Discounted Home Buyer Markets Near Tulsa

By Joe Sturgeon

Buying a home is likely the most expensive purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, making it a high-stakes decision.

Across the country, the median cost of homes on the market is $254,000. And buyers in Tulsa, OK can expect to pay a median price of about $174,000. Though $80,000 cheaper than the national median, that sum may still be out of budget for many buyers.

If Tulsa is your ideal location but out of your budget, consider shopping in markets nearby that offer home inventory with a lesser price tag. Here are four cities to consider if you’re looking to buy a home and still afford the cost of a professional mover.

Glenpool
Just 15 miles south of Tulsa is Glenpool — a low-crime community far safer than the city but only a short commute from downtown. Glenpool listings recently dropped below the cost of Tulsa houses, with a median listing price of $172,000 — just $2,000 shy of Tulsa. However, 23.4 percent of Glenpool’s active listings underwent price cuts, indicating a buyers market.

If Tulsa seems like a good fit for you, Glenpool should be, too, based on proximity. The median age in Glenpool is 32, with an 18 percent single population. The city includes Black Gold Park with walking trails, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a horseshoe pit and a skate park. Glenpool is also not far from the Arkansas River, White Hawk Golf Club or Oklahoma Aquarium.

Sapulpa

Roughly 15 miles southwest of Tulsa, and less than 10 miles from Glenpool, is the city of Sapulpa. The median price of homes on the market in Sapulpa is $110,000 — a $64,000 savings from Tulsa. The market conditions favor buyers here, too, with 17.9 percent of the current listings experiencing price cuts.

Sapulpa is another low-crime community, with a median age of 41 and a steep single population of about 30 percent. The town offers a variety of attractions, including Sapulpa Historical Museum, Kelly Lane Park with a playground and fishing hole or Oklahoma Aquarium, about equidistant from Glenpool. A bit farther north is Chandler Park with trails, baseball fields and a public pool.

Muskogee

Along the Arkansas River, about 50 miles southeast of Tulsa, is the city of Muskogee. Here, the median listing price is $80,100 — less than half the cost of homes in Tulsa, offering the steepest savings of all the recommended markets. Although Muskogee is a bit farther from the big city than the previous locations, crime is far less common here than in Tulsa. Approximately 18.6 percent of the for-sale listings in Muskogee underwent price cuts.

In Muskogee, 38 percent of the population is single, and the median age is 37. The city offers something entertaining for just about everyone. Residents enjoy Honor Heights Park, a 122-acre arboretum and botanical garden, along with River Country Water Park, Creek Nation Casino Muscogee, Cobblestone Golf Club or Eagle Crest Golf Course. You’ll also find Muskogee War Memorial Park, home of the USS Batfish, a World War II submarine.

Eufaula

Farthest from Tulsa, about 83 miles southeast, is the waterfront city of Eufaula. The community boasts 600 miles of shoreline property along Lake Eufaula — the largest lake in Oklahoma that’s excellent for boating, fishing or swimming. The median asking price for available homes in Eufaula is $152,000 — about a $22,000 reduction from Tulsa. Only 9.7 percent of the current listings here experienced price cuts.

The median age in this low-crime area is 48, with 34 percent of the population currently single. Beyond the attractive amenity of Lake Eufaula, the city offers Posey Park, Creek Nation Casino Eufaula and Eufaula Cove Amphitheatre, a 15,000-person outdoor venue.

Whatever community features attract you to Tulsa, you may find an equally appealing neighborhood nearby that’ll pad your wallet more than big-city living.

Affordable Places to Buy a Home Near Kansas City, MO
By Joe Sturgeon

Buying a home is a major decision; you’re committing to settling down for an extended period and allocating significant savings toward a single investment. So it’s important to find the right home in a community that suits you, without going over budget.

One potential place of interest is Kansas City, MO. It’s a cultural hub of jazz music, delicious barbecue and numerous museums. The median price of homes listed for sale in Kansas City is $184,250. If the price is wrong but the community’s right, consider looking for a home in these surrounding cities with lower price tags.

Gladstone

Roughly 9 miles north of Kansas City is the suburb community of Gladstone. Homes listed for sale in Gladstone are about $27,000 less expensive than in the nearby city, with a median listing price of $156,750. Plus, buyers benefit from the 17.6 percent of listings that underwent recent price cuts. You can shop from the 139 homes currently listed.

The median age of Gladstone residents is 38, and 36 percent of the population is single. Gladstone is far safer than Kansas City and includes many parks for families. Linden Square is a prominent outdoor venue with a skate rink, Hamilton Heights Park offers walking trails and a fishing pond, and Happy Rock Park includes walking trails, picnic areas, batting cages and lighted baseball fields.

Belton

Approximately 22 miles south of Kansas City is the peaceful town of Belton, with almost no reported crime. Homes listed for sale have a median price of $164,900, the steepest cost of all five recommended markets, but still $19,000 cheaper than Kansas City. With 109 Belton listings to choose from, buyers can target the 13.2 percent of them that recently dropped in price.

Like Kansas City, the median age of Belton residents is 35, yet only 21 percent of them are single. Outdoor attractions in Belton include Markey Park, with several baseball fields and a playground, and Memorial Park, which is home to Memorial Park Outdoor Water Park and Memorial Station community center. Cleveland Lake is a 51-acre park with walking trails, a disc-golf course and a lake for boating. Residents can ride a 1920s-era train at the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad demonstration museum or spend the day golfing at Eagles’ Landing Golf Course.

Saint Joseph

Quite a bit farther from Kansas City, about 64 miles northwest, is the historic town of Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph was once considered an important site for commerce and trade, and it now touts several historic districts with stunning architecture. Saint Joseph real estate boasts a median price of $89,900 — less than half the price of Kansas City homes. The market offers 750 current listings with a whopping 20.1 percent of them experiencing price cuts — the largest percentage across all five cities listed here.

In Saint Joseph, residents are a bit younger, with a median age of 32. But Saint Joseph has the highest percentage of singles — 42 percent, just like Kansas City. There are few recorded incidents of crime here, making it much safer than living in Kansas City.

