the condition of your home and any upgrades you’ve made, and compare your house to recently sold homes in your area to find the best price for today’s market. These steps are key to making sure it’s set to move as quickly as possible.

3. A Real Estate Advisor Helps Maximize Your Pool of Buyers

Since buyer demand has cooled this year, you’ll want to do what you can to help bring in more buyers. Real estate professionals have a large variety of tools at their disposal, such as social media followers, agency resources, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to ensure your house gets in front of people looking to make a purchase. Investopedia explains why it’s risky to sell on your own without the network an agent provides:

You don’t have relationships with clients, other agents, or a real estate agency to bring the largest pool of potential buyers to your home.”

Without access to the tools and your agent’s marketing expertise, your buyer pool – and your home’s selling potential – is limited.

4. A Real Estate Expert Will Read – and Understand – the Fine Print

Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. That means the number of legal documents you’ll need to juggle is growing. NAR explains it like this:

“Selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. . . . Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.”

A real estate professional knows exactly what all the fine print means and how to work through it efficiently. They’ll help you review the documents and avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own.

5. A Trusted Advisor Is a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, buyers are also regaining some negotiation power as bidding wars ease. If you sell without a professional, you’ll also be responsible for any back-and-forth. That means you’ll have to coordinate with:

  • The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer
  • The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house
  • The appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender

Instead of going toe-to-toe with all the above parties alone, lean on an expert. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address everyone’s concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion.

Bottom Line

Don’t go at it alone. If you’re planning to sell your house this winter, let’s connect so you have an expert by your side to guide you in today’s market.

Buyers December 28, 2022

Applying For a Mortgage? Here’s What You Should Avoid Once You Do.

Applying For a Mortgage? Here’s What You Should Avoid Once You Do.

Applying For a Mortgage? Here’s What You Should Avoid Once You Do. | MyKCM

While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating after you’ve applied for your mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. Here’s a list of things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for your home loan.

Don’t Deposit Large Sums of Cash

Lenders need to source your money, and cash isn’t easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer.

Don’t Make Any Large Purchases

It’s not just home-related purchases that could disqualify you from your loan. Any large purchases can be red flags for lenders. People with new debt have higher debt-to-income ratios (how much debt you have compared to your monthly income). Since higher ratios make for riskier loans, borrowers may no longer qualify for their mortgage. Resist the temptation to make any large purchases, even for furniture or appliances.

Don’t Cosign Loans for Anyone

When you cosign for a loan, you’re making yourself accountable for that loan’s success and repayment. With that obligation comes higher debt-to-income ratios as well. Even if you promise you won’t be the one making the payments, your lender will have to count the payments against you.

Don’t Switch Bank Accounts

Lenders need to source and track your assets. That task is much easier when there’s consistency among your accounts. Before you transfer any money, speak with your loan officer.

Don’t Apply for New Credit

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new credit card or a new car, when you have your credit report run by organizations in multiple financial channels (mortgage, credit card, auto, etc.), it will have an impact on your FICO® score. Lower credit scores can determine your interest rate and possibly even your eligibility for approval.

Don’t Close Any Accounts

Many buyers believe having less available credit makes them less risky and more likely to be approved. This isn’t true. A major component of your score is your length and depth of credit history (as opposed to just your payment history) and your total usage of credit as a percentage of available credit. Closing accounts has a negative impact on both of those aspects of your score.

Do Discuss Changes with Your Lender

Be upfront about any changes that occur or you’re expecting to occur when talking with your lender. Blips in income, assets or credit should be reviewed and executed in a way that ensures your home loan can still be approved. If your job or employment status has changed recently, share that with your lender as well. Ultimately, it’s best to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature.

Bottom Line

You want your home purchase to go as smoothly as possible. Remember, before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make major life changes, be sure to consult your lender – someone who’s qualified to explain how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.

Market Update December 27, 2022

Confused About What’s Going on in the Housing Market? Lean on a Professional.

Confused About What’s Going on in the Housing Market? Lean on a Professional.

Confused About What’s Going on in the Housing Market? Lean on a Professional. | MyKCM

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you probably want to know what’s really happening with home prices, mortgage rates, housing supply, and more. That’s not an easy task considering how sensationalized headlines are today. Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains:

“Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. Clickbait, the sensationalizing of headlines and content, has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.

Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty in the market. As Jason Lewris, Cofounder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says:

In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. To help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need, lean on a local real estate advisor.

