Month: July 2021

One thing they may never warn you about when moving is disassembly. You need to take many large items apart before you can pack them. Otherwise, they take up too much space and could break.

Disassembling doesn’t have to be too challenging. Just follow these five tips, and you’ll be able to keep it simple.

1. Create a Disassembly Space

When your home is full of boxes and loose items, it’s hard to find room to deal with furniture. But it’s the best thing you can do for a complicated project.

If you can, dedicate a whole room for the furniture. It’s wise to use the room where most of the furniture already sits.

Make sure that you clear boxes and other items from the room before you start disassembling. That way, you have the most space to move around.

2. Get the Right Tools

You’ll need a handful of tools to disassemble furniture. You may already have a few of them.

As a general rule, you should have a few different kinds of screwdrivers, as well as a hex wrench set. Again, it’s wise to consult the assembly instructions for the furniture, as they usually have lists of tools you need.

If you feel like investing in a drill, you may be able to finish faster. Just keep in mind that you’ll need the right drill bits for each piece.

3. Follow the Instructions

The best way to avoid damage is to follow the instructions you got for assembly. If you bought it at IKEA or another store that prefers DIY assembly, you probably have tons.

Don’t have the instructions? Look online. And if you still can’t find them, research how-to guides for disassembling a couch, table, or chair.

Sometimes, you can’t disassemble something, even if you put it together. If you’re not sure, consult an expert for more information.

4. Package Furniture With Care

At this point, you may have a bunch of legs or feet and nowhere to put them. If you’re boxing up a small table or chair, you can keep all these items together. Wrap them in paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratching.

If you can’t pack everything together, get a box for the medium-size pieces and label it well. Pieces for custom or vintage items usually aren’t interchangeable, even if they’re part of a set.

In most cases, you can use furniture wrap or moving blankets to protect soft furniture. Just be careful of any sharp corners or loose nails. These can puncture upholstery, and that might cost a lot to repair.

5. Organize Small Parts

The last trick for a good disassembly experience is to organize all the small parts. They’re easy to lose and hard to find. And if you lose them, you might have a difficult time replacing them.

Put all the items for one piece of furniture in its own bag or box, and label it correctly. Don’t pack it with the furniture unless you’re sealing the box tight. Otherwise, the bag might fall out and get lost.

If you can, separate the parts by type as well as piece. Then, it will be easier to get a quick inventory and make sure you have everything before moving to the next one.

The Pros Can Help

Disassembling furniture is often more manageable when you hire a professional to help. Contact us to learn about your options. We can help make your move easier.

 

When children have moved out, parents sometimes experience grief and begin missing the days of ballet recitals and soccer tournaments—seeing all those empty bedrooms can be a reminder of days gone by. It also can be an impetus to begin thinking about moving to a smaller home.

Empty-nesters who relocate and downsize can save time by not having to clean and maintain a large home. They also can save money in energy costs and may enjoy a change of scenery or other amenities that come from relocating. Here are some tips for empty-nesters to consider when relocating.

You Don’t Have to Rush

Since you may not be relocating for a job or with a deadline, you can plan your move in stages. Stage I is preparation time when you research locations and downsize. Stage 2 could be your retirement. Stage 3 could be finding your new home and, depending upon its location, you may move some of your belongings first. Finally, stage 4 could be selling your old home.

Determine Your Next Destination

Many factors go into determining where to move. For example, if you like your town but just want a smaller place, you may choose to relocate within the same area. You also might decide to relocate near grandchildren, move to a particular climate, or start a new life in one of the top-rated cities for empty-nesters.

Downsize

One of the challenges is downsizing. So start sifting through possessions early — perhaps a year or more before the move — but no later than three months before.

One way to approach downsizing is to let your children go through the home and take items that they would like for their own home. When considering whether to get rid of mementos, consider whether they still bring you joy or whether you’re just keeping them because you feel you should. Keeping a child’s second-grade drawing now may be less meaningful now that they’re 40.

Consider selling or donating large furniture that may not fit well in smaller spaces. For example, if your new living room is small, you may want to consider selling your large sofa and buying two smaller chairs.

Don’t Underestimate the Change

Moving is a significant change, especially for older people. It will take you out of your comfort zone. However, growth occurs outside the comfort zone.

If you’re married or partnered, moving also will provide ample opportunities for being with your partner. If you’ve spent decades raising your children and building careers, this time together can be an adjustment. It also is a time to rekindle and reinvent your relationship.

Consider a Home Equity Loan

If you need to ease the pressure between finding and moving into your new home and selling your old home, consider a home equity loan. While this lowers the amount you receive when your home actually closes, it can be worth it, especially if the time between finding your new home and selling your old one is relatively short.

Stay Organized

Relocating is a project. Use spreadsheets and lists to keep you on target. Go room by room and take inventory, indicating what you will save, donate, sell, or give away. Make a list of every moving task, assign it, and check it off when completed.

Moving On

Leaving a treasured family home and downsizing is a challenge. There are many tasks to take of in the process. We can help you move on! Contact us for a free estimate. We can get you to your new place with ease.