Flying through your move

Flying Through Your Move beginning with your Successful Garage Sale

Begin with a Successful Garage Sale

Your move to a new home is an ideal time to sort and throw away. A terrific way to dispose of your discardable items is to have a garage sale-convert your clutter into cash. Even if you find it difficult to decide what has to go, just jump that hurdle, bite the bullet, and let some of your "STUFF" become someone else's treasure-for a price, of course.

Sort

  • Organize the possessions you're taking with you in cartons according to their new storage locations-attic, garage, closet, etc. Using a large marker, write the destination on the outside of each box.
  • When you attack an area, you might have 3 boxes-1) to be moved, 2) trash, and 3) garage sale. Some guidelines to keep in mind when you are weeding out are:
  • When you no longer notice a decorative object (such as a picture), it may be time to get rid of it. Consider how each item will add to your new home-or distract from it.
  • Ask, "Have I used this item in the past year?" If the answer is yes, it is worth keeping for another year. If no, put it in the garage sale box. If it has sentimental or monetary value to you, keep it.
  • Give yourself a simple quiz: Do I really want that? Am I likely to ever use it again? Am I tired of that? Is it really worth saving for my kids?

Caution! Do not dispose of someone else's things without asking. Suggest and encourage, but don't just take over. A great incentive to children is the assurance that they can keep all money for their "stuff." This makes the parting much easier.

Be ruthless with our own possessions. Operate on the premise "When in doubt, put it out!" It takes up valuable space, and you'll just wind up cleaning it and moving it around. Don't hang on to clutter.

If you don't think you have enough to hold your garage sale, consider inviting a friend or neighbor to join you.

Advertise

Select your date (Saturday seems to be sale day in most areas) and check to see that no major holiday or sporting event will conflict. Run an ad in the local newspaper giving general location in large letters; (as appropriate) furniture; infant and kids clothing (clean), housewares, and much, much more; date, time, and address. It would be best to omit a telephone number. Post notices at area supermarkets perhaps with a tear-off giving the address to be used as a reminder.

The day before the sale, hang notices giving directions from the nearest main streets. It's a good idea to select a color to use for all signs. Make the arrows large and easy to spot. Use a paper which will remain flat in the wind. If rain is expected, laminate or cover the sign with plastic wrap. Most people find their way to a garage sale by following signs.

If you have furniture, infants' and children's clothing, or maternity clothing, state that in your advertisement. Let your neighbors know about the sale and perhaps invite them to include items-the traffic will seem less of a headache to them if they have been forewarned and asked to participate.

Organize

Group similar items together-clothes hanging on racks (not clothes lines which sag, perhaps a dowel suspended by ropes from the ceiling), books in boxes with spines visible, children's items together, miscellaneous items on card tables. The number one sale enhancer is CLEANLINESS. Crumpled, musty, or dusty items are practically worthless. Wash clothing and iron those items which are very wrinkled. Clothing should be marked with size and grouped according to sex and size. Clean items sell faster and bring a higher price. Strive to create the impression that an item has been used, but not that much!

Mark the condition-if an appliance doesn't work, state this on the tag. Have a heavy duty extension cord handy for testing before the item leaves your garage. Also a tape measure may be helpful for your customers.

Make a trip to the bank for small bills and change. During the sale, keep the cash with you-not in a cash box on the table. Save bags and boxes for your customers to use.

For security and safety reasons, limit your sales area to the garage and yard ONLY.

Keep in mind that "one person's junk is another person's treasure." Everything will sell. You may have just the item someone else is needing.

Put everything you plan to sell in one area so that you get a feel for exactly what you do have.

Pricing

Price ALL items with tags or tape (if others are participating in your sale, use a different color for each person). After initial interest, the first thing a customer looks for is the price. When in doubt, price lower. You will probably make more money if you start with a specific price on each item and be flexible when your customers start haggling.

As a rule of thumb, clothing in good condition could be priced at one-tenth of original cost-a dress purchased for $100, priced at $10 if in good condition. If an item was purchased at an exclusive store, indicate this on the price tag. Small appliances and furniture could start at one-fifth of current new selling price. Paperback books .25; hardbacks, .50 or $1; reference and special books can be priced individually and placed in a separate location. You may have miscellaneous items which can be grouped in boxes marked .25, .50, and $1.

Be prepared to bargain; after all, you're trying to get rid of everything. Bargaining is a big part of garage sale shopping. Let the buyer name a price which you can counter.

Reduce prices during the last 2 hours of the sale and make the price reductions visible.

End of Sale

Donate leftovers from the sale to your favorite charity. Take down all posters. Celebrate your trimming down of clutter and your profits!!

Check the library and the World Wide Web for information about conducting a garage sale. One Web site offers a book, How to Have Big Money Garage Sales, for purchase. The local library has a video How to Have a Moneymaking Garage Sale starring Phyllis Diller which is entertaining as well as informative.

Gather the treasures-convert into cash-have a happy garage sale!

NOW GET READY TO MOVE

Prior to Your Move . . .