A trusted expert is your best resource to understand what’s happening at the national and local levels. They’ll be able to debunk the headlines using data you can trust. And using their in-depth knowledge of the industry, they’ll provide context so you know how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the industry, historical data and more.

Then, to make sure you have the full picture, they’ll tell you if your local area is following the national trend or if they’re seeing something different in your market. Together, you’ll use all of that information to make the best possible decision for you.

After all, making a move is a potentially life-changing milestone. It should be something you feel ready for and excited about. And that’s where an agent comes in.

Bottom Line

If you have questions about the headlines or what’s happening in the housing market today, let’s connect so you have expert insights and advice on your side.

Buyers December 26, 2022

Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers

Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers

Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers | MyKCM

Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home.

Build Your Credit

Your credit is one element that helps determine which home loan you’ll qualify for. It also impacts your mortgage interest rate. While there are many factors that go into your mortgage application, a higher credit score could lead to a lower monthly payment in the long run.

So how do you make sure your credit is in the best shape possible when it’s time to buy? A recent article from NerdWallet lists a few tips you can use as you work to build and strengthen your credit. They include:

  • Tracking your credit and disputing any errors that show up on your reports.
  • Paying your bills on time. This includes making loan payments and paying down any open lines of credit.
  • Keeping your credit card balances low. Paying more than your minimum monthly balance when you’re able can help.

Automate Your Savings for Your House Fund

You might also be wondering how you can achieve your down payment savings goals. Bankrate provides buyers with a number of tips to help you save, including searching for down payment assistance programs and ways you can save more, faster. As the article says:

“One of the best ways to save for anything — including a down payment — is to set it and forget it. If you receive a regular paycheck, ask your employer to direct a portion of that payment into a savings account. If you’re a freelance worker or independent contractor, set up a recurring transfer from a checking account to a savings account to establish the routine.”

Get Pre-Approved

As you prepare for your purchase, you’ll also need to have a good grasp on your budget and how much you’ll be able to borrow for your home loan. That’s where the pre-approval processcomes in.

Pre-approval from a lender lets you know how much money you can borrow for your home loan. And having that knowledge, plus an understanding of your savings, can help you decide on your target price range for a house.

From there, you can start browsing for houses online and see what’s available in your area in that general price point. This can help you really understand your options so you can start to picture your future home.

For Customized Advice, Build a Team of Professionals

Finally, the best way to make you’re prepared for your purchase is to connect with trusted real estate professionals. Having expert advisors in the industry will help you make strong decisions throughout the homebuying process based on your specific goals, finances, and situation. They know the market and can guide you toward the home of your dreams.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to get the homebuying process started, let’s connect so you can begin to build your team of professionals today.

Home Ownership December 22, 2022

What Makes a House a Home?

What Makes a House a Home?

What Makes a House a Home? | MyKCM

There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of buying a home are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too.

Home means something different to all of us. Whether it’s sharing memories with loved ones at the kitchen table or settling in to read a book in a favorite chair, the emotional connections to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones. Here are some of the things that make a house a home.

1. You Can Be Proud of Your Accomplishment

Buying a home is a major life milestone. Whether you’re setting out to buy your first home or your fifth, congratulations will be in order when you’ve achieved your goal. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end of your journey will truly make your home feel like a special place.

2. You Have Your Own Designated Happy Place

Owning your own home offers not only safety and security, but also a comfortable place where you can relax and unwind after a long day. Sometimes that’s just what you need to feel recharged and content.

3. You Can Find the Space To Meet Your Needs

Whether you want more room for your changing lifestyle (like retirement, dedicated space for a hobby, or a personal gym) or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for entertaining, you can invest in a home that truly works for your evolving needs.

4. You Can Customize Your Surroundings

Looking to try one of those decorative wall treatments you saw online? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Or maybe you want to create an in-home yoga studio. You can do all these things in your own home.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re planning to purchase your first home or you’re ready to buy a different home to meet your needs, consider the emotional benefits that can turn a house into a happy home. When you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect.

Home ImprovementsSellers December 14, 2022

5 Budget Kitchen Updates To Help You Sell Your Home

5 Budget Kitchen Updates To Help You Sell Your Home

To help you do this effectively without eating into your profit margins, we’re serving up a platter of budget-friendly kitchen updates – helping you to maximize your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal without having to spend a small fortune.

