Moving is never an easy feat, but it becomes significantly more complicated when a collection is involved. Whether it's made up of stamps, action figures, or rare books, your collection is important to you, and so is getting it safely into your new home. From prep work to moving day, this list of tips from our real estate agents covers everything you need to know to successfully move your beloved treasures.  

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With our identities and lifestyles closely tied to our hometowns, it creates one of our strongest relationships. If you're moving to a new city, will you be able to forge another bond that fits your wants and needs? Use these valuable tips from our real estate agents to determine if you and your new city are a match.

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It's no secret that moving can be stressful! When you're packing up your entire life and relocating across the country, it's important to make sure you're prepared. Spending some time planning your move will help ensure everything goes off without a hitch. 

Not sure where to start? You're in luck! Our real estate agents often work with clients from out of state and have created a helpful guide to help with planning cross-country moves. Here are a few of the most important tips. 

Cross-Country Moving Tips

• Start by Decluttering
  There's no sense paying someone to move stuff you don't really want or need. You'll save yourself money if you declutter before you move. Even better, you may be able to make some extra money by having a yard sale, working with a consignment store, or selling items online. You can also donate gently-used items to local nonprofits.

• Ask for Help
  There's nothing worse than trying to handle a cross-country move by yourself. Don't hesitate to ask for help with certain tasks. Even school-age kids can pack up boxes of non-essentials if they're shown the proper way to do it. There's also nothing wrong with asking family and friends to come over and lend you a hand. 

• Book Travel Arrangements Early
  You don't want to scramble to figure out your travel arrangements at the last minute. Having the right airline and hotel reservations can make or break your move, so make sure you spend some time doing your research and start booking your reservations at least a month in advance. 

• Get Quotes from Multiple Movers
  A cross-country move can be expensive, so it pays to get estimates from at least three or four different moving companies before making your final decision. Make sure each company you're considering is licensed and insured. Be careful not to make your decision solely on price. It's also important to consider their anticipated delivery time, the services included, and whether you feel comfortable with the company's reputation. Many of the best moving companies book up quickly, so it's important to get started on this as soon as possible. 

• Take Photos or Videos of Your Items
  When packing up valuable items, it's a great idea to take photos or videos to document their condition. This way, if they arrive damaged, you'll be able to easily show proof to the moving company. 

• Get the Driver's Contact Number
  When you're moving cross-country, you can sometimes wait a week or longer for your items to arrive. Getting a contact number for the driver can help give you some extra peace of mind. 

• Consider Moving Insurance
  Most moving companies offer a free moving policy, but these typically only cover the bare minimum. When booking your move, consider whether you need Full Value Protection. This will hold the mover accountable for covering the actual cash value of your items. You'll also have to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a policy from your mover versus getting one from a third-party insurance company. 

• Bring Valuables and Important Paperwork
  Make sure to protect your valuables and important paperwork by keeping them with you instead of sending them with the movers. Some of the items you'll want to keep with you include jewelry, heirlooms, your birth certificate, and your marriage license. 

• Pack a Bag of Essentials
  As you're packing up your belongings, make sure to keep a separate bag or a suitcase for your essentials. This should include everything you need for moving day and the first few days after you arrive. Make sure you have at least a few changes of clothing, all your necessary toiletries, medications, and items like towels, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, pet food, child necessities. 

• Examine Your Items Carefully
  When the movers arrive with your items, make sure you inspect them thoroughly. This is particularly important for large items, like furniture and anything valuable. If you notice any damage, take photos and contact the movers right away. 

• Update Your Information
  Thanks to modern technology, it's now super easy to change your address. You can just visit USPS.com and select the date you want the post office to start forwarding your mail. You'll also need to change your address with your bank and credit card companies and change over your new utilities. 

• Get a New Driver's License
  If you're living in a new state, you'll need to get a new driver's license. To do this, make an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and bring all the necessary paperwork so they can issue you a new license. 

• Explore Your Neighborhood
  Now that all the hard stuff is done, it's time to settle into your new home and get comfortable in your new neighborhood. This means getting outside and saying hello to your new neighbors. This is also a good time to start exploring local parks, restaurants, and retail shops. You may also want to check out your local Nextdoor.com group. 

Are you planning to relocate soon? Our agents would love to help you find your dream home! Contact us today. 

Pets are a part of the family in many Northern New England homes!

And July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day, a great reminder to fine-tune your family's fire safety plan so that all your family members are protected.

Our real estate agents also recommend making a few changes around your home so that your furry family members don't inadvertently start a fire. Here are some valuable tips to help keep your pet safe in case of an emergency. 

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There's so much to consider when picking out a new neighborhood. It needs to be the proper place for you and your family, but what about Fido? Will your dog love and appreciate the neighborhood that you choose? Here are five tips for picking a neighborhood your dog will love.

1. Get a Big Yard
   It's convenient to let your pooch play in your own yard without having to take him on a leash to the park each day. Consider how much space your dog will have to roam. Bonus points if there is a safe, reliable fence, doghouse, or kennel already included with the yard.
2. Check Out Other Dogs
   When you go to check out a house or neighborhood be on the lookout for people out walking their dogs. Or maybe you'll see some pups playing in a fenced-in yard. These are good clues that your neighbors enjoy dogs and that you'll probably be warmly welcomed.
3. Find Easy Access to Dog Care
   As a pet owner, you want to be prepared when you move into your new neighborhood. Have an idea of where to find the following pet services. 