  • Give away, sell, or discard unnecessary possessions which may be left from your garage sale.
  • Advise post office and complete change of address cards for financial organizations, medical practitioners, credit card companies, periodicals, etc.
  • Obtain school records for new school.
  • Notify insurance agent and transfer or arrange coverage for new home.
  • Send out items for cleaning or repair.
  • Dispose of flammable items.
  • Arrange to have all utilities shut off at your old house and connected at your new house. Have meters read. Stop newspaper delivery.
  • Arrange telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment on moving day.
  • Clean drapes, rugs, and floors.
  • Defrost and clean refrigerator, clean stove.
  • Organize work that has to be completed at your new home.
  • Obtain appraisals for any items of value in case you need to make an insurance claim from the moving company. Photos or videos are great! Ascertain that adequate insurance for all household goods is in place while goods are in transit or storage. Plan to carry all jewelry, valuable papers, and currency with you. Even photograph albums which are irreplaceable could fall in this category.

Storing and Packing. . .

  • Discontinue services such as cleaning, pool maintenance, garbage pick up, etc.
  • Needed-packing paper, pads for inventory, markers, heavy twine, masking tape, boxes, and containers.
  • Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, gas grill, etc.
  • Remove batteries from appliances and toys.
  • Mark boxes clearly specifying room for placement.
  • Set aside items you will carry in the car.
  • Keep your telephone book with you.
  • Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle your curtain rods.
  • Clearly mark all fragile and delicate items.
  • Carry all jewelry, valuable papers, and currency with you.
  • Ensure that tops on all liquids in bottles are secured.
  • Crate glass table tops, large mirrors, and any valuable pictures.
  • Pack all books on edge in small boxes.
  • Limit carton weight to 60 pounds.
  • Lamp shades should be packed in individual boxes.
  • Make sure heavy china items are placed at the bottom of the box with extra padding.
  • Small items should be placed in a smaller box inside a large box.
  • Dismantle large power tools before moving.
  • Remove fixtures that are fastened to the wall.
  • Pack clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by the mover.
  • Avoid overloading drawers when packing items in dressers.
  • Do not pack cleaning products in boxes where food is packed.
  • Do not use newspapers for packing as the ink may stain.
  • Do not leave shelves loose in stove, refrigerator, microwave, etc.

On Moving Day . . .

  • Have friends or relatives take care of the children and the pets.
  • Check and number all boxes.
  • Check each carton for loss or damage.
  • Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles.
  • Set up bedrooms and kitchen first.
  • Keep a tool kit handy.
  • Pack a first night/first day box, sheets, toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies, and champagne!

Pointers for arranging your move . . .

  • Obtain two or three estimates for your move and compare the services offered.
  • Have the contents of your home viewed by a qualified estimator and obtain a written estimate.
  • Book your move as far in advance as possible even if, in the case of a new home, your closing date is not firm. Most movers can be flexible with proper notice.
  • Avoid scheduling your move for the end of the month as this is the busy period for movers.
  • Prior to entering into a contract with a mover, make sure you determine what liability the mover will assume in the event of loss or damage. You may find it necessary to make special insurance arrangements.
  • It is advisable to have your goods packed by the mover. They are professionals and know how to properly handle and ship your belongings. Ask the mover for the cost of their packing service.
  • Confirm arrangements with the mover a day or two before the move to avoid any last minute difficulties. Make sure the mover has specific directions for picking up your goods.

Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficult enough for adults and children, but what about pets? Pet owners are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's a personality change, a regression in housebreaking habits, or a sudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice something that dramatic, there's no doubt that your faithful companion is feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strain to an absolute minimum-both to yourself and your beloved pet?

If you're planning a cross-country move by air, call the airlines first-before you make any reservations-and find out which ones allow pets as "animal passengers." Approximately 750,000 pets make airline trips every year. Most of the major airlines will allow animal passengers provided outdoor temperatures are within a certain range. Pets may be brought on-board with their owners as "carry-on baggage," or placed within the cargo section of plane as "checked baggage," weather permitting. Airlines also have established regulations regarding the number of pets permitted per flight, both on-board and in the cargo section, as well as number of pets permitted per passenger and size and weight limitations for carry-on and checked baggage. If at all possible, book a direct flight to avoid the additional stress of plane changes.

As your moving date approaches, try to maintain your pet's routine-feeding, exercise, and play times. As you begin to pack your belongings, and particularly when the movers arrive, you may want to consider recruiting a friend to pet-sit to avoid undue stress for your companion.

Make sure your pet is wearing updated identification and that you're carrying some kind of identification for your pet, including recent photos. If your pet escapes at any time during your move, you'll be prepared.

Veterinarians also recommend that you pack a water supply from the home you're leaving. Changing water sources could cause stomach upset and, ultimately, dehydration for your pet. Keep your pet's food as bland as possible; this isn't the time to experiment with new brands or varieties. Arrange for a physical exam for your pet prior to your move, and make sure you obtain your pet's updated records from your vet. If your vet can't refer you to a new health-care provider in your new hometown, call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at 1-303-986-2800 for a list of local veterinarians in your new hometown.

Another tip: Several weeks before your move, find out what the regulations are in your new home state regarding the importation of animals. These laws often vary from state to state and even among counties.

Moving your home can be a very stressful experience to say the least! Irreplaceable family pictures-one of a kind china sets-business records-items you care about and do not want lost or damaged. Pick a moving company that you can trust.

Take CAUTION . . .

A mover whose estimate is far below that of your other estimates may spell, T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Damage to goods you pack are your responsibility not the mover's, unless the mover has been negligent in the care of the boxes.

Don't sign documentation without fully understanding what you are signing.

Avoid the stress of selling your home, while trying to buy another home!

Get pre-qualified for your next home - BEFORE you sell your current home!

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