The following guest post was written by Jack Carr on www.ColdwellBanker.com

When it comes to selling your home for the best possible price, how you present the space matters.

To make the best impression you can on potential buyers, you may need to invest a little time and cash into updating a few key areas with big selling power, such as your kitchen.

To help you do this effectively without eating into your profit margins, we’re serving up a platter of budget-friendly kitchen updates – helping you to maximize your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal without having to spend a small fortune.

Banish unwanted clutter

The first step on your budget kitchen update journey is to banish any unwanted clutter from countertops and open shelving.

In order to boost your kitchen’s appeal among potential buyers, you’ll want it to have that clean, blank canvas look so prospective buyers can easily visualise themselves using the space.

This means tidying away any items that don’t need to be on show. We’re talking bulky appliances, overflowing utensil pots, groceries, glassware and more. You don’t have to throw them out, but rather simply put them away in a cupboard so they’re out of sight when viewings and open houses are taking place.

Install new splashbacks

Splashbacks are an integral feature of modern kitchen design, protecting kitchen walls from everyday spills and splashes while also delivering a stylish design feature.

For homeowners on a tight budget, installing a new splashback could be a quick, affordable way to give this culinary space a fresh, modern update – assuming the rest of the kitchen is in good condition, that is.

From a material point of view, you have plenty of options – patterned tiles, plain tiles, tempered glass, stainless steel and more. Just make sure you choose a finish that complements your existing scheme and has mass appeal.

Update the cabinets

A brand-new kitchen can set you back at least $8,000 – making this an unrealistic option for many sellers, as there’s no guarantee you’ll get a worthwhile return on your investment. So, what are your other options?

Well, one handy trick is to update your kitchen cabinets with a stylish vinyl film wrap cover. Made from robust, durable vinyl, it’s a quick, non-disruptive and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a complete reskin in a choice of various finishes and designs.

From solid colors to wood-effect and marble options, whichever design you choose, the end result will be a chic, contemporary kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a full-scale kitchen refit.

Apply a fresh coat of paint

Repainting your kitchen may feel like a hassle at the time, but it’s important never to underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint.

Not only will paint cover up those dirty prints and marks, but it can also brighten up a room – making a space instantly feel fresher and more inviting.

To maximize the power of paint in your kitchen, we’d suggest opting for a pale, neutral shade such as white, cream or pale beige. These shades have an evergreen, universal appeal – plus, they can be paired with a huge choice of other complementary accent colors to bring some welcome character to the space.

If you can’t resist a little color in your cooking space, or you want to add a little personality with a colored feature wall, try to stick to a tone that works with the rest of your decor and doesn’t overwhelm the space.

Replace kitchen hardware and accessories

When it comes to kitchen updates, they don’t always need to take the form of large-scale refurbishments. Sometimes, the smaller details can be equally as impactful.

This is definitely the case when it comes to your kitchen hardware and accessories. Making a few low-cost yet considered replacements and upgrades can go a long way towards giving your kitchen a high-end, contemporary feel.

Start with your cabinetry and replace old door handles with new designs – this can even extend to other fixtures like light fittings and faucets if you have the budget.

For accessories, swap out mismatched old food containers, utensils and dish cloths with new alternatives that don’t cost the earth. For a chic, cohesive look buyers will love, we’d suggest picking an accent color and design theme – making sure all of your accessories are coordinated, of course.

Getting your home sale-ready does require some effort on your part, but it doesn’t have to mean spending a huge amount of money or time.

With these simple, pocket-friendly kitchen updates, you can spruce up the heart of your home at minimal cost and create an attractive kitchen space that buyers won’t be able to resist.

 

Author bio:

Jack Carr is the Marketing Executive for Architextural, who stock the UK’s largest collection of high-quality architectural vinyl film wraps used by interior designers, architects and specifiers.

Buyers December 12, 2022

Two-Month Moving Checklist

The following is a guest post by Laura McHolm, Chief of Organized Living & NorthStar Moving Company Co-Founder originally posted on www.Coldwellbanker.com

Two-Month Moving Checklist

Follow this two-month checklist to keep your move on track.

 The pandemic stay-at-home protocols forced us to reevaluate our homes and where we live. Questions about our home size, needing a home office long term and thoughts of relocation to more affordable cities or closer to family were on the minds of many during the last year. Whether due to a life change or a change brought about by the pandemic, millions of people are moving and creating the “Great Reshuffling.” 

