10 Hilarious Moving Fails, And Why You Should Hire Pros:

Unless you’re moving out of your parents’ home for the very first time, there’s a good chance you’ve had your share of moving fails. Perhaps you broke a favorite piece of decor, or you injured your back. Trust us when we say you aren’t alone. Social media is filled with moving fails. Here are just a few:

1. Uber is great. We use them too, but not for moving.

2. Measure, especially with sofas.

3. WTA… How did this happen?

4. Not looking good there.

5. That’s one way not to do it.

6. You think they got their deposit back?

7. ‘A’ for effort, dude.

7. You might have a bit of a problem here.

8. Mad skills. The question is are they buying more stuff?

9. A trail of tears.

10. Boxing yourself into a corner.

Seriously, save yourself some headaches (backaches, money, etc) and hire Sunnyvale Movers to get the job done right.

Five Things To Know Before Buying Your Home In A New Real Estate Development

New real estate developments have an undeniable appeal for homebuyers. I have overseen sales and marketing for more than 300 new development projects totaling over 10,000 residences over the last 30 years, and I’ve found that everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners needs an education on the nuances of buying new.

Here are five tips to help get you started:

1. Understand The Timeline

Developers typically begin sales 12 to 24 months prior to the projected occupancy (move-in) date of the property, which means that you need to plan well in advance for your purchase.

On the plus side, this gives you time to save additional funds for the remaining down payment after deposit and to sell an existing property, if necessary. But if unforeseen delays alter the construction timeline, you might not move in when you expected.

If you are moving from a rental, it’s best to negotiate flexibility with your landlord. For buyers who are selling another property, try timing of the sale of your home so you have some wiggle room on your ultimate closing and moving-out dates. This way, you’re not sleeping in your parent’s basement, bunking with friends or camping out in a hotel for a few weeks. Ask the developer for regular construction updates starting six months prior to the projected closing date so that if you need to extend your lease or closing date, you have plenty of time to do so.

2. Not All New Construction Is Created Equal

Make sure to do your homework on both the developer and the contractor actually performing the work. You will want to assure that they are well-respected developers and builders who stand behind their product. Construction defects happen, but that does not mean the developer is necessarily to blame or that they are a bad developer. More importantly, does the developer have a reputation for responding quickly when a problem arises? Are they amenable to correcting any construction defects without litigation? What is their reputation for quality workmanship? In addition, it is important to ask when the warranties begin when purchasing in a newly built development and that you obtain all of the warranty information.

3. What You See May Not Be What You Get

Artist renderings and sales office models that depict the finishes of the property are key marketing tools when selling new development because these residences are being sold before there is a finished product. Make sure to ask what comes with the actual residence you are purchasing. For instance, a three-bedroom model kitchen may not be representative of the kitchen in the one-bedroom you have selected, which will most likely have a smaller kitchen.

It’s important to get specific. Ask what size the appliances are in your residence, and how much cabinet space you will have. If the model kitchen is shown with drawer inserts or pull-out drawers, is this standard for all units? Find out if the model bathroom is typical or if your bath will be smaller with fewer fixtures. Inquire what lighting will be included. Most developers only install recessed lighting in hallways, kitchens and bathrooms and supply switched outlets everywhere else. The same goes for closet design. Just because a model home shows a fully outfitted closet does not mean you should assume your unit will come with the same.

4. Budget For Additional Closing Costs

In New York City in particular, it is customary that the developer expects the purchaser to pay the New York State and New York City Transfer Taxes. (In re-sales, these costs are typically born by the seller.) You can attempt to negotiate these additional expenses, and depending on the building and market, a developer may agree. Often, developers prefer to negotiate closing costs rather than price to maintain value throughout the building not only for themselves but also to protect the investment being made by everyone purchasing from them. In addition, developers may pass along part of their legal fees for creating the condominium documents and performing the closing, which can add another $2,500-$3,000 to buyer expenses in most cases.