Saint Joseph is home to several museums, including Patee House Museum, Pony Express Museum, Glore Psychiatric Museum, Jesse James Home Museum and Remington Nature Center. The St. Joseph Parkway offers 26 miles of trails throughout the city, from Krug Park to Hyde Park.

Clinton

The safest city recommended here is Clinton, located about 76 miles southeast of Kansas City. The median cost of for-sale homes in Clinton is $86,750 — the least expensive location on this list. Here, you’ll find 213 homes listed for sale. With a median age of 43, residents here are the oldest of the markets detailed, with 36 percent of the population single.

Clinton is home to Missouri’s largest historic downtown square and the Henry County Museum and Cultural Arts Center. The Katy Trail, which is the country’s longest developed rail-trail, begins in Clinton, and at 225 miles long, it’s perfect for long walks or bike rides. Another attraction is Artesian Park, offering tennis courts, horseshoe pits, softball fields, a basketball court, a disc-golf course, a swimming pool, playgrounds and a walking trail.

Marshall 

The market farthest from Kansas City is Marshall, about 88 miles east of downtown. Buyers can expect to pay $109,900 for listings in Marshall — a $74,000 reduction from Kansas City. Throughout Marshall, buyers can choose from 144 active listings.

The median age in Marshall is 39, and 35 percent of residents are single. Crime data is unavailable in Marshall, but the city is known for the Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum and Indian Foothills Park, which includes an aquatic center, a 36-hole disc-golf course, a skate park, basketball and sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields and a play structure. You can also enjoy golfing at Marshall Indian Foothills Golf or Stone Hedge Golf Club.

If you’re drawn to the Kansas City atmosphere but unable to budget the cost of city living, one of these nearby locations may be the answer.

Moving day. It can be one of the most exciting days of the year. After all, you are turning the page on your life’s journey. For parents, it can also be one of the most stressful days as you struggle to keep your baby calm while packing, strapping, taping, planning, and cleaning up. Even the best of checklists can’t determine what sort of mood your baby will be in when the moving truck pulls up into the driveway.

It may seem impossible. However, fear not, because as many parents know our babies do whatever they feel like whenever they feel like. They are a delight, and they are unpredictable, and they are all ours to enjoy. Even on moving day! So even when the best laid out plans go awry, just remember you are doing a great job, ease up on yourself, and simply take life one box at a time.

Moving Day Begins Well Before Moving Day

Preparing for your move starts weeks and months before the actual day. This is true whether you have a baby or not. The sooner you start reducing and packing your stuff, the happier you and baby will be. What does this look like?

First, rather than trying to figure out how many boxes you need, decide what you can let go of. Chances are very good that you have accumulated ‘treasures’ in the dark corners of your closets and drawers that you don’t even remember you have. And, you probably have items right in the open that work well for your current home and may not be a great fit for your new residence.

Start reducing the stress by reducing the clutter. Recycle, sell, donate, and trash as appropriate.

It’s Not All About You

There is no shame in enlisting help. Super-mom or Super-dad is a myth, even for the best of us, because just beneath that cape of courage, is a regular human who gets tired, sore, cranky, and sometimes just needs a moment to themselves.

Ask your friends for recommendations. Allow them to help you find information on moving companies, where to find the best banks, doctors, insurance companies.

How about a purging party? Invite friends over to help you thin out your possessions and help you with the difficult decisions. When it comes time to clean, plan to hire someone to help. The last thing you will want to do after moving all day is clean.

And, It IS About Baby

Whether you will be traveling to a neighborhood nearby or far away, be sure you pack a road kit for your baby. These are all the essentials: wet wipes, diapers, powder, diaper rash cream, soft towels, etc. It also includes the necessities: change of clothes, food and drink (including water), pacifier, favorite toys, blanket, etc. Be sure you have packed any medications and copies of health records in case you need them on the road or upon your arrival. Remember, unpacking at your destination can be chaotic so be sure you have what baby needs close at hand for the drive and for a few days after arrival.

Take the Scenic Route

If you’re driving, plan to take a route that will pass by parks, rest stops, or playgrounds. It’s important to pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Stand up, stretch, get some fresh air. It’s much like the advice you may have received when you first brought your baby home: when the baby sleeps, you sleep. Except this time, the advice is: when the baby sleeps, you drive, and when the baby wakes up, take a break from driving.

If you’re flying, find out in advance from the airlines what type of documentation you need for baby. Make at least 2 copies of everything and put them in separate bags, just in case one gets lost. Remember to bring your bag of essentials with you. And, be prepared, many infants (and adults) experience discomfort and ear pain during take-off and landing. Ask your physician for suggestions to ease the pain.

Keep your Routines

Throughout the entire moving process, keep up your daily routines as much as possible. If nap times and feeding times remain relatively the same, with the same type of foods, then the surrounding chaos may have a lesser affect. Be mindful of how to talk, sing, cuddle and play. You may be more distracted, it’s natural. However, quality time invested during the process of moving can allow the whole experience to be better for everyone involved.

Talk to your baby often. The sound of a parent’s voice is soothing. Even if they are simply hanging out in their carrier or enclosure. Talk to them. Babies are amazing listeners even as you contemplate whether or not to keep the toaster oven you have never used. Sing, dance, and approach the whole adventure as another day of play and discovery. Good for you; good for baby.

Because at the end of the day. Everything will get moved and you will get to your destination. It may or may not happen as smoothly as you hoped. That doesn’t matter as much as looking at this as simply another adventure with your growing family.

About the Author:

Hayden Stewart is a contributing writer and media specialist for the Allied Van Lines Moving Blog. He regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and home blogs, based around the transitional obstacles that come with moving, settling into a new home, and more.

ENTER TO WIN OUR JULY GIVEAWAY BELOW!!

Relocating to a new home or area is hard enough for big people; it’s even harder on the little people and even our pets! Children thrive on routine and familiarity, and a big move across the country or even across town to a new house and neighborhood really shakes things up for them. The fear of the unknown and ‘new’ things creeps into their precious minds and hearts. Help make moving day less stressful on the children in your life by checking out several of our blogs.