 This record rise in Americans moving, coupled with the typical busy moving season in the summer and a shortage of workers, has created the perfect storm. Moving companies are incredibly busy and are working hard to hire the qualified help they need. Moving is challenging enough without scrambling to find a reputable moving company.   

 So what does this mean for those planning to move this summer? Plan ahead! Make your moving reservations as early as possible to beat the surge and put your organizational skills in overdrive. 

 If possible, give yourself eight weeks to handle the moving to-dos in an orderly, low-stress manner. Use the steps below in this two-month moving calendar to keep you calm and prepared. Simply follow these steps and check them off one-by-one:  

 EIGHT WEEKS TO GO: 

  • Check a mover’s record with the Better Business Bureau in your state and social review sites. A great reputation is the best way to choose a mover 
  • Book your mover 
  • Start to inventory and divide up your belongings: Decide who gets what, which items to donate, recycle, to take and which items (if any) need to go into short-term or long-term storage 

FOUR WEEKS TO GO:  

  • Mail change of address cards or change your information online at the following:  
    • Post office 
    • Local Department of Motor Vehicles for License & Registration  
    • Social security  
    • Insurance companies 
    • Credit card companies 
    • Credit bureau and/or other creditors 
    • Employer (to forward W2s) 
    • Broker 
    • Mail order accounts 
    • Magazines 
    • Friends and relatives 
  • Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.) 
  • Arrange to transfer children’s school records 
  • Gather all pet’s vet records and make sure all pets are microchipped and chip corresponds to a cell number that goes with you on your move. Order new tags and licenses with new address and your cell phone number 
  • Check homeowner’s insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance 
  • START TO PACK 

THREE WEEKS TO GO: 

  • Make arrangements to discontinue current utilities and schedule the start-up of new utilities: 
    • Landline telephone service 
    • Cable TV  
    • Internet  
    • Electricity (check for refund) 
    • Gas (check for refund) 
    • Fuel oil 
    • House cleaners 
    • Babysitters 
    • Dog walkers 
    • Gardeners 
    • Pool Service 
    • Diaper service 
    • Water 
    • Water softener 
    • Parking 
    • Other: ________________________ 
    • Have appliances serviced for shipment 

 TWO WEEKS TO GO: 

  • Arrange to transfer local bank accounts 
  • Ask doctors, dentists and veterinarians for medical records  
  • Cancel newspaper delivery 
  • Refill all prescriptions. Get prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy closer to the new home 
  • Make arrangements to move children and pets. Do you need a babysitter for a day or two? A pet sitter?  
  • Confirm that the mover will move houseplants; if not, make arrangements. Houseplants, usually, cannot be moved by a mover, especially on long distance or out of state moves 
  • Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take or arrange with the mover that they will be doing this on the day of the move 
  • If you need one, hire a cleaning crew to come clean your empty place to get your deposit back. Will your new place need a cleaning crew before you move in too?  

 ONE WEEK TO GO: 

  • Pack in separate boxes the items necessary for first days in the new home: Label “LOAD LAST.” And label where to put each of those boxes in your new home: 
    • Medicine (always keep prescriptions on you) 
    • Comfortable clothes 
    • Linens and towels 
    • Toothbrushes and toiletries 
    • Paper goods 
    • Disposable plates and silverware 
    • Foil and wax paper 
    • Plastic containers 
    • Microwave 
    • Vacuum cleaner 
    • Garbage bags 
    • Tool kit 
    • Step ladder 
    • Extension cords 
    • Light bulbs 
    • Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.) 
    • Each member of the family should also pack a suitcase with what they need for a few days while you’re getting settled into your new place. Don’t forget cell phone chargers, medications and favorite teddy bears 
  • If the movers are packing all or part of your belongings, call to schedule and confirm the details. Make sure your mover knows how much packing you expect to do yourself and how much you expect them to do 
  • Plan to use up most food items before the move. If you have any leftover food on moving day, donate it to Move For Hunger 
  • Register to vote 

 TWO DAYS TO GO: 

  • Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved 
  • Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in the car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings 

 MOVING DAY! YOU MADE IT! 

 Congratulations, you conquered “The Great Reshuffling!” Not only did you move during a very unique time, you stayed organized and, hopefully, the entire process was much more stress-free. As the winner of this moving marathon, you now get to slowly unpack and peacefully settle into your new and improved lifestyle. 

 

 

Laura McHolm is a home organization, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.   www.northstarmoving.com