5. Check The House Rules And Bylaws

Co-ops are not the only buildings with rules. Every property (yes, even a condo) has a different pet policy, smoking policy and rules and fees for subleasing. Make sure that the rules work for you and that your furry friend meets any building limits on breed or size.

Buying in a new development is very exciting, but can also be nerve-wracking due to the many nuances and potential unknowns as to what the finished product will actually look and feel like. Doing as much homework up front as possible will help to ease any concerns and assure a more expected outcome.

Forbes Real Estate Council is an invitation-only community for executives in the real estate industry. Do I qualify?

President, Halstead Property Development Marketing & Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing. NYC new development real estate marketing.

Moving Soon? How to Transfer Your Utilities When Moving

Moving soon? Don’t forget to transfer those utilities! While certainly not the most fun task, it’s undoubtedly one of the most important. After all, who wants to spend the first night (or first week!) in their new home without hot water, electricity or internet? Not us. For these reasons, it’s absolutely necessary that you contact your utility service providers prior to moving to schedule a transfer or installation date. Not sure how to get started on setting up your utilities? Before you begin packing boxes, take a look at these 8 simple tips for transferring your utilities in your new home.

1. Get organized

   First thing’s first: before you move, familiarize yourself with all of your current utility service providers. Utilities usually include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, security system, trash and phone. I recommend making a note of these monthly service providers by writing their phone number and contact information on one general list. If you’re planning on changing providers when you move, be sure to write down any new contact information.

2. Notify utilities of your move a few weeks in advance

   Once you’ve organized all of your utilities information, you’ll need to start contacting each provider separately to let them know that you’re moving. I recommend contacting most providers at least two weeks in advance. For utility services that require an installation appointment, it’s a good idea to call a month in advance. These usually include cable and internet services, as well as security system providers, such as ADT. When scheduling your disconnect and connect dates for gas and electric, consider making the disconnect date a day or two after you move. This way the lights and HVAC will still be working, just in case you need to get back inside your former home to pick up anything left behind. If you live near your new home, consider scheduling your gas and electric connect for the day before your move. This way you can go ahead and turn on the AC or heat, if moving in extreme weather.

3. Arrange your water and sewer service through the city

   When it comes to water and sewer services, these will most likely be handled through your new city or town. Arrange for the service to begin on moving day by contacting your city’s public utilities office a few weeks prior to the move.

4. Check if the HOA covers utilities

   Moving to a community with an HOA (homeowners’ association)? If so, your HOA fees may cover basic utilities including water and sewer, gas and trash pickup. Paying one monthly bill to the HOA, instead of 5 separate bills to various utility companies, will certainly make paying monthly bills an easier and more seamless experience.

5. Update your address

   When calling the utility service providers, be sure to provide them with your new address. This way, you’ll be sure to receive any and all future bills. Of course, it’s also a good idea to change your mailing address with USPS. By going to USPS.com, you can easily select the date that you wish to begin forwarding your mail.

6. Pay overdue bills before moving

   Whatever you do, don’t forget to pay any overdue bills before moving. When calling the utility service providers, simply ask whether or not you currently owe anything. If so, be sure to pay off these outstanding balances before moving, as these could potentially hurt your credit score. Paying off balances also means a clean slate and a fresh start in your new home.

7. Do a final meter reading

   Before moving, have your utility service providers come to your house and conduct a final reading of the gas, electric and water meters. Just in case you receive any unexpected bills after moving, keep a copy of the meter reading reports for your records.

8. Conduct a home energy audit of your new home

   Finally, once you’ve moved into your new home, I recommend scheduling for a technician to come and perform a home energy audit. This audit will let you know if you need to improve the insulation, ductwork or furnace in your new house. Essentially, it informs a homeowner how and where the air is leaking into the house. Nationwide Insurance suggests sealing air leaks by either placing a sweep at the base of outside doors or by applying caulk around the drafty windows.

