Ideas & Tips

Top 10 Rules for Staging Your Home

Matthew Finlason, renowned property stager, designer, renovator, and host of HGTV’s The Stagers, offers his staging advice to help you prepare for your home sale.

1. Grab them from the curb.
You've seen them. Buyers hunkered low in their cars in front of your house, doing drive-bys before deciding whether to request a showing or attend an open house. Make these potential buyers fall in love with your home from the street by adding potted plants and flowers, power-washing patios and walkways, weeding the garden and mowing the lawn. It's your first chance to make a good impression, so you've got to make it count.

2. Make it sparkle.
Pretend that your mother or mother-in-law is coming for a visit. Think hotel clean. Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows, baseboards — even the cat. Remember that people will look in your cupboards, under your sinks and in your closets. Also, pay particular attention to odors. You might even consider consulting a neutral nose by having a friend come by for a smell test.

3. Pay attention to color and light.
You may love hot pink in the living room, but too-bright colors turn buyers off. Neutralize strong colors for the broadest appeal. A neutral home appears larger and has less chance of offending someone. Also, open up blinds and draperies to make sure there's sufficient natural light throughout the home. Remember, lighting is the most effective way to set a mood.

4. Depersonalize.
Few things deter buyers more than a cluttered home. They need to see your home, not your stuff. Excessive personal items like photos, collections, personal awards, electronics and collectibles will make it difficult for buyers to see past your personal style and may deter a sale. Taking yourself out of the picture makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves, and their stuff, in your space.

5. Consider replacing furnishings.
Think about removing or replacing worn or outdated furnishings and get rid of extra pieces. The time has come to move beyond matching furniture, so break up your sets; dated can easily become eclectic with editing and rearranging. Consider consulting with a professional staging company for design direction and advice on rental furnishings to create an inviting home with broad appeal to a wide range of buyers.

6. Invest in new artwork.
Displaying new artwork is a great way to breathe new life into a room. Photography can be used to contemporize a room and add a splash of color as well.

7. Make repairs.
Make your home a high-maintenance zone. Repair squeaky doors, chipped or smudged paint as well as broken fixtures and fittings that you've neglected.

8. Apply a fresh coat of paint.
It's the best bang for your buck that will quickly refresh a dull, dated room. Slap a fresh, neutral color on the space. Choose a beige or taupe for living spaces and a neutral green or blue for bathrooms.

9. Don't forget the floors.
Get rid of worn carpets, and consider refinishing shabby hardwood floors. An inexpensive new area rug is a quick fix and can disguise the look of old floors.

10. Spring for new light fixtures.
Renew the look of the room by replacing old or dated light fixtures, door hardware, light switches and outlets. If it's tacky and older than you, get it out of there.

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Courtesy of www.moversdirectory.com

6-8 Weeks Before Moving:

1) Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time to start getting the details of your move.

2) Decide what items you wish to transport to your new home. If you decide to dispose of items that you don’t need, you should either donate them to a charity or consider having a garage sale. Contact a local charity or pick a date at least two weeks before moving date for the garage sale. Advertise the garage sale locally. Team up with your neighbors who want to sell some of their old belongings, and plan a large neighborhood "sale."

3) Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do your own packing or partial packing. You can purchase all these materials from your agent or a moving supply company. All boxes that you purchase from us or a moving supply company are specially designed for the moving industry to prevent any damages to your belongings. Getting boxes from other sources may create some difficulties when packed in the van. These boxes may be unusual sizes and they may not be strong enough to prevent damages to items packed inside.

4) Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home that will prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.

5) Get familiar with your new community. Request information from the local Chamber of Commerce about schools, community programs, parks and recreation, etc.

6) All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan as flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

7) Keep all receipts for moving-related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or click here on IRS. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.

8) Finalize all real estate and rental needs.

9) Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.

10) All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.

11) Plan on taking important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.).

4-5 Weeks Before Moving:

Contact the Post Office for the Change of Address form. Remember to give your new address to:

Friends and Family
Post Office
Utility Companies
Telephone Company
Trash Company
Cable Company
Water Company
Electricity Company
Internet Provider
Insurance Companies
Banks and Financial Institutions (Checking, Savings, Loans)
Creditors
Local Government agencies, Federal agencies, the IRS
Health Providers
Doctors
Dentist
Veterinarian
Pharmacy
Schools
Subscriptions
Magazines
Book Club
Record Club
Newspapers
Travel/Auto Club
Church

· It’s time to look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old books, magazines, broken items and old toys can be left behind. Remember – adding more weight to your shipment costs more money.

· Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you will not transport, what items your van line agent will move, and what items you will move yourself.

· Make a decision about the items not going – will they be sold at a garage sale, picked up by charity, recycled, or trashed?

· Make a decision about who will do most of the packing or all of the packing. It is a good idea to let the van line agent do most of the packing. The van line agents know the best methods for keeping items safe; that's what they do for a living.

· Get your kids involved with the moving process. Let your kids do some packing and let them suggest a layout for their new room. Make it fun and exciting for them to move.

3 Weeks Before Moving:

· Notify your agent if there are any changes in the dates of your move. If you will need any additional accessorial service such as piano moving, packing and unpacking, storage, etc., inform the van line agent for pricing information. Also inform the van line agent if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.

· Decide how much packing your will handle yourself. You should inform your agent of any items that you decided for him/her to pack.