Moving with Kids

How To Make it Easier on the Little Ones

5 Great Ways to Keep Your Baby Calm on Moving Day

We are doing a fun giveaway this month – Kid’s Moving Day Survival Kit! We’ve put together a fun basket of goodies to both entertain them before, during, and after moving day but also help ease the anxiety of the approaching changes involved in relocating. Inspirational books, activity books, and a fun plush, the WhatIf Monster that any child would love, all courtesy of Usborne Books & More!

ENTER HERE!!!

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Experts reveal that 80% of moves occur during the summer months, according to a report by the Census Bureau. While the month of May is considered as the peak of moving season, the entire summer is bound to stay consistently busy for movers and home buyers alike. Moving house is enough of a challenge with the struggle of organizing your precious items, knowing which box goes where, and resisting the temptation of wine to help you get through it.

However, it seems that 99% of moves are happening without a physical inspection of the home. But how is that possible?  It is an undeniable fact that technology has and will continue to transform the way we live – making a strong impact on the moving industry as well. Here’s how technology is changing the way we move – for the better.

Finding A Home

On average, a potential home buyer will spend 30 – 65 days shopping for a new house. In addition, buyers will spend another two weeks to three months to close the contract. However, real estate agents are more interested in faster contract signing while buyers are looking for a great deal.

That is where tech comes in. The process of purchasing a home relies on the chain of parties involved and there is no specific schedule on how long the process has to take. Using data-driven sales tools like View My Chain provides the ultimate platform for instant information on homes for sale and improving the moving process.

Tech Solutions for Movers

Using tools such as list makers, timeline creators, inventory, and quote estimates for rent and delivery can help you get a clear understanding of what needs to be done. Movers work better with multi-function products that provide a sheer variety of features, experience, and security to speed up the entire process. They want an all-in-one product that offers more than video survey capabilities, auto-scheduling, prospect generators, and quick-time support. As Crater’s industry-leading video estimate solution, the Surveybot can take complete control in estimations, improve productivity, and boost sales.

Technology has changed the ways we live our lives, without us realizing it. Whether we like to admit it or not – we often find ourselves relying on technology to help get us through challenging situations like moving our home. Thankfully, with plenty of tech resources available today, home buyers and movers can plan a schedule and map out the process for a successful move.

Moving out of a home and into a new one is a big undertaking. Cleaning can take days, weeks, or even months, especially if the home was lived in for years. You need to clean areas that saw essential daily use, such as toilets, sinks, and floors. You also need to do all of the dry cleanings you possibly can by dusting and washing stains off of windows and surfaces. Finally, leave plenty of time so you can repair any damage exposed by thoroughly cleaning your home.

Don’t Leave Any Dirt On Utilities And Surfaces That See Daily Use

When cleaning a home before moving day, you should remember that the areas you use most frequently are the same areas that others will use most frequently. You should use bleach and detergents to make toilets spotless. You should locate all sinks and faucets, and remove all grime or mold around and under the sink. Finally, use all-natural products to removes stains and metal tarnish from door knobs, metal faucets, and glass surfaces around the house.

Begin Cleaning Chimneys, Ovens, And Dirt Centers Far In Advance

Because using toilets and sinks can be unavoidable, we suggest handling them close to moving day, or on moving day. Dry cleaning is something you need to begin very early though. You should dust every surface of your house, from closets to ceilings, to the insides of cabinets and house features. If furniture remains in the house, be sure to clean grime out of the oven, clean out couches, and so on. An oven used over many years can take more than a week to clean, for example.

Fill In Holes, Paint Over Scratches, And Do A Third Layer Of Cleaning

Once you’ve packed all of your belongings, and cleaned surface level dust, as well deeper filth like toilet stains, you should begin the third stage of clean; repair. Paintings are a good example of a feature that can reveal damage once you’ve begun cleaning. The holes left in a wall by a painting’s mounting screws are very visible once the paintings removed, and can be unsightly or even unsanitary. Use putty to fill in the holes, and clean up other signs of light damage as well.

Moving day is complicated enough, even when you don’t have to clean at the same time. Before moving day arrives, clean fixed areas of the house such as windows, door knobs, sinks, and toilets as thoroughly as possible. Dust inside all rooms of the home, inside closets, and even in carrying over furniture. Set plenty of time aside for areas where there is considerable dirt built up, like ovens or attics. And be prepared to clean up any damages revealed when you move your belongings.

This Thanksgiving we want to celebrate YOU. At Great Day Moving, we are thankful to serve the Kansas City metro area for the past 11 years and have been counting our blessings this month!

Here are 3 ways you can practice thankfulness in your life:

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Taking the time each day, morning or night, to write down 3-5 things you are grateful for can make a huge difference in your overall well-being. Just spending a few minutes each day contemplating your blessings, can drastically affect your mental state all for the better. “Previous research has linked gratitude to improved mental health, lower levels of anxiety and improved sleep,” says Blaire Morgan, Ph.D., a research fellow at the University of Birmingham in England. “Our own research has demonstrated a strong link between gratitude and three different measures of well-being: satisfaction with life, subjective happiness and positive affect.” ¹
2. Look Outward Instead of Inward. When we take the time to do something for others, whether in word, deed, or even financially, it positively affects the giver as well as the recipient. You tap into your compassion and empathy and also open up more possibilities in your heart and life to be thankful when you offer generosity. Holding the door for someone as you leave the bank, donating to your favorite charity, sending a thoughtful card to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or even helping a senior citizen load their groceries into their car; these are all ways you can make a difference by being generous with what you have been blessed with.
3. Change One Word in Your Vocabulary. Instead of saying “have” to, you “get” to. Just making this one change in your vocabulary, you instantly transform your so-called burdens into opportunities. Instead of “I have to cook dinner tonight,” you can say, “I get to cook dinner tonight for my family.” This changes your mindset and introduces gratefulness into the task at hand. Try saying, “I get to pack up all my stuff before I move into my new house” instead of “I have to pack up all my stuff before moving day.”