Other important tasks to complete before moving

Besides transferring and setting up your utilities, there are plenty of other tasks to complete prior to moving. Important to-dos on your moving checklist should also include:

• Schedule movers – A few months before your move, start researching moving companies in the area. Make sure these moving companies are licensed and insured. You should also check for reviews and for the company’s complaint history via the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Moving.com’s directory and the FMCSA’s lookup system. Additionally, a reputable and reliable moving company should provide you with either an in-person estimate or video estimate of the move’s cost.
• Sell and donate belongings – The less you move, the better. Not only will your move be much cheaper, but it will also save you time when it comes to packing and unpacking your house. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get rid of outdated furniture, useless knick-knacks and unnecessary belongings. First, you can start by donating items to your local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill. These organizations also offer free pickup services for donations as well. Be sure to save your receipts for the upcoming tax season, as you may be able to deduct a portion of the value of these donations against your income tax. Second, you can sell items through various online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Craigslist or eBay. Other options include selling your belongings via the LetGo, Gone and OfferUp mobile apps. Finally, if you’re looking for ways to empty your pantry before you move, consider using a Move for Hunger partner moving company. These moving companies will pick up and pack all of your unwanted canned goods, and deliver them to local food banks.
• Gather moving boxes and supplies – I suggest gathering all moving boxes and supplies well before the move. To purchase necessary supplies, head to Moving.com’s Box Center for coupons and discounts from UBoxes.com and UsedCardboardBoxes.com. Looking for free supplies? Head to local bookstores, liquor stores, big box retailers, schools and recycling drop-off points to find used cardboard boxes. You may also be able to find free moving supplies on various online marketplaces including Craigslist, Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace.
• Pack – Finally, it’s time to pack! After gathering supplies, start the packing process by boxing up items that you won’t be needing in the immediate future. Non-essentials may include seasonal clothing, books, picture frames, art and other home decor. Box up your essentials last, as you’ll be needing these a week before your move. These include kitchen items, important documents, and pet supplies. Also, don’t forget to pack an overnight bag of essentials for your first night in the new home. Pajamas, toothbrushes, and other toiletries are a must.

Ready to move?

Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!

Moving Checklist - 1 day until moving day

 - Packing. Aim to finish the packing today, apart from a few essentials in the kitchen and bathroom. You will feel so much better when you can see the end is finally in sight. "Don't forget to clearly mark the boxes with the room name you would like them to end up in".

 - Dismantle & Disconnect.  Unless you have arranged with the removal company, you will be expected to dismantle any self-assembly furniture that cannot be moved out in one. Take down curtains and any fixtures you are intending to take with you. Make sure you have disconnected the washer and fitted the transit brackets to secure the drum. Defrosted the fridge / freezer unless you have arranged to have these moved with the food inside, if this is the case pack the contents into bags so they can be lifted out quickly.

 - Snack box. Make up a box of refreshments for the next day, bearing in mind that your cooker may be disconnected or in the back of a removal van. Include tea, coffee, sugar etc, and the most important item of all the kettle, you will have to keep the refreshments flowing as moving house is very thirsty work. A selection of cold drinks is also a good idea. Mark on the box "kettle things" or "brewing tackle" and it will be guaranteed to be last on, first off the van.

 - Toiletries box. Make up a box in the bathroom and put in the toiletries that you aren't using. Leave this box open to put in all the other toiletries tomorrow morning after everyone has got up and cleaned their teeth, you can then seal it up.

 - Outside items.  Anything outside that you can move, try and put either inside the garage or in a dry place, there is nothing worse than putting soaking wet outside furniture into a removal van along with all your other furniture.

 - Parking. If you have difficulty parking outside your house, it could be a good idea to park your own car or cars outside so that your removal van will be able to park outside. Remember the van needs more room than its own length to manoeuvre.

 - Draw a map. Sit down and either write out some directions or draw a plan on how to get to your new address, including a contact number.

 - Mobile phone. Make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged up for tomorrow, you are probably going to need it.

