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By Elena Meadowcroft
Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about selling one home and moving to another? You are not alone! According to the most recent Census survey, 12 percent of the U.S. population changed residences between 2011 and 2012. In addition to hiring the right real estate agent, you can benefit from the help of some other pros who can save you time and make the move easier.
A Professional Organizer
It’s difficult both physically and emotionally to sort through years of accumulated memories (and junk). A professional organizer can speed up the process, nudging you to take a more objective approach as you’re weeding out and paring down your belongings.
You can find professional organizers through organizations such as the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), by asking friends for recommendations or by searching through websites like Angie’s List.
NAPO recommends that you interview at least two or three candidates to get a feel for the way they work, their fee structure and what you get for that cost. Try to find a professional organizer who specializes in preparing people for a move. Ask candidates for references to narrow down your choices.
You may even want to consider hiring an organizer to assist in planning storage and space use in your new home, especially if you are downsizing. Wouldn’t it be great to know that when the boxes are unpacked everything has its own space?
An Appraiser
As you’re sorting through your possessions, you may wonder if the ugly antique vase that you inherited from Great-Aunt Bertha is really worth the $5,000 she always said it was. So, before you donate it to Goodwill or put it up on Craigslist (let’s face it – you never liked it anyway), an appraiser can help you determine the vase’s exact value.
The Appraisers Association of America and the American Society of Appraisers both have online tools you can use to search for a qualified appraiser in your area. Appraisers may charge a flat fee to evaluate an item or charge by the hour for their services (if you have several items that you are looking to get appraised).
Another alternative is to use an online appraisal service. You can upload a photo and a description of your item and for a set fee get an estimate of its value. You can also consult price guides for antiques or collectibles, which are often available in your local library.
A Handyman
Maybe you’ve been able to live for years with the half-finished drywall in the basement – a DIY man cave project with great potential that got frozen due to the lack of time, funds or motivation. Maybe you’re not bothered by the misaligned kitchen cabinet door, the toilet that runs, the doorknob that falls off, or the electrical outlets that won’t accept three-prong plugs. But when you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, even little problems can be a turnoff to potential buyers. It’s better to spend a little money upfront to get these small repairs completed so that your home makes a good first impression.
A handyman or contractor who can tackle many different jobs is a good resource to have if you are not particularly handy. Ask your friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Or ask real estate agents – you’ll probably be interviewing several anyway. And if all else fails, there’s always Angie’s List and other consumer review sites to help you find a reliable handyman.
A Moving Company
Of course, one of the most important professionals you’ll be hiring is your moving company, since it will be handling your treasured furniture and possessions.
Take the time to meet with moving company candidates and have them walk through your home before providing you with a written cost estimate for your move. Don’t choose a mover based on the price alone; check out their references from other customers thoroughly, and check with the Better Business Bureau before you make your final decision. Working with a reputable moving company is one of the best ways to ensure that your move is as trouble-free as possible.
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