Here’s to practicing thankfulness: We’re glad we get to serve all our great clients! Thanks for your business. Thanks for your friendship. And thanks for your support. We’d like to make your holiday a little easier! We’re giving away a fresh (16-18 lb.) turkey from local farmers we love to support, Pastimes Farm & Bakery that you can also follow on Facebook! They have 100% natural, free range, non-gmo turkeys with no hormones, no antibiotics, and no soy. Best of luck in our Turkey Contest! We hope you win!

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***Get your entries in before 12am Friday! We will contact the winner by noon on Friday. Winner must provide contact name and number for confirmation and must pick up turkey at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market on Saturday, November 17, 2018 between 8am-1pm. Delivery not available.***

¹. Reference: https://www.success.com/7-ways-to-be-thankful-every-day/

Starting back in the early 1800s when pioneers trekked west in search of a better life, moving has been woven into the fabric of American history. That ethos has hardly changed since then. Today, more than 35.5 million Americans move homes every year. Luckily, advanced modes of transportation and technology have revolutionized the way we travel. Long gone are the days of covered wagons and the threat of Typhoid Fever, but modern moving still has plenty of parallels. Today, we have our own version of experienced, equipped trail guides. And like then, moving in 2018 requires plenty of physical and financial preparation.

Don’t Spend All Your Money On The Destination

The old saying, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it” couldn’t be truer when it comes to moving day. Yes, buying a new home or renting a new apartment is exciting, stressful, and – most notably – expensive. Pioneers often spent their life savings on the risk of moving west with little to no extra cash on hand. That’s also why it can be easy to blow through that emergency stash of cash on your security deposit or first mortgage payment. However, it’s wise to keep in mind that moving costs like truck rentals, packing supplies, storage units, gas, professional movers, and time off work can put a hefty dent in your wallet as well. Being savvy with your money can help save you from those often-overlooked moving costs.

Lift With Your Legs

While the physical challenges of moving pale in comparison to our pioneer ancestors, throwing out your back trying to lift the couch by yourself can turn the unpleasant task of moving into a nightmare. No, you won’t be driving a team of oxen across the plains, and you likely won’t be dealing with a bout of the measles, but it’s still wise to eat healthy and stay limber in the days leading up to the move. Doing all you can to minimize your risk of getting sick or injured will only leave you thanking yourself at the end of the long day of moving.

Even though fields and rivers have turned into highways, horses have turned into horsepower, and campfires have turned into headlights – it’s still important to look back and learn from the first Americans who decided to pack up and move in search of a better life. The stress of relocating to a new place makes it easy to overlook the financial and physical costs associated with moving day, which is why it’s best to make sure you’re prepared for anything that the frontier sends your way.

Moving to a new house is enough work to inspire the average person to go into hibernation or make do with their current situation. After all, moving involves not just the cleaning of your old house and the packing of all of your possessions, but also the physical tasks of lifting and carrying boxes of possessions and furniture. You need careful planning and organization to make the process as simple and smooth as possible.

Be Realistic About How Long Moving Will Take

Ideally, you will have several weeks to plan before the move and several days, if not a week or more, to complete the actual process. Moving often involves unexpected setbacks, such as discovering a cache of boxes you had forgotten in your basement that have to be sorted and moved. The more organized you are, the easier the process will become.

Make a list of everything that you need to achieve. It should include:

• Packing and boxing up your possessions
• Deciding what items travel with you and what goes with the truck/movers
• Arranging for waste disposal/donation pick-up for items you aren’t keeping
• Cleaning your old home as you pack
• Prep cleaning your new home, if you have access
• Hiring cleaners to prepare an out-of-state home for your arrival
• Purchasing moving insurance, if you have valuable possessions
• Arranging for the shut-off or transfer of utilities
• Backing up digital records and files to ensure nothing gets lost in the move
•  Securing help from movers, who can take a lot of the stress out of the process
• Planning to transport your vehicle and any pets, especially if you’re flying to your new home

There are some other steps you can take as well. If you’re using movers, for example, you likely want to document what goes into the boxes, especially when it comes to very valuable and fragile items. You’ll need to take time off work, change your mailing address, and collect all the keys, garage door openers, and other access tools to leave for the new tenants or owners.

You may also want to prepare for some jobs to be carried out at your new home. This is particularly important if you need to make changes to your property to accommodate any accessibility requirements, such as widening doors or installing a ramp. Ideally, these should be carried out before you move in.

Get Help So You Can Focus on the Mental Work

There are so many things to consider when moving. With all the mental effort required to manage the transition from one space to another, you shouldn’t have to physically exert yourself as well. Allocating the physical labor of your move to professional movers ensures that you will have the resilience and energy necessary to handle the logistics and planning of your move. You might even want to consider hiring a temporary personal assistant to manage the many tasks and phone calls associated with organizing a move.

Moving your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Although there is always going to be work involved, partnering with moving and logistics professionals can make the whole process less stressful. When you have professionals that you can trust to handle the gritty details of the move, you can focus on settling into your new home and keeping everything organized for when you begin the process of unpacking.

On average, it takes a whopping 182 days for Americans to settle into a new home and finish unpacking, according to a Duck Brand Tape survey. While there are certain hacks that can help you enjoy an easy move, tailoring a brand new house to fit your personal style, taste and personality can be challenging. House accessories have, however, proven to be a big help in making a new house feel homey.

Add Customized Accessories

Bare walls make a house feel mundane, cold and unwelcoming. The importance of artwork in a new house cannot, therefore, be overstated. Personalized artworks such as family weavings, sculptures, and paintings give the house an air of uniqueness and sophistication. It also allows you to express your personality in addition to enhancing the house’s appeal. Inviting smells are one way to make a home feel pleasant. Fragrances and scented candles or air fresheners should, therefore, be regularly used to give a customized scent to a house in order to make it feel like a home. Items from childhood memories, photographs, and family memorabilia can be hung on the walls as they add sentimental values to a house which will also make it feel homely.

