Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Moving Day Tips


Today is the big day--moving day--are you ready? Moving is one of the most stressful things a person can endure. But, some planning ahead can help make things go smoother.



Before the big day, make sure you have taken care of changing your utilities, changing your bank accounts, and submitting an address change to the post office. Drop off your keys with your Realtor and make sure to get the keys to to your new home.

Some things to plan for moving day:

  • Make sure you have enough cash to cover expenses, such as the moving van, gas, food, and even tolls if you might be crossing a bridge. Plan for more expenses than you anticipate.


  • Make sure your pets are happy. Limit them to one room and move them out last. And, make sure to "unpack" them first when you get to your new home.


  • Plan your route. Think about traffic patterns. If you are moving to an area with a lot of traffic, it might be best to avoid rush hour.


  • Check in with a friend or relative along the way, and select someone who might be able to help you out of a jam should one arise.


  • Don't rush the unpacking. Take care of your family and pets and enjoy the first night in the home.
If you need help preparing for a move (or finding the right home to move into!), let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring has sprung, so let's get that house of yours looking beautiful for that first gathering or party of the season! I'm not talking about vacuuming and doing the dishes. I'm talking about those little things you always think you should do someday.
  • First of all, get yourself organized and de-clutter your living space. Recycle the old magazines laying around. File away your important mail and paperwork. Organize your photos. You know what to do!
  • Clean your blinds and windows. You don't even need that blue window cleaner. Just a few drops of white vinegar and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of water. Try using newspaper instead of paper towels--it often works better.
  • Wash the walls, too! Use a mop head with a gentle cleanser. Don't apply too much pressure so you don't hurt the paint or wall treatment. It is usually best to start at the top and work your way down. Better to clean the whole wall than to do spot cleaning, which can lead to an uneven appearance.
  • Clean around your fridge. Most of us just clean the inside, but make sure to clean off the top of the fridge, which gets dusty. Pull the fridge out and clean the floor around it. Make sure clean those coils, too, to improve the energy efficiency. And, clean out the drip tray.
  • Flip that mattress. But, vacuum it first. And, it wouldn't hurt to flip the box springs, as well, if you can. If you can't find a washing machine big enough for your comforter, find a friend and shake it out vigorously.
Those are just a few to get you started. Is there anything special that you do each spring? Share your tips as well.