do not get hurt while moving

If you just bought a fixer upper to turn into your dream home, you have some more challenges when it comes to planning your final move. Because your home is not turn-key ready, here are some additional things that you will need to consider as you close on your house and plan your move accordingly.

1. Are you still paying rent or a mortgage?

You probably obtained financing for your new home, but if you were paying rent or a mortgage payment on your previous accommodations, many homeowners will find it difficult to carry double payments for long. If this is the case, try to close on your new home as soon as possible in order to start work right away. Also, when saving for your down payment, save up a few months of double living expenses to cover the costs of paying for two homes in the short term, or to cover the costs of staying in a short-term rental or hotel until the repairs are complete, especially if you are in the market for a fixer-upper in the first place. 

Another option is to live in a rented motorhome or recreational vehicle, if you don't already own one. Only fill the RV with what you can reasonably fit in its storage spaces.

2. Do you have external storage?

Even if you plan to live in your home during the renovation instead of paying extra to stay in a rental or hotel, the rooms being renovated will be off-limits for both your family and the movers until the job is complete. Therefore, you will not have nearly enough space to put all your boxes while still allowing houseroom for everybody. Be sure you have a storage unit for non-essentials, and try to prepare to live as minimalistically as possible by packing away everything that you don't immediately need. When your movers come, the move will be simple, as everything will be moved into the storage unit.

To make things even simpler, you could rent a portable storage container to keep on your property so that you still have close access to your things. Keeping them away from the reno environment will also protect delicate items, like electronics, from the damage of dust during construction. Most moving services can offer these containers, and they could replace the moving van cost, as the container can be lifted and moved from your first residence to your new home easily. 

3. What's the renovation timeline?

If moving in before the renovations are complete will slow down the progress of the repairs and improvements, it's best to wait until repairs are finished, especially if you are hiring a moving service. You do not want to try moving in with saws, tools, and drop cloths in the way. If you have no other choice but to move in during the renovation, schedule the movers for a time when the contractors will not be there, so as to avoid any crowding, injuries, or conflicts. 

4. Can you downsize your move?

Because you're renovating your new home, you will want to make sure that the items you move into it after it is complete will accentuate the new beauty of the place, instead of taking away from the completed work. As you are packing, spend a good deal of time downsizing your belongings, especially items that are normally on display. Eliminate conflicting decor styles, faded or worn out textiles, and miscellaneous clutter that will only make your move more complicated and your new house less appealing. Downsizing your move will make storing your things easier and will equate to a less crowded living situation until the improvements are complete. 

For more information on moving into a renovated or partially renovated home, contact a moving company like Bekins Van Lines Inc.