Incorporate Plants

Incorporating indoor plants and flowers is a great way to make a new house feel cozy not to mention make it look pleasant. Not only do they add color to the house but they also create a sense of zen. This is because plants have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and boost mood. They also help purify the air inside your new home creating a refreshing ambience. Planting indoor plants will help make your space tranquil, pleasant looking, homey and inviting. Plants that should thrive indoors include the red-edged dracaena, snake plant, peace lily, rubber plant, aloe plant, philodendron and bamboo palm.

Improve Lighting

Good lighting is the surest way to make a house feel relaxed. Poorly lit houses with little or excess light causes eye strain to a homeowner which can be discomforting. Good lighting, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to boost moods and energy levels. It is therefore important to invest in light fixtures that emit warm temperatures with white or yellow shades. To further promote relaxation, good energy and make a house feel all the more homely, additional lighting can be installed. This includes well-placed lamps, string lights, and flameless candles all of which add coziness to a home.

Smart lighting features can also be added to improve a home’s appeal. Dimmers can be used to adjust the amount of light in the house depending on one’s mood. Installation of smart LED bulbs can also be helpful in transforming a house into a home. Its integration with the smartphone allows it to be turned on and off at the comfort of your bed. This ensures you no longer have to endure the dreadful blind walk back to bed after switching off the lights.

Feeling at home in a house you newly moved into can take time for most people. This is because customizing a house to your taste can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, it is doable. Simply work on incorporating memorabilia, art, good lighting and interior landscaping.

Relocating is an exciting time for all involved but it’s important not to let the buzz interfere with the cool, rational thinking needed to ensure your move goes smoothly.

Here is a heads up on five common mistakes people make when moving home:

Underestimating the cost of a DIY move

When they start researching the costs of professional moving companies, inexperienced movers often get a shock and decide to go down the DIY route.

Only when they add up the costs at the other end do they realize they have actually spent a lot more than if they had paid for the professionals. Not only will you have to factor in fuel and perhaps extra insurance, you will also spend longer packing and use more packaging materials. You are also a lot more likely to break something during transit.

Rather than immediately rule out a professional moving company, spend time looking for special offers and comparing estimates. You can often bring the price more in line with your budget.

Starting too late in the day

Packing almost always takes longer than expected and then there is the additional preparation time to consider. For most moves, it is wise to give yourself at least a month to organize everything.

In terms of packing, a typical three bedroom house is likely to take around five days (you might want to add a day if you have a lot of delicate items to pack.

Taking too much

Moving everything you own from A to B is usually wasting an opportunity to declutter and even raise some funds for the move. Prior to packing, separate out items you won’t need and either sell, donate or recycle them. Remember, even if you are not charged specifically by weight, every extra pound adds to the amount of labor and fuel needed.

For every heavy item, carefully balance its weight with its value to decide whether it’s worth bringing the item with you or buying a replacement when you arrive at your new home. This will help you keep your home move quick and painless.

Skimping on moving equipment

Professional moving equipment is designed to save you time while ensuring your possessions arrive in perfect condition at the other end. Not hiring moving equipment dollies may save you money but it will add to labor time, increase the risk of damaging furniture and flooring and could even lead to injury. Even opting for used store cartons instead of professional moving boxes can end in breakages and spillages.

Not packing an essentials bag

There is a reason why the ‘essentials bag’ has been given that name. It really is essential. For those who have never come across one, the essentials bag is a duffel bag, suitcase or box containing anything you might need on the first day or so of moving in to your new home. It travels with you and means you don’t have to unpack everything immediately. Every family has their own idea about what is essential but items usually include a change of clothes, small cooking pots, cutlery set, paper plates, torch, matches, batteries, cell phone chargers, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, small towels, face cloths and simple snacks.

About the author
James Levine is CEO of New Haven Moving Equipment. Together with his two brothers, Roger Levine (Co-President) and Larry Levine (Co-President), Mr. Levine manages the executive and daily operations of New Haven. NHME has been manufacturing moving equipment for over a century and they manufacture and distribute high quality moving boxes, furniture moving pads, moving equipment and packaging supplies to professional movers and the general public at wholesale prices.

Mr. Levine has served at New Haven for forty years. He has had several positions within the company prior to becoming CEO, including serving as General Manager of the Louisville, KY office; Vice-President of the Texas Companies, and President of New Haven. Get in touch via Facebook.

Packing your home before a move is never easy. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and often expensive. With more than 10% of Americans moving each year, millions of people are looking for ways to streamline the packing process. If you’re dreading the day you start packing, we have some eco-friendly moving tips designed to spare you some headaches. Try these hacks to make packing up your place a little bit easier while recycling goods in your home.

Dealing With Clothing

It’s important to take extra care during a move, particularly when it comes to your possessions. Your clothing is delicate and it’s crucial that you protect articles from damage. You can easily do this by hanging clothes and sliding them into a garbage bag. You can store more than one item in a bag, and when you arrive at your new home, it’s easy to slide the bag off and access your clothing. This is a great way to recycle old, clean garbage bags. You can even find biodegradable options to use for your move and in the home.

Packing up Cosmetics

Moving can easily damage expensive cosmetics such as eyeshadow and compact powders. In order to protect your makeup, you can place an old, dry cotton ball inside the container. This precautionary measure will prevent both the mirror and the powder from getting crushed and breaking. The cotton acts as a cushion without scratching or damaging the delicate makeup underneath.

Boxing Up Electronics

No one likes to untangle a box full of cords after a move. Instead of throwing cords in a box and dealing with the aftermath later, you can spend a little bit of time carefully wrapping each cord and then stuff it inside an old toilet paper roll to protect it. This will prevent wires from getting tangled together and make them easier to unpack later. It’s also a space-saver. Perhaps best of all, you can label each roll so that you know which cord belongs to which appliance.

Protecting Flatware

When it comes to packing the kitchen, most people opt to use bubble wrap. While bubble wrap is good at protecting breakable items, it’s also expensive and nonbiodegradable. A cheaper, more eco-friendly option is to wrap plates and bowls in your t-shirts. You won’t have to spend any money, and you’ll be packing your shirts at the same time as you tackle the kitchen.