The Pros And Cons Of Lump-Sum Moves

Tax code updates enacted at the federal level in late 2017 as part of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act led to a number of changes for individuals and businesses. Among the many alterations to the existing tax code was a stipulation that directly affects corporations that want to relocate their staff to a different part of the country.

The removal of the moving expenses deduction means employees can no longer subtract the cost of a work-related move from their taxes. Now, when companies pay for some or all of an employee's relocation, that money is considered income and subject to all applicable taxes. Such a change necessitates a review of current policies and the potential adoption of new relocation strategies.

The changing attitudes around lump-sum moves

"Lump-sum moves could quickly increase in use following tax changes."

Lump-sum moves occur when companies provide a single amount as a reimbursement to employees following a corporate relocation, and could see an increase in use following the tax code changes.

The tax-saving benefits previously realized by paying for the moving costs for household goods directly - an alternative to the lump-sum approach -  are no longer available. That means lump sums could rise in popularity.

Our 2018 Corporate Relocation Survey found about a third of all companies plan to expand the use of lump-sum move payments to address the tax code changes.

The pros and cons of lump-sum moves for corporate relocation

The potential for increased use of lump-sum moves means some businesses that aren't familiar with the process may want some more information about their pros and cons. Consider these lists:

PROS OF LUMP-SUM MOVES:

• A straightforward transaction in which the company simply pays the employee a standard amount.
• Less work for the organization, as the employees generally handle the details of their moves.
• Employees can put the money toward the specific expenses they must address to move successfully, even when addressing a very uncommon or niche need.
• It's simple to gross up the lump sum to cover the tax imposed on it to make sure employees have the amount they need to handle the move.

CONS OF LUMP-SUM MOVES:

• It's difficult to gain visibility into how much employees truly spend on moving and make adjustments accordingly.
• It can lead to more work than desired for employees, who have to organize all of the relevant moving details and processes themselves - something that can also have an impact on job performance as they plan and manage a complicated move.
• Employees are under no obligation to return money not spent on moving expenses, as they get to keep the entire lump sum.

Taking the next step with Avail Move Management and movr

Atlas is proud to offer cutting-edge support for lump-sum moves through Avail Move Management and the movr dashboard.

Designed with the specific needs of corporate relocations in mind, the dashboard offers a mobile interface in which transferees can find and compare services while tracking their budget. Additionally, administrators can monitor lump-sum activity on a per-employee basis, providing data that increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the program moving forward.

By offering a streamlined interface for all stakeholders and addressing some of the most notable drawbacks of the lump-sum move option, Avail and movr are here to help all companies offer a positive and productive corporate relocation experience.

7 Ways to Stage Your Current Home Without Busting the Budget

Staging your home can make a difference in how quickly it sells, and in what price you get. The National Association of Realtors conducted a survey in 2015 that showed that the vast majority of realtors believe that staging can impact the way buyers perceive a property. Are you wondering what you can do to get your home ready, beyond cleaning and decluttering?

From creating the illusion of more space to understanding what’s worth upgrading, design expert, S.A. “Sam” Jernigan, a California-based interior designer who has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and websites such as BobVila.com and Realtor.com, has some advice for budget-friendly changes that make a big impact.

1. Use Paint to Direct the Buyer’s Eye

“Is the fireplace ‘lost’ in a sea of off-white walls? Painting the break-front, or fireplace surround, an accent color will give new importance to this feature,” says Jernigan. Strategic use of a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in highlighting or downplaying architectural details.

2. Streamline Your Entryway

Whether your home opens to a hall, foyer or a mudroom, corralling this catchall space is easy. Jernigan suggests adding a stately coat tree or a handsome set of wall hooks for upscale organization.

3. Make Rooms Look Larger

Jernigan recommends adding bold, vertical lines to older homes that have lower ceilings. For example, cut large-scale wild foliage and arrange 6-foot branches in a narrow floor vase. Hang draperies from a rod mounted on the ceiling rather than the wall. Another rule of thumb: well-lit rooms look larger than rooms with dim spaces.

