Selling and Moving Home in the New Year

If you plan to list your property after the holidays, don’t wait until the festivities end completely before prepping. Winter can still be an opportune time to buy or sell a house for moving home in the new year. Consider these tips for a smooth move in the upcoming New Year:

1. Declutter: The holiday season brings extra decorations, gifts, food, and furnishings, making decluttering challenging when moving home in the new year. However, start with rooms not central to celebrations. If hosting guests, declutter their bedrooms first, making them welcoming while getting a head start on your moving checklist. Then tackle other areas – pack away unused china, ornaments, clothes, toys, and decor. Renting a storage unit temporarily can provide extra space during this process. Refer to packing tutorials for fragile items.
2. Deep Clean: Don’t skip a thorough cleaning, even in winter when moving home in the new year. Shampoo carpets, scrub bathrooms, remove cobwebs, and ensure kitchen appliances and surfaces shine. With the bulk done initially, maintaining tidiness for showings becomes easier. Don’t neglect curb appeal – sweep leaves, clean exterior glass, and prune dead plants.
3. Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial during dark winter months when many viewings occur after work or on gloomy days if moving home in the new year. Fix any broken fixtures or replace burnt bulbs, perhaps buying discounted lamps to brighten dim corners. The goal is a cozy, inviting atmosphere despite the dreary weather.
4. Stage Your Home: Think about staging details now, even if listing later for moving home in the new year. Matching towel sets for bathrooms, decorative pillows/throws for living spaces, fresh bedding, and new kitchen linens create a polished look (and justify shopping sales!). After decluttering, accessorize rooms as if staging for listing photos – no personal items, toys, or pet belongings visible. Add fresh flowers, bake treats for the kitchen, and set the dining table elegantly. Ensure pleasing aromas by removing garbage, pets, and avoiding pungent cooking beforehand. Subtle scents like fresh bread or brewed coffee are welcoming.
5. Arrange Your Move: Once under contract, book NO1 Removals promptly, even without a firm date when moving home in the new year. Quotes and tentative plans ease stress as closing approaches. Professional assistance is wise in winter’s harsher conditions when maneuvering heavy, awkward pieces is trickier. On moving day, pack essentials to combat cold weather, and prepare your vehicle and driveway for potential ice or snow.