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Things Youll Regret Packing When You Move

ByStan S.

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Decluttering and moving go hand-in-hand. While adding one more step to your packing-up process might sound unappealing, a fresh start in a new-to-you home is the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to items you no longer need.

Going through all of your items at the beginning of the moving process eliminates the need to unload, unpack, and unwrap items you no longer need, which can save you time and money, particularly if your moving company charges by weight. Whether it’s broken, a duplicate, or simply an item you haven’t used in over a year, it’s probably time to part ways. To simplify this process, we tapped expert movers and organizers to unpack which types of items are better left behind.

6 Types of Items that Aren’t Worth Moving

“Moving is a stressful time, but it can be made so much calmer with thoughtful preparation,” says Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method cofounder. She advises beginning the decluttering process as soon as you know you are moving and becoming a regular at donation and recycling drop-off centers over the coming weeks. Below are the top six items that you should consider leaving behind.

1. Consumable Items

Try to use up as many of your perishable and consumable items as you can before you move, as these items typically don’t fare well traveling long distances. “Assorted food and cleaning products are easy to give away to someone who can use them by posting a porch or corner pickup on NextDoor or Facebook,” suggests Lucy Milligan Wahl, owner of LMW Edits.

2. Clothes That Don’t Fit

Take inventory of the clothes that don’t fit anyone in your home. Libby Wood, certified senior move manager at Senior Settlers, recommends following the rule of 33, which asserts that most of us wear only 33 items of clothing (excluding basics like underwear and socks) and the rest largely go unused. “Consider letting someone who needs clothes enjoy those languishing items and take only your favorite 33 items to the new home,”.

Make an exception for hand-me-downs that will soon fit younger children, but everything else can go.

3. Hazardous Items

Paint and batteries are two items that are safer to buy at your new location. Hagmeyer says many moving companies won’t even transport paint, while batteries can be a safety hazard when moving in the warmer months. Be sure to plan ahead so you can drop paint cans at the hazardous waste center before moving day.

4. Items Your Family Has Outgrown

If you’re still hanging onto toddler bikes, strollers, and baby toys, but your kids are in college, it’s time to make some edits.

“Don’t waste resources moving things that aren’t useful to you,” says Hagmeyer. The same goes for any items you haven’t touched in recent years. “Don’t keep things that you don’t use anymore: that specialty kitchen gadget that hasn’t been used since 1986, the outdated electronics sitting in a drawer, the book with the collected works of Albert Camus that hasn’t been opened since your college philosophy course,”.

5. Junk Drawer Contents

Appliance manuals, broken items you never got around to fixing, empty cell phone boxes—no matter what’s in it, your junk drawer should not be moving with you.

“It’s so tempting to just sweep the contents of miscellaneous drawers and bins into boxes without looking at them,” says Wahl. “This is where you’re going to want to think ahead—how is it going to feel to unpack boxes in your new home and be faced with all these surprise boxes of junk?” Consider this your chance to clear out these odds and ends and start fresh in your new home.

6. Useful Items You Don’t Use

If you don’t use it, it shouldn’t come with you. Wahl says it’s as simple as that. “If you weren’t making smoothies or sawing wood or steaming carpets before, you’re probably not going to start now, and you can free up space during your move and in your new home by getting rid of bulky equipment you never use,”.

How to Let Go of Items Responsibly

Don’t just throw everything in the trash. Follow Hagmeyer’s pro tips for letting your items go responsibly.

  • Bulk items. Schedule a large pickup with your local thrift store after you’ve completed your clean out.
  • Items donation centers won’t take. Post these items on your local neighborhood groups. Even if you don’t make a profit, you’ll have the benefit of ensuring they’ll be put to use elsewhere.
  • Hazardous items. Research recycling centers that accept these items and create a plan to drop them off before moving day.
  • Paper, cardboard boxes, and manuals. Recycle all your paper items, including your post-move cardboard boxes.
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    10 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows ASAP

    ByStan S.

