PROPERTYSPARK ARTICLE

Top Moving Tips Every Real Estate Agent Should Share with Clients

Timeline Planning

Help your clients create a realistic moving timeline with these important steps:

• Two Months Before: Encourage early planning starting with decluttering and organization. This gives clients time to sort through belongings without feeling rushed and helps them determine what will fit in their new space.
• Six Weeks Before: Guide clients to start researching moving companies and gathering quotes. Early booking often results in better rates and ensures availability, especially during peak moving seasons.
• One Month Before: Remind clients to begin the packing process and address administrative tasks. This includes updating addresses, transferring utilities, and scheduling necessary services at their new home.
• Two Weeks Before: Suggest finalizing all moving arrangements and beginning to pack essential items. This is also the time to confirm dates with moving companies and ensure all paperwork is in order.

Hiring Services

Always advise your clients to hire a moving company when moving. It’s important to make sure you have professionals handling your belongings, especially during the transportation process of the move. Consider the following when giving advice to your clients on hiring a moving company:

• Moving Company Selection: Guide clients through the process of finding reputable movers, including checking licenses, insurance, and reviews. Share tips on getting accurate quotes and understanding contract terms.
• Specialty Moving Services: Recommend specialized movers for unique items like pianos, artwork, or antiques. These experts have the proper equipment and experience to handle valuable pieces safely.
• Packing Services: Professional packing services offer advantages for clients with schedules or when dealing with precious belongings. Skilled packers can efficiently pack a household within a day or two resulting in time savings and reduced stress.
• Additional Services: Let your clients know about services such as cleaning assistance, junk removal services, and storage options that can help simplify their relocation process.

Document Management

It’s important to help clients stay organized with proper document management. Use this simple checklist to help your clients properly move all their documents.

• Moving Documentation: Create a checklist of essential documents needed during the move, including contracts, insurance papers, and inventory lists. Suggest keeping these in a dedicated folder for easy access.
• Home-Related Papers: Advise on organizing important home documents like warranties, manuals, and maintenance records. These should be easily accessible during and after the move.
• Change of Address: Provide a comprehensive list of places to update their address, including government offices, financial institutions, and subscription services.
• Service Providers: Help create a list of new service providers needed in their new area, from doctors to lawn care services.

Cost Planning

It’s also important to guide clients in understanding and managing moving expenses. There are a bunch of different factors that you need to consider, the main ones being:

• Moving Budget Creation: Help clients develop a realistic budget that includes all potential expenses, from moving services to unexpected costs like hotel stays or temporary storage.
• Hidden Cost Awareness: Alert clients to often-overlooked expenses such as utility deposits, new furniture needs, or home modifications they might want to make before moving in.
• Money-Saving Options: Share tips for reducing moving costs, such as moving during off-peak seasons, getting free boxes, or handling some aspects of the move themselves.
• Insurance Considerations: Explain the importance of proper moving insurance and help clients understand what their homeowner’s insurance covers during a move.

Special Considerations

Address unique moving situations that may apply to your clients:

• Family Moving: Provide specific advice for families moving with children or pets, including tips for making the transition easier and maintaining routines during the move.
• Downsizing Help: Provide assistance to individuals looking to downsize their possessions by offering information on ways to sell or donate items and options, for storing belongings that may not fit in their residence.
• Long-Distance Moves: The length of your client’s move may require more planning and more time to execute the move.
• Seasonal Concerns: Note that you might have to deal with scorching summer heat or navigating the challenges of winter weather conditions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Help clients sidestep these frequent moving mistakes:

• Poor Timing: Warn against underestimating the time needed for planning and execution. Rushing leads to stress and potential oversights.
• Inadequate Research: Stress the importance of thoroughly vetting moving companies and reading contracts carefully before signing.
• Disorganized Packing: Share tips for systematic packing and labeling to prevent chaos during unpacking.
• Insufficient Insurance: Explain why relying solely on basic moving insurance might not provide adequate protection for valuable items.

Frequent Questions Answered

What’s the best time to start planning a move? Recommend starting the planning process at least two months before the move date.

How can clients protect valuable items? Advise on proper packing techniques and insurance options for high-value items.

What should clients do first in their new home? Share a first-day checklist including essential unpacking, safety checks, and utility confirmation.

How can clients make moving day easier? Provide tips for creating a moving day kit and coordinating with movers effectively.

Happy Moving!

When working as a real estate agent, providing these moving tips to your clients can boost their chances of a good move and foster a stronger bond with you as their trusted advisor. Remember; A client who is satisfied with the outcome of their move will appreciate your guidance more and bring you positive reviews!