Moving to a new place is challenging, particularly when it comes to packing. These eco-friendly hacks recycle goods around your home to help make packing a little bit less stressful. Your boxes will also be more organized, making unpacking a breeze.

Moving day. It can be one of the most exciting days of the year. After all, you are turning the page on your life’s journey. For parents, it can also be one of the most stressful days as you struggle to keep your baby calm while packing, strapping, taping, planning, and cleaning up. Even the best of checklists can’t determine what sort of mood your baby will be in when the moving truck pulls up into the driveway.

It may seem impossible. However, fear not, because as many parents know our babies do whatever they feel like whenever they feel like. They are a delight, and they are unpredictable, and they are all ours to enjoy. Even on moving day! So even when the best laid out plans go awry, just remember you are doing a great job, ease up on yourself, and simply take life one box at a time.

Moving Day Begins Well Before Moving Day

Preparing for your move starts weeks and months before the actual day. This is true whether you have a baby or not. The sooner you start reducing and packing your stuff, the happier you and baby will be. What does this look like?

First, rather than trying to figure out how many boxes you need, decide what you can let go of. Chances are very good that you have accumulated ‘treasures’ in the dark corners of your closets and drawers that you don’t even remember you have. And, you probably have items right in the open that work well for your current home and may not be a great fit for your new residence.

Start reducing the stress by reducing the clutter. Recycle, sell, donate, and trash as appropriate.

It’s Not All About You

There is no shame in enlisting help. Super-mom or Super-dad is a myth, even for the best of us, because just beneath that cape of courage, is a regular human who gets tired, sore, cranky, and sometimes just needs a moment to themselves.

Ask your friends for recommendations. Allow them to help you find information on moving companies, where to find the best banks, doctors, insurance companies.

How about a purging party? Invite friends over to help you thin out your possessions and help you with the difficult decisions. When it comes time to clean, plan to hire someone to help. The last thing you will want to do after moving all day is clean.

And, It IS About Baby

Whether you will be traveling to a neighborhood nearby or far away, be sure you pack a road kit for your baby. These are all the essentials: wet wipes, diapers, powder, diaper rash cream, soft towels, etc. It also includes the necessities: change of clothes, food and drink (including water), pacifier, favorite toys, blanket, etc. Be sure you have packed any medications and copies of health records in case you need them on the road or upon your arrival. Remember, unpacking at your destination can be chaotic so be sure you have what baby needs close at hand for the drive and for a few days after arrival.

Take the Scenic Route

If you’re driving, plan to take a route that will pass by parks, rest stops, or playgrounds. It’s important to pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Stand up, stretch, get some fresh air. It’s much like the advice you may have received when you first brought your baby home: when the baby sleeps, you sleep. Except this time, the advice is: when the baby sleeps, you drive, and when the baby wakes up, take a break from driving.

If you’re flying, find out in advance from the airlines what type of documentation you need for baby. Make at least 2 copies of everything and put them in separate bags, just in case one gets lost. Remember to bring your bag of essentials with you. And, be prepared, many infants (and adults) experience discomfort and ear pain during take-off and landing. Ask your physician for suggestions to ease the pain.

Keep your Routines

Throughout the entire moving process, keep up your daily routines as much as possible. If nap times and feeding times remain relatively the same, with the same type of foods, then the surrounding chaos may have a lesser affect. Be mindful of how to talk, sing, cuddle and play. You may be more distracted, it’s natural. However, quality time invested during the process of moving can allow the whole experience to be better for everyone involved.

Talk to your baby often. The sound of a parent’s voice is soothing. Even if they are simply hanging out in their carrier or enclosure. Talk to them. Babies are amazing listeners even as you contemplate whether or not to keep the toaster oven you have never used. Sing, dance, and approach the whole adventure as another day of play and discovery. Good for you; good for baby.

Because at the end of the day. Everything will get moved and you will get to your destination. It may or may not happen as smoothly as you hoped. That doesn’t matter as much as looking at this as simply another adventure with your growing family.

About the Author:

Hayden Stewart is a contributing writer and media specialist for the Allied Van Lines Moving Blog. He regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and home blogs, based around the transitional obstacles that come with moving, settling into a new home, and more.

ENTER TO WIN OUR JULY GIVEAWAY BELOW!!

Relocating to a new home or area is hard enough for big people; it’s even harder on the little people and even our pets! Children thrive on routine and familiarity, and a big move across the country or even across town to a new house and neighborhood really shakes things up for them. The fear of the unknown and ‘new’ things creeps into their precious minds and hearts. Help make moving day less stressful on the children in your life by checking out several of our blogs.

Moving with Kids

How To Make it Easier on the Little Ones

5 Great Ways to Keep Your Baby Calm on Moving Day

We are doing a fun giveaway this month – Kid’s Moving Day Survival Kit! We’ve put together a fun basket of goodies to both entertain them before, during, and after moving day but also help ease the anxiety of the approaching changes involved in relocating. Inspirational books, activity books, and a fun plush, the WhatIf Monster that any child would love, all courtesy of Usborne Books & More!

ENTER HERE!!!

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Experts reveal that 80% of moves occur during the summer months, according to a report by the Census Bureau. While the month of May is considered as the peak of moving season, the entire summer is bound to stay consistently busy for movers and home buyers alike. Moving house is enough of a challenge with the struggle of organizing your precious items, knowing which box goes where, and resisting the temptation of wine to help you get through it.

However, it seems that 99% of moves are happening without a physical inspection of the home. But how is that possible?  It is an undeniable fact that technology has and will continue to transform the way we live – making a strong impact on the moving industry as well. Here’s how technology is changing the way we move – for the better.

Finding A Home

On average, a potential home buyer will spend 30 – 65 days shopping for a new house. In addition, buyers will spend another two weeks to three months to close the contract. However, real estate agents are more interested in faster contract signing while buyers are looking for a great deal.