    On average, windows will last between 15 to 30 years, though the exact life span depends on several factors, including the type of glass, the quality and material of the frame, the local weather, and whether the window is installed properly or not. Regardless of these factors, windows and window frames can break or begin to show signs of wear, indicating that you need to repair the windows or invest in an upgrade. However, before paying for costly repairs, read on to learn 10 signs you need to replace your windows instead. 1. Visible Damage One of the most obvious signs that you should consider replacing the windows is if there is visible damage. While you can pay for the windows to be repaired, it’s important to consider their current age. Newer windows might be worth the cost of the repair, but it’s typically more cost-effective to replace older windows that are visibly damaged. Visible damage can include broken glass, a broken window frame, or even a broken seal that causes fog or moisture to accumulate between the panes. Not only can this damage put the home at risk of wood rot and mold growth, but it also detracts from the appearance of the home, reducing its value and negatively impacting the curb appeal. 2. Difficult to Operate Windows are designed to function without a lot of effort. You should be able to lock, unlock, open, and close the windows with relative ease, but as windows age, the frame might start to swell, and the hardware can rust or become bent due to regular use. When this occurs, you can pay to have the window hardware replaced or even have the frame repaired, but the same issues might happen again in a few years. Instead, it might be better to replace the window entirely to ensure you have another 15 to 30 years before you need to worry about the windows again. Keep in mind that while you can replace just one window at a time, it’s often better to invest in replacing multiple windows at once for a lower overall cost. 3. Room Feels Drafty While windows are designed to allow fresh air into the home, this doesn’t mean you always want outside air flowing into your house. If you notice that the room is drafty or that air seems to be leaking through the windows when they’re closed, this is typically a sign that the seal around them is broken, bent, or otherwise deformed. Replacing the seal will fix this issue, so if your current budget is too tight for a full window replacement, this might be a short-term solution. However, as the window ages, other problems will begin to occur, so this could be a good time to replace the window entirely. 4. Frames Feel Soft Some windows have metal window frames, but there is also a wide variety of wooden window frames. After years of exposure to rain, sleet, hail, and snow, the wood frames could begin to rot or break down, causing them to feel soft or spongy to the touch. This is a clear indicator that you will need to replace the windows and frames before the moisture begins to seep into the home. Similarly, if your window frames are made of metal, look for signs of rusting, chipping, or even crumbling, which typically indicates that the window frame is gradually breaking down. If the frame is no longer able to hold the glass or to keep moisture outside, it puts the home at risk, so plan to replace the windows as soon as possible. 5. High Energy Bills Home energy bills can be affected by a wide variety of issues around the home, like low-efficiency appliances, poor insulation, aging heating and cooling systems, or faulty windows. Since the furnace works to keep the home warm in the winter, and the air conditioner is primarily responsible for keeping the home cool in the summer, any drafty areas of the home where heat can flow freely through the walls reduce its overall efficiency. Faulty windows with loose or damaged seals can contribute to rising energy bills by forcing the heating and cooling system to work harder just to maintain the set temperature indoors. If you suspect this is the case, you can have the window seals replaced, though depending on the age and condition of the windows, it might be better to invest in a full window replacement to resolve the issue for the foreseeable future. 6. Water Leaks Through the Windows Windows are made to keep rain, sleet, hail, snow, and other sources of moisture outside the home, so if you notice that water seems to be coming in through your windows, this is a sign that you need to replace your windows as soon as possible. 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    Dont Skip This Moving Day Step. What to Clean Before Handing Over the Keys

    ByStan S.