• • Does this new neighborhood offer close proximity to a veterinarian clinic? If your dog currently has prescriptions, can you or another family member get to the clinic easily to fill them when they're due?
  • Does the vet clinic offer 24/7 emergency services? 
  • Are there obedience classes and groomers in the area?
  • Are there specialty pet stores or wholesale stores that offer the necessities?
  • If you work long hours, take vacations, or need to hop on a plane for a family emergency across the state or country, is there a highly-rated doggy daycare, a network of pet sitters, or any kennels nearby?
    

4. Seek Safe Walking Paths
   Your dog will love a neighborhood where they can go on frequent walks with you. Be on the lookout for well-lit sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, is the street full and safe enough to walk in regularly? You and your dog need a convenient way to exercise, and whether you walk down the sidewalk for an hour a day or need a quick way to get to the local dog park, great walking paths are a necessity. If you live in a snowy area, take notice of whether your neighbors and the city/town employees clear the sidewalks promptly. 
5. Check Out Community Camaraderie
   Does your neighborhood seem to welcome four-legged friends? Be on the lookout for the following things when touring the neighborhood:

• • Are there several "No Pets Allowed" signs? 
  • Do community members allow their pets to wander? If so, will rogue cats and dogs drive your pup crazy and turn stress-relieving walks into nightmares?
  • Do the restaurants include seating for pups or outdoor patio areas for you and your canine companion to dine?
  • Are there trash cans along the main streets to offload stinky poop bags during outings? 
  • Are dog parks within walking distance? Try to hit the park on a busy weekend to see if the dogs and their owners seem respectful of one another.
  • Are there community canine-themed events like dog shows and parades?

These tips will help you get a good idea if this new neighborhood will be the best fit for you and your canine. Our real estate agents are also here to assist you. Contact us, and we can help you find the perfect neighborhood for you and your pooch.

Moving to a new home can be a huge undertaking, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Although it may seem like an impossible task, planning can help you prepare for your move and help make the process a piece of cake. Our real estate agents share some tips for streamlining the moving process.

1. Create a Timeline and To-Do List
   Think about the steps you need to take to complete your move—from beginning to end. Write down your moving date, when you'll start packing, and important details you'll need to take care of, such as hiring movers, changing your address, transferring utilities, and enrolling children in school. If you're hiring movers, it's important to contact them as early as possible to set a moving date, so you're not left in the lurch. 

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The Pet Move

Moving with our fur babies can be tricky. Lots of unexpected activity and getting adjusted to a new place is hard on our pets. To make the pet move easier, here are some helpful tips that will create a successful and stress-free move. 

Plan Ahead for your Pet Move

A big part of any move is careful planning and preparation. When there's a pet in the mix, making sure you're ready before moving day becomes even more important. Be sure to take care of these details well in advance to ensure a smooth transition.

• Research a new vet if you're moving far enough that your old one will be out of reach
• Find out if your pet will need any new vaccinations upon relocation.
• Get new collars and ID tags that reflect your new address, making certain that your cell phone number is on the collar. Micro-chipping isn't for everyone, but it's a good backup in case your pet loses its collar. 
• Look into tags with tracking software in them such as the new Apple AirTag that can be attached to a collar, or there are many other options to pet tracking tags.
• Check the local laws near your new home. Find out what the leash requirements are, whether you'll need to get a new license, and if there are any dog breed bans in place.
• If you are moving somewhere that driving with your pet would be too far, there are pet relocation services that will move your pet for you in a safe and stress-free way. You could also consider taking your pet on an airplane if your pet meets the airline's guidelines.

Prepare Your Pet

In the days and weeks leading up to your move, there are lots of things you can do to get your pet ready and reduce stress. Pets are like children, we want to ensure they are well taken care of and they are kept happy during this stressful time.

• If your new home isn't too far away, introduce your pet to it ahead of time. Even if it's just taking a walk to your new neighborhood, a little familiarity can be beneficial. 
• Crate training your pet can help ease anxiety and it allows your pet to be more comfortable in the car when moving day arrives. To do this, it is best to gradually acclimate your pet to the crate well in advance to the move.
• If your dog will need to learn new rules for your new location, start training in advance. Your dog may have to learn not to bark if you have close neighbors, could have to learn to be around other new animals, or may have to adapt to a smaller or larger home.  
• Bring out a few boxes and suitcases weeks before the move, so your pet doesn't get too anxious during the packing process. 

Pet Move Day

• The day you move to your new home can be a stress-filled roller coaster for everybody. Having a trusted pet with you can reduce your anxiety, so do everything you can to reduce their anxiety as well.
• Prepare an "overnight kit" and keep it easily accessible, including enough supplies your pet may need to stay comfortable during the first few days of unpacking—dog food, kitty litter, toys, etc.
• Depending on your pet's particular personality, it might be a good idea to send her to a trusted pet sitter's house for a day or two during the hustle and bustle of the move. 
• When moving your pet, bring your pet in the car with you if possible, and make the trip as comfortable if you can. Put a blanket over the crate or pet carrier if that's what your pet needs, and keep food and toys handy. Don't let your pet out until you get to the new house unless it's a long trip that requires a bathroom break. 
• During your pet move, positive reinforcement is key. Make sure your pet is receiving treats and love for all positive behavior to keep anxiety to a low.
• Have a room set up for your pet with lots of familiar objects (and smells) that will remind her of your old house. 

Helping your pet adjust to their new home before the move, during the move, and after the move can exponentially help the move be more successful. The last thing anyone wants is themselves, along with their pets to put any strain when moving to a new home. If you follow these steps you should be well on your way to success.

Contact us today to learn more about finding your dream home and planning your move. We are committed to helping you, your family, and your furry friends.