Step 21 to Buying a Home: Hire Movers and Start Packing!

WHEW! Now that you are successfully through the Due Diligence Period, the appraisal contingency hurdle has been cleared, and you've spoken with your lender to make sure you are on your way to full loan approval, it’s safe to hire movers and start packing! Call now to get moving estimates and secure a mover as they often get booked up weeks in advance. (Also, if you’re moving into a condo building check with the HOA President or Property Management Company to see if you need to pay any move-in fees, reserve an elevator, or if there are move-in restrictions, etc. -- we can help you to navigate this process!)

Remember that you can’t move into your new place until closing is finished, since that's when you will receive the keys and legal access. While we can schedule the closing time in advance -- sometimes as early in the process as during the Due Diligence Period, keep in mind that the closing time (and in some cases, the closing day) may change. Allow at least 2 hours for closing and loan funding from the lender, although we’ll hope to be done sooner than that. For instance, if your closing starts at 9 AM, expect that you might not be done with all signing, funding, and on your way until noon then allow time to get to your new place before the movers arrive.

Recommended Movers

We would be happy to send you a list of recommended movers, at your request. We keep an active list, based on our client recommendations and feedback -- so please just reach out and ask us!

Whichever mover you end up using, we highly recommend that you get a couple of quotes -- moving costs can vary greatly, offer very different insurance plans (in case of damage, breakage, or loss), and will have different scheduling requirements/calendars. Speaking to at least a few companies will help you to make the best decision and find the company best for you. 

We also recommend asking whichever mover you choose to bring wardrobe boxes with them for all of your hanging clothes. That way you don’t have to take everything off the hangers and pack the items up. Instead, the movers will simply grab everything in your closets that is hanging, put them on the rods in the boxes and then when you get to your new home you can just grab the hangers and hang the items back up. This will save you a ton of time and is worth the additional cost (in our opinion!).

Gathering Moving Supplies

Start gathering boxes and packing supplies. Often you can find free boxes on CraigsList, NextDoor, Facebook, or other neighborhood sites. Other companies, such as Uhaul, Uline, and Usedcardboardboxes, are all great places to get moving supplies. (Consider planning to give your boxes away or sell them at a discount on one of those neighborhood sites once you're done with them -- it's a great way to recycle!)

Moving with Pets

Moving can be incredibly stressful on pets. Even just moving a small distance -- down the street or across town, from an apartment to a house, to a place with new smells and nooks and crannies -- can be stressful for a pet. Consider having them stay with a friend or in daycare for a few days while you move and get settled into your new place.  If you're moving to a new area or to a new state, here's a great article on moving long-distance with pets.

Moving with Children

Moving can be stressful and sad for children, even if it's just to a new neighborhood. Here's a great article for moving with kids.