That is where tech comes in. The process of purchasing a home relies on the chain of parties involved and there is no specific schedule on how long the process has to take. Using data-driven sales tools like View My Chain provides the ultimate platform for instant information on homes for sale and improving the moving process.

Tech Solutions for Movers

Using tools such as list makers, timeline creators, inventory, and quote estimates for rent and delivery can help you get a clear understanding of what needs to be done. Movers work better with multi-function products that provide a sheer variety of features, experience, and security to speed up the entire process. They want an all-in-one product that offers more than video survey capabilities, auto-scheduling, prospect generators, and quick-time support. As Crater’s industry-leading video estimate solution, the Surveybot can take complete control in estimations, improve productivity, and boost sales.

Technology has changed the ways we live our lives, without us realizing it. Whether we like to admit it or not – we often find ourselves relying on technology to help get us through challenging situations like moving our home. Thankfully, with plenty of tech resources available today, home buyers and movers can plan a schedule and map out the process for a successful move.

Moving out of a home and into a new one is a big undertaking. Cleaning can take days, weeks, or even months, especially if the home was lived in for years. You need to clean areas that saw essential daily use, such as toilets, sinks, and floors. You also need to do all of the dry cleanings you possibly can by dusting and washing stains off of windows and surfaces. Finally, leave plenty of time so you can repair any damage exposed by thoroughly cleaning your home.

Don’t Leave Any Dirt On Utilities And Surfaces That See Daily Use

When cleaning a home before moving day, you should remember that the areas you use most frequently are the same areas that others will use most frequently. You should use bleach and detergents to make toilets spotless. You should locate all sinks and faucets, and remove all grime or mold around and under the sink. Finally, use all-natural products to removes stains and metal tarnish from door knobs, metal faucets, and glass surfaces around the house.

Begin Cleaning Chimneys, Ovens, And Dirt Centers Far In Advance

Because using toilets and sinks can be unavoidable, we suggest handling them close to moving day, or on moving day. Dry cleaning is something you need to begin very early though. You should dust every surface of your house, from closets to ceilings, to the insides of cabinets and house features. If furniture remains in the house, be sure to clean grime out of the oven, clean out couches, and so on. An oven used over many years can take more than a week to clean, for example.

Fill In Holes, Paint Over Scratches, And Do A Third Layer Of Cleaning

Once you’ve packed all of your belongings, and cleaned surface level dust, as well deeper filth like toilet stains, you should begin the third stage of clean; repair. Paintings are a good example of a feature that can reveal damage once you’ve begun cleaning. The holes left in a wall by a painting’s mounting screws are very visible once the paintings removed, and can be unsightly or even unsanitary. Use putty to fill in the holes, and clean up other signs of light damage as well.

Moving day is complicated enough, even when you don’t have to clean at the same time. Before moving day arrives, clean fixed areas of the house such as windows, door knobs, sinks, and toilets as thoroughly as possible. Dust inside all rooms of the home, inside closets, and even in carrying over furniture. Set plenty of time aside for areas where there is considerable dirt built up, like ovens or attics. And be prepared to clean up any damages revealed when you move your belongings.

This Thanksgiving we want to celebrate YOU. At Great Day Moving, we are thankful to serve the Kansas City metro area for the past 11 years and have been counting our blessings this month!

Here are 3 ways you can practice thankfulness in your life:

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Taking the time each day, morning or night, to write down 3-5 things you are grateful for can make a huge difference in your overall well-being. Just spending a few minutes each day contemplating your blessings, can drastically affect your mental state all for the better. “Previous research has linked gratitude to improved mental health, lower levels of anxiety and improved sleep,” says Blaire Morgan, Ph.D., a research fellow at the University of Birmingham in England. “Our own research has demonstrated a strong link between gratitude and three different measures of well-being: satisfaction with life, subjective happiness and positive affect.” ¹
2. Look Outward Instead of Inward. When we take the time to do something for others, whether in word, deed, or even financially, it positively affects the giver as well as the recipient. You tap into your compassion and empathy and also open up more possibilities in your heart and life to be thankful when you offer generosity. Holding the door for someone as you leave the bank, donating to your favorite charity, sending a thoughtful card to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or even helping a senior citizen load their groceries into their car; these are all ways you can make a difference by being generous with what you have been blessed with.
3. Change One Word in Your Vocabulary. Instead of saying “have” to, you “get” to. Just making this one change in your vocabulary, you instantly transform your so-called burdens into opportunities. Instead of “I have to cook dinner tonight,” you can say, “I get to cook dinner tonight for my family.” This changes your mindset and introduces gratefulness into the task at hand. Try saying, “I get to pack up all my stuff before I move into my new house” instead of “I have to pack up all my stuff before moving day.”

Here’s to practicing thankfulness: We’re glad we get to serve all our great clients! Thanks for your business. Thanks for your friendship. And thanks for your support. We’d like to make your holiday a little easier! We’re giving away a fresh (16-18 lb.) turkey from local farmers we love to support, Pastimes Farm & Bakery that you can also follow on Facebook! They have 100% natural, free range, non-gmo turkeys with no hormones, no antibiotics, and no soy. Best of luck in our Turkey Contest! We hope you win!

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***Get your entries in before 12am Friday! We will contact the winner by noon on Friday. Winner must provide contact name and number for confirmation and must pick up turkey at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market on Saturday, November 17, 2018 between 8am-1pm. Delivery not available.***

¹. Reference: https://www.success.com/7-ways-to-be-thankful-every-day/

Starting back in the early 1800s when pioneers trekked west in search of a better life, moving has been woven into the fabric of American history. That ethos has hardly changed since then. Today, more than 35.5 million Americans move homes every year. Luckily, advanced modes of transportation and technology have revolutionized the way we travel. Long gone are the days of covered wagons and the threat of Typhoid Fever, but modern moving still has plenty of parallels. Today, we have our own version of experienced, equipped trail guides. And like then, moving in 2018 requires plenty of physical and financial preparation.