· Whether you move your car with us or a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up at this time.

· Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants.

· Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations. Some states will require these documents.

· You will need to carry all valuable jewelry with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

· Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired, stored, or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes, etc.).

2 Weeks Before Moving:

· Transfer all prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new city. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts. Clear all your safety deposit boxes.

· Disassemble and disconnect your computer system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back-up file disks with you in the car. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.

· Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home, including closets, basement, attics and the items that you will take.

· Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped.

· Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic and non-flammable in plastic bags.

· Drain your lawn mower, snow blower and power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.

· Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.

· If you need to store anything, call your van line agent about storage options available.

· Inform gas, electric, cable, and telephone services of your move. Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home the day after your scheduled moving day. Sign up for services at your new address and connect them on your moving-in day.

· Have your automobile serviced if your travel is by car.

1 Week Before Moving:

· Make sure to mark which items you'll take yourself, so the movers won't take them or have any questions.

· Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house.

· Mark your boxes to be shipped with "Fragile," "Do Not Load," and "Load Last" stickers.

· Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer, and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.

· Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of unexpected delay or schedule change.

· Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number of your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number where you can be reached until you get to your new home.

· Arrange for payment to your van line agent. Contact your van line agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted.

· Inquire with your moving company or van line agents about protecting your goods.

1 Day Before Moving Day:

· Pack a box of things you'll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. (This might include non-aerosol cleaning supplies, disposable plates and cups, light tools, snacks, bathroom items and trash bags.)

· Take this box with you or have the driver load it last and unload first. This is usually the day packing is done.

· Make sure all packing services have been performed before you sign for them.

· Defrost, thoroughly clean, and dry refrigerator.

Moving Out Day:

· Be on hand when the driver arrives and throughout the loading process. (If you won't be there, make sure someone will be there to direct the movers. Make sure the driver has in writing the name and phone number of that person.)

· Accompany the driver during inventory. Check on the condition of your goods as they are loaded.

· Make a final tour of your home. See that nothing is overlooked.

· Sign the bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.

· Lock all windows and doors, and turn off all switches.

Moving In Day:

· Arrive at your home a day ahead of time, if possible, to make sure utilities are connected and to plan placement of major items in your home.

· Be on hand to pay the driver with cash, traveler's check, certified check or money order prior to your goods being unloaded.

* Keep the following supplies handy for packing:

Boxes
Marking pen
Bubble wrap
Newspaper and tissue
Tape and scissors
Tape measure

* Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.

* Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.

* Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.

* Label each box and indicate the following:
(a) Which room it should go in
(b) Whether it is fragile
(c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first

* Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.

* Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.

* Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.

* Pack medicines in a leak-proof container.

* Carry all valuables with you.

* Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.

PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS
We can sell you any cartons you might need in addition to other packing material such as paper and tape. You might save a substantial amount of money, however, by obtaining cartons from other sources such as friends who have recently moved and/or stores. Starting to collect cartons a month or two prior to your move will probably make it possible to obtain enough cartons.

SELECT THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF CARTON
Heavy items such as books, record albums, canned food, etc. should be put in smaller cartons. Some items such as large pictures, mirrors, glass tops and shelves, clocks and mattresses may require special cartons that we can provide.

PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL ON LOCAL MOVES
When you are moving locally, some items do not necessarily need to be packed. Items such as mirrors, large pictures and mattresses can usually be transported safely for short distances without packing. Generally, these items should be packed for long distance move and for shipments moving into storage. Lamps and lampshades should always be packed.

PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME
Packing can appear to be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective of the entire house. Packing one room at a time (and staying with that room until it is fully packed) has the effect of dividing the overall task into several smaller and more manageable tasks. This approach also makes it possible to set realistic goals, i.e. pack the dining room today, the kitchen tomorrow, etc.

TAPE THE BOTTOM OF CARTONS
Taping the bottom of cartons before filling them prevents the contents from spilling out the bottom during the move.

HEAVY ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM/LIGHT ITEMS ON TOP
In each carton the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.

USE A LOT OF PAPER
All breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Paper should be used to cushion the bottom, sides and top of cartons.

PLACE BREAKABLES CORRECTLY IN CARTON
Plates should be stacked vertically as if in a dish drain; glasses and stemware should be placed in an upright position; again, use plenty of paper on all fragile and breakable items.

CORRECTLY FILL CARTONS
Fill all cartons to the top without over-filling. Cartons with items sticking over the top cannot be properly closed or stacked; cartons that are under-filled tend to crush when stacked. Always make sure each carton is filled totally to the top before closing. A small space at the top can be filled with paper, a towel, a blanket or other similar items.

CLOSE CARTON AND SEAL SHUT WITH TAPE
Cartons should be closed and sealed with tape to prevent damage and make stacking easier.

LABEL EACH CARTON
Use a felt pen to clearly label each carton as to its general contents and the room it is to be placed in at destination. Label on the side of each carton rather than on the top so that cartons in stacks can be identified. If a carton is packed in a manner that requires it to be always kept in an upright position, draw arrows on each side indicating which end must always be kept up. Any cartons containing particularly fragile items should be labeled as such.

STACK CARTONS
Time will be saved on your move if you arrange cartons in stacks of similar-sized cartons four to five feet high. This enables the cartons to be easily dollied from the house to the truck.