Making a Move to Phoenix, Arizona? Here’s What You Need to Know About Relocating.
It’s no secret that moving homes is a pretty big deal. From prepping your home for listing to actually getting it sold, each step is crucial in the process. For most, moves typically consist of upgrading, downsizing, moving to a nearby city, or just moving across town in the same place. However, for many people it goes beyond just the “normal” move. Why? Relocation! But what exactly does that entail? Whether you’re heading to another state or moving clear across the country, relocating is a life-changing event. It can also be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming time! Thanks to our insight, and some help from Rachel Guerin, The Agency’s Relocation Director, we’re breaking down what you need to know about relocating to Phoenix, Arizona. We think these tips are just what you need to help you get where you’re going with ease.
Know your Budget Ahead of Time
When recently asked about some of the challenges clients face when relocating, Guerin said: “Sticker shock for buyers is real—especially for those moving to major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, D.C., and New York City.” Because of this, we recommend that if you know the area you are looking for ahead of time: do your research! Not all housing markets are created equal and that can quickly turn into a surprise if you aren’t careful. If you’re able, do some home and job hunting beforehand. That way you know what budgetary changes you may need to make in your day-to-day life, particularly if you’ve got a higher mortgage on the horizon.
Research your New Home and Become a Part of Your Community
It can be a bit daunting when it comes to getting to know your new city or state. How do you know where to start? Luckily, we live in the internet age, meaning that pretty much anything we want to know is available at our fingertips. To better understand your new home, you can begin by learning commutes on Google Maps, joining local Facebook groups for insider information, perusing Yelp for the top restaurant hotspots, and even following your city on Instagram! Guerin even recommends playing tourist for a day and exploring your surroundings the old fashioned way. You never know who you’ll meet at the nearby dog park or coffee shop! Plus, it truly never hurts to immerse yourself in your community by partaking in community events, signing up for classes, or joining your neighborhood gym.
Make a To-Do List
Nothing can derail a move quite like getting off task. That’s why Guerin says: “Get it all on paper! Make a checklist that has everything you need to know. Add to it when you think of something and get it out of your brain and onto the page.” And to us, that means even the littlest of tasks that you think of! Because we all know that when it comes to moving, it can feel like you are being pulled in a million different directions. So, even if it’s as simple as making note of when to take a break and drink some water, write it down!
Clean Up and Get Organized – Forward your mail
In the long run, having yourself organized will be the best thing you can do to help your move go smoothly. It will keep you on track and in the know so that the day of, all you need to worry about is getting your keys and making your first memories. And being properly organized includes packing early and labeling boxes for you or your movers. It also means completing tasks like changing your mail forwarding address, changing your address in your accounts, and cleaning up your home for the to-dos that await!
Document Everything
It’s better to be safe than sorry and that means documenting everything that happens during your moving process. From photos of your home once you’ve gotten it cleaned out, to a shot of how the moving truck looks before you hit the road, you never know what documentation could come in handy! In the event that something breaks or you need proof of something for someone, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Make time for fun
Don’t let yourself get moving tunnel vision! Whether you dedicate one night for a movie night or bake one last batch of cookies to say goodbye to your old home, make sure you make time to have fun with your loved ones during the process. It can also mean leaving those boxes unopened when you arrive at your new location and treating yourself to a cocktail to celebrate your arrival, first! Allowing yourself to enjoy each moment will help you love this new journey even more.
Are you looking to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona? We are here to help you! Email or call Kim Lowe at 480-363-1622. Don’t forget to follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on luxury Phoenix, Arizona homes for sale all over the Valley! And stay tuned to our blog for more insights, market updates, tips, tricks, and more!