Moving can be a stressful experience, no matter the reason. When you move to Philly, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have access to an abundance of art and museums, great public parks, and an excellent public transport system. You will be able to relax in the small-town atmosphere while still having access to convenient big-city amenities. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that you need to buy a new home, sell your old one, and move all of your belongings. To help make your move as simple and pain-free as possible, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for home buyers moving to Philadelphia.
#1: Be Smart Buyers
It can be easy to make mistakes when purchasing a home. The best thing to do is research local real estate agents so you can have someone you trust helping out. Your real estate agent will have firsthand experience with Philadelphia neighborhoods and help you find the best location for your needs— something close to work, perhaps, or near the school your children will attend. They will also help you negotiate a fair price and evaluate homes. Purchasing a home from a distance can be daunting, but a good real estate agent can make all the difference. Try and schedule a weekend where you can go and tour homes with your agent; this helps them get a feel for what you are wanting while letting you see the area and better understand how close or far certain things are.
Get Your Finances Figured Out in Advance
Be sure that you are pre-authorized for your mortgage before you start bidding on homes unless you’re planning to pay in full; in that case, you will need proof of funds. Sellers won’t take you seriously unless you have proof that you can finish the contract and pay for the home, and today’s housing market is tight competition.
Research Neighborhoods— Crime Rates, School Ratings, and More
Choosing a home has more to it than finding the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You want to know that you and your family will be safe, that the place you move to is or is not pet-friendly, and what kind of HOAs are around. If you find a home in Philadelphia that checks all your boxes, don’t put in an offer until you research the neighborhood, as well.
#2: Stay Organized
There’s a lot to worry about when moving, such as the state your fragile items and furniture will be in on arrival, keeping track of what’s packed where, and the packing process itself. You should start by having a checklist of everything that needs to get done, broken down by room. Looking at your whole home can feel overwhelming, but room by room is much easier.
Packing and Cleaning
Start by packing the smaller items and then work your way up. This is a great time to decide if you want to take certain items or donate them. Clean the room as you go, so your belongings will be fresh on arrival, and the room behind you will be ready for the next inhabitants.
Protecting Your Items
You can use labels or simply write directly on boxes to track what items are where and what rooms you want them in. Keep in mind that fragile items need extra packaging, such as bubble wrap or packing paper. You can also find boxes at most hardware stores that are cut specifically for certain items like dishes to minimize the chance of breakage.
#3: Find a Reliable Moving Service
Hauling all of your possessions in a vehicle larger than you have used before can be stressful, especially if you are moving long distances. Instead, research moving services to help transport everything in one easy trip. Professional movers are highly trained in proper packing and carrying, so they will make efficient work of loading your furniture and boxes. They also have access to larger vehicles and experience driving them, so you don’t have to sweat trying to navigate a giant truck through new traffic.
Insurances and Warranties
Be sure that any mover you look at has proper licensing and insurance. On top of being proper business practice, insurance is how you know the business will compensate you should things go wrong. You want to make sure they are legitimate and safe.
Reviews and Testimonials
The next thing to look at is reviews. Don’t just go to Google and see how many stars they have— check multiple sites like Yelp and Angie for a full picture. You can also reach out to the company and ask if they have any former customers willing to give referrals. You should also see if the company is named in any news stories or public lawsuits.
Move Smarter, Not Harder
There are a variety of tools and services these days to simplify your move, whether you’re moving across the country, across the state, or just between neighborhoods. By budgeting wisely and relying on professionals for any task you need assistance with, you can have a simple and pain-free experience, leaving you free to focus on making your new house a home.