4. Give New Life to Old Furniture

One of the fastest ways to give your room a facelift is by covering worn, upholstered pieces or furniture with updated patterns. Jernigan recommends using ready-made slipcovers to freshen up the look of your sofa, loveseat and chairs.

5. Light It Up

“Lighting is an often-overlooked key,” Jernigan points out. When did you last replace your fixtures? If it’s been a decade or more, then upgrading can really pay off. Use some of your staging budget for new fixtures and quality bulbs that cast each room “literally, in its best light,” as Jernigan notes. Bulbs with warm tones flatter the complexion and create an inviting atmosphere, which is especially important in bathrooms and vanity areas.

6. Update the Bedrooms

All-in-one-bag bedding sets are a comparatively low-cost way to quickly make over a bedroom. “If the ensemble comes with matching sheets, it’s possible to fabricate these into ad-hoc window treatments too,” according to Jernigan.

7. Go Easy on the Nose

“How does your house smell? Is it fresh and inviting? Or are there musty, smoky, or pet odors? Believe me, buyers can and will notice.” Jernigan recommends scouring and cleaning so that your home looks and smells as fresh as possible, using citrus-based cleaners for best results. Air purifiers may help, and homey touches such as fresh flowers, live plants and bowls of fresh fruit can subtly scent the air.

Why Do You Need Specialty Item Moving Services?

Are you planning a move and starting to recognize that your household contains specialty items? If so, consider using specialty item moving services to ensure your expensive, valuable, or fragile items are packed correctly so that they arrive safely.

What Are Specialty Items?

There are a variety of items found in most households that are classified as “specialty items.” All of these things will require special care, so if you possess any of these unique items, it’s a great idea to use packing and moving services.

• Piano: A musical instrument weighing over 200 kilograms is not necessarily something you can move by yourself, as this requires specialty tools for moving, disassembly and reassembly.
• Art & Antiques: Many of these high-value items require special methods of packing in order to ensure they arrive damage-free on arrival.
• Large Appliances (TV, Fridge, Washing Machine): The large size and delicate electronic parts of these items means they always require the right type of packing materials and dollies to move safely and easily.
• Pool Tables: A pool table containing a one-piece slate weighs around 200 kilograms. It takes movers with strength and expertise to safely move a pool table.
• Chandelier: The best way to move a prized chandelier is with a purpose-built shipping crate that allows it to hang while having all sides padded. The crate also needs a “This way up” sign in order to ensure it does not get stored in-transit the wrong way.

Benefits of Hiring Specialty Item Moving Services

There are many benefits when you use specialty item moving services, from the peace of mind of knowing your items will arrive in the same condition they left to saving you from the stress and hassle of moving everything yourself. Trust the experience that a moving company has gained from years of performing highly-demanding moves.

Safety

Avoid any worries about dropping something, throwing your back out, or otherwise being placed in a potentially unsafe situation. Professional movers have know-how, training, and specialized equipment to get the job done without any accidents on your end.

Fast and Stress-Free Move

A moving company can perform its duties quickly, on-schedule, and efficiently in order to save you from any added stress from your move.

Stairs, Hallways, and Other Difficult Structures

Understanding the specific angle that a fragile piece of furniture needs to be carried in order to clear stairs, hallways, and other structures is one of the most overlooked aspects of moving.

Proper Packing Material and Packing

With the right materials—sturdy boxes, crates, and other packing materials—your items will be secure and safe while in-transit. Professional movers have the correct materials, as well as expertise at packing.

Tools Available

In addition to trucks and other vehicles, professional movers have a wide array of tools that assist with moving including moving blankets, various dollies, belts, hoisting straps, ramps, pallet jacks, and more.

Request a Quote Today

Does your home contain large, hard-to-move items that you want transported safely? A moving services company like Firemen Movers can help. We are a GTA-based moving company that has the packing materials, expertise, and ability to help you move just about anything. Contact us today with any questions about moving or to get a quote on our services.