How To Choose Great Vendors When Downsizing — Part 2

Today we will continue to look at how to choose great vendors when downsizing.

Movers

You should almost always hire professional movers. You probably have some nice, expensive things to move that are also heavy or bulky. Movers know how to handle large pieces of furniture and pack delicate items (electronics, lamps, sculptures, and artwork) so that they arrive at your new home in good condition. You are not a college student moving family hand-me-downs. Spend the money. It’s worth it.The cost of moving depends on whether you are moving locally or across the country. If you are moving locally (within 40 miles), you will be paying for time and materials, including how many guys it takes to pack and move your things, plus boxes, packing paper, tape, etc.

Farther moves in-state will include a mileage charge.If you are moving across the country, costs are based on distance and weight. The mover calculates the mileage based on the distance between your address and the destination address. They also include the weight of what is on the truck: they weigh the truck empty, and then they weigh the truck when it’s full of your items.In such cases, we always recommend limiting the number of books, tools, heavy items, and large pieces of furniture you take with you unless these items are absolutely necessary.

We also recommend that our clients get the extended insurance and not just the one that comes with your move. The extended insurance will include a replacement value for your things and give you peace of mind if something happens to any of them. You should also check with your personal insurance company to see if they provide any coverage for your items while in transit.If you are moving something that would be heat- or cold-sensitive, like a piano or valuable art, we also recommend a climate-controlled truck. Such a truck will make sure that your valuables remain intact when they arrive, and don’t suffer from the extreme heat or cold as they are driven across state lines.

In the summertime, a moving truck is typically 20-to-30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature; in very hot states like Texas, Florida, or Arizona, there can be an even higher temperature differential inside the truck.Something most people don’t know is that movers will not move certain items, including candles, anything flammable (like matches), your open food, or live plants.

Think about candles melting in a sweltering truck: you would blame the mover, even though it wasn’t their fault.The “no go” list also includes all of your cleaning chemicals. Don’t plan on bringing them with you unless you take them in your own car. Give them to your friends and relatives before you move. Buy fresh cleaning supplies when you arrive at your new home.

Handymen/Painters

Almost all homes have deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed before they are listed for sale. Your realtor is an excellent resource to determine which items are critical. There may also be some simple updates that will help your home sell quickly and for a good price. Again, your realtor is the best resource for this advice.Handyman and painter pricing can vary widely based on their availability and what area of the country you live in. We recommend always getting three bids and comparing prices. Keep in mind that if you are hiring a company called “College Painters,” you may not have the most experienced crew. If you are OK with that, then the job will probably reflect it.Hiring an experienced crew means that you will often pay top dollar for their work. In addition, you may also have to wait for them to be available because they will probably be in high demand. However, you will have great work and dependable workers who know what they are doing. In this case, you do get what you pay for.

Painting is the single cheapest way to increase the value of your home before you sell it. Painting it will always make it look fresher. We recommend neutral colors. Ask your realtor what their favorite colors are because they will be connected with what is trending in the market and what sells best.You’ll also want to note that when you paint ceilings and walls and trim with three different colors, that increases the price of the painting because the painter has to spend more time “cutting in” with different colors.

When you paint everything all one color, it is easier, and the price goes down, however, the look of the room is not usually as attractive.

Cleaning Companies

Just prior to listing a home, it is usually worth having it professionally deep-cleaned. This will include cleaning the appliances, light fixtures, vacuuming behind things, and de-cobwebbing storage areas, plus all the normal cleaning. It is good to have carpets and windows cleaned, as well.

Cleaning companies can also vary widely in how they charge. It depends on what part of the country you live in and whether or not you are hiring somebody who is insured and bonded.

Someone who cleans “on the side” may be less expensive, but they don’t carry that extra insurance protection. It’s your choice who you want to have in your home.

We always recommend checking with the people who may already be cleaning your home, since you know and trust them. Having a company that bonds its employees is especially important if they will be cleaning when you are not home. You want a reputable company to avoid losing valuable items.What we hear most often from our clients is that most cleaning companies are good in the beginning, and then quality slowly slacks off over time. There is a pretty easy fix for this if you want to keep your regular cleaning crew: change it up. Move furniture around, or ask for a different crew to come, if you are using a professional company. They will see your house with fresh eyes and give it a different kind of cleaning. 

If you need help with your downsizing process, contact us.

Until next time – Keep It Simple!

Downsizing the Silver Tsunami - The Betty Brigade - Sharon McRill

Article based on my most recent book, "Downsizing the Silver Tsunami." This book is a practical resource for anyone who is facing the task of downsizing—moving from a larger family home to a smaller house, condo, or multi-family living situation. Learn more.