Don’t Spend All Your Money On The Destination

The old saying, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it” couldn’t be truer when it comes to moving day. Yes, buying a new home or renting a new apartment is exciting, stressful, and – most notably – expensive. Pioneers often spent their life savings on the risk of moving west with little to no extra cash on hand. That’s also why it can be easy to blow through that emergency stash of cash on your security deposit or first mortgage payment. However, it’s wise to keep in mind that moving costs like truck rentals, packing supplies, storage units, gas, professional movers, and time off work can put a hefty dent in your wallet as well. Being savvy with your money can help save you from those often-overlooked moving costs.

Lift With Your Legs

While the physical challenges of moving pale in comparison to our pioneer ancestors, throwing out your back trying to lift the couch by yourself can turn the unpleasant task of moving into a nightmare. No, you won’t be driving a team of oxen across the plains, and you likely won’t be dealing with a bout of the measles, but it’s still wise to eat healthy and stay limber in the days leading up to the move. Doing all you can to minimize your risk of getting sick or injured will only leave you thanking yourself at the end of the long day of moving.

Even though fields and rivers have turned into highways, horses have turned into horsepower, and campfires have turned into headlights – it’s still important to look back and learn from the first Americans who decided to pack up and move in search of a better life. The stress of relocating to a new place makes it easy to overlook the financial and physical costs associated with moving day, which is why it’s best to make sure you’re prepared for anything that the frontier sends your way.

Moving to a new house is enough work to inspire the average person to go into hibernation or make do with their current situation. After all, moving involves not just the cleaning of your old house and the packing of all of your possessions, but also the physical tasks of lifting and carrying boxes of possessions and furniture. You need careful planning and organization to make the process as simple and smooth as possible.

Be Realistic About How Long Moving Will Take

Ideally, you will have several weeks to plan before the move and several days, if not a week or more, to complete the actual process. Moving often involves unexpected setbacks, such as discovering a cache of boxes you had forgotten in your basement that have to be sorted and moved. The more organized you are, the easier the process will become.

Make a list of everything that you need to achieve. It should include:

• Packing and boxing up your possessions
• Deciding what items travel with you and what goes with the truck/movers
• Arranging for waste disposal/donation pick-up for items you aren’t keeping
• Cleaning your old home as you pack
• Prep cleaning your new home, if you have access
• Hiring cleaners to prepare an out-of-state home for your arrival
• Purchasing moving insurance, if you have valuable possessions
• Arranging for the shut-off or transfer of utilities
• Backing up digital records and files to ensure nothing gets lost in the move
•  Securing help from movers, who can take a lot of the stress out of the process
• Planning to transport your vehicle and any pets, especially if you’re flying to your new home

There are some other steps you can take as well. If you’re using movers, for example, you likely want to document what goes into the boxes, especially when it comes to very valuable and fragile items. You’ll need to take time off work, change your mailing address, and collect all the keys, garage door openers, and other access tools to leave for the new tenants or owners.

You may also want to prepare for some jobs to be carried out at your new home. This is particularly important if you need to make changes to your property to accommodate any accessibility requirements, such as widening doors or installing a ramp. Ideally, these should be carried out before you move in.

Get Help So You Can Focus on the Mental Work

There are so many things to consider when moving. With all the mental effort required to manage the transition from one space to another, you shouldn’t have to physically exert yourself as well. Allocating the physical labor of your move to professional movers ensures that you will have the resilience and energy necessary to handle the logistics and planning of your move. You might even want to consider hiring a temporary personal assistant to manage the many tasks and phone calls associated with organizing a move.

Moving your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Although there is always going to be work involved, partnering with moving and logistics professionals can make the whole process less stressful. When you have professionals that you can trust to handle the gritty details of the move, you can focus on settling into your new home and keeping everything organized for when you begin the process of unpacking.

On average, it takes a whopping 182 days for Americans to settle into a new home and finish unpacking, according to a Duck Brand Tape survey. While there are certain hacks that can help you enjoy an easy move, tailoring a brand new house to fit your personal style, taste and personality can be challenging. House accessories have, however, proven to be a big help in making a new house feel homey.

Add Customized Accessories

Bare walls make a house feel mundane, cold and unwelcoming. The importance of artwork in a new house cannot, therefore, be overstated. Personalized artworks such as family weavings, sculptures, and paintings give the house an air of uniqueness and sophistication. It also allows you to express your personality in addition to enhancing the house’s appeal. Inviting smells are one way to make a home feel pleasant. Fragrances and scented candles or air fresheners should, therefore, be regularly used to give a customized scent to a house in order to make it feel like a home. Items from childhood memories, photographs, and family memorabilia can be hung on the walls as they add sentimental values to a house which will also make it feel homely.

Incorporate Plants

Incorporating indoor plants and flowers is a great way to make a new house feel cozy not to mention make it look pleasant. Not only do they add color to the house but they also create a sense of zen. This is because plants have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and boost mood. They also help purify the air inside your new home creating a refreshing ambience. Planting indoor plants will help make your space tranquil, pleasant looking, homey and inviting. Plants that should thrive indoors include the red-edged dracaena, snake plant, peace lily, rubber plant, aloe plant, philodendron and bamboo palm.

Improve Lighting

Good lighting is the surest way to make a house feel relaxed. Poorly lit houses with little or excess light causes eye strain to a homeowner which can be discomforting. Good lighting, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to boost moods and energy levels. It is therefore important to invest in light fixtures that emit warm temperatures with white or yellow shades. To further promote relaxation, good energy and make a house feel all the more homely, additional lighting can be installed. This includes well-placed lamps, string lights, and flameless candles all of which add coziness to a home.

Smart lighting features can also be added to improve a home’s appeal. Dimmers can be used to adjust the amount of light in the house depending on one’s mood. Installation of smart LED bulbs can also be helpful in transforming a house into a home. Its integration with the smartphone allows it to be turned on and off at the comfort of your bed. This ensures you no longer have to endure the dreadful blind walk back to bed after switching off the lights.

Feeling at home in a house you newly moved into can take time for most people. This is because customizing a house to your taste can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, it is doable. Simply work on incorporating memorabilia, art, good lighting and interior landscaping.