    Moving out of your home kicks off a laundry list of to-do items. One of the tasks that might cross your mind is finding out who is responsible for cleaning your home when you move out. Is it expected or required? Who should pay? We reached out to experts on the best practices for cleaning when moving out of a home or rental property.  Kam Zinsser is a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter Realtors. Svetlana Choi is a broker and luxury property specialist at Coldwell Banker Warburg. Michael Weiner is a real estate salesperson at Coldwell Banker Warburg. Gerard Splendore is a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg. Check Your Contract  In some cases, cleaning is specified in your sales contract, in which case you’re obligated to comply. Most contracts for home sales include boilerplate language regarding the buyer’s obligation to clean and remove all belongings from the home before the sale. Renters often have requirements in their leases relating to cleaning before they move out. “Although it may not be contractual, it is more of a courtesy to the buyer,” says Kam Zinsser, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter Realtors.  “When purchasing a home, most contracts stipulate that the premises be broom-swept,” says broker Svetlana Choi of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “So, it isn’t necessary for a seller to do a thorough cleaning. However, it can make a real difference, particularly if it’s a higher-priced property.” “I had a client who was buying a studio in the Gramercy area of NYC and specifically requested that the mildew, which was severe, be cleaned from the bathroom,” says broker Gerard Splendore of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “At the walk-through, the day prior to closing, the mildew was untouched. The seller insisted that it had been cleaned that night, but no evidence or pictures were presented. I left the closing, and the bathroom was untouched, so the buyer was awarded a $1500 cleaning allowance off the price of the sale.” Benefits of Cleaning a Home Before Moving Choi adds that the choice to have a properly cleaned home can be the tipping point in a sale. “I had a walk-through where the buyer was having doubts about whether the apartment was the right choice for her family,” she says. “Because the seller didn’t want to jeopardize the transaction, she immediately hired a cleaning service, and I reported this to my buyer. In the end, she was happy and then focused on renovating her home.” “A cleaner home helps with a smoother walk-through and sets a positive tone for the closing process,” —Kay Zinsser, Real Estate Agent As Zinsser stated, cleaning your home is typically a courtesy to the new buyer unless otherwise stipulated in your contract. “General cleaning of the floors and surfaces as well as removing all personal belongings is very important,” Zinsser says. “Deep cleaning the kitchen appliances, inside the cabinets, bathrooms, and carpet is always nice.”  In some cases, the buyer will require the seller to pay for a deep clean before move-in. In other cases, the buyer will take the cleaning into their own hands, either to organize and pay for it or to do the dirty work themselves to save money.  Whether you’re cleaning as a courtesy or because you want good karma, most agents agree it’s a smart move.  “Leaving a home clean on departure is nearly always a good idea,” says agent Michael Weiner of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “For instance, if it’s a sale, the new owners are more likely to return items that may have been left accidentally by the sellers at the time of the close; and in general, renters want to be able to keep a good recommendation from a prior landlord as a reference for a future one.” What You Should Clean When Selling a Home  Zinsser suggests cleaning commonly overlooked areas in your home, including the inside of your fridge, oven, and microwave. Wiping down baseboards, trims, ceiling fans, and vent and air return covers is also a good idea. Window ledges and blinds also get dusty. Finally, check behind the toilet for forgotten grime.  “Prioritizing these areas, whether you are a renter or a homeowner, goes a long way and makes a difference,” Zinsser says. “As the homeowner, cleaning the home and paying attention to details is largely a goodwill gesture.” Focus on the main living areas to start. “Primary areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, which are central to the home, are the top cleaning priority and are almost impossible to overlook,” Weiner says. “Less-used areas, such as a basement, attic, or closet, are sometimes overlooked because items stored there are often not everyday ones. 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    Unspoken Fence Etiquette Rules You Should Follow to Be a Good Neighbour

    ByStan S.

    If you share a backyard fence with neighbors, you know the rules around them can be a bit murky. Is it OK to paint your side of the fence, even if you aren’t the owner? Do you have to let your neighbors know if you plan to make changes to the fence? And, if the fence gets damaged, does the owner need to fix it within a certain timeframe? To provide you with answers to these questions and more, we turned to Kristi Spencer, an etiquette coach and founder of The Polite Company. Spencer stresses the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and being respectful and considerate at all times. When it comes to making any changes, getting permission from the fence owner is a must. Even if you are the owner of the fence, giving your neighbors a heads up about any coming changes is a courtesy they will appreciate and hopefully reciprocate. Below, Spencer shares six fence etiquette rules you need to follow to be respectful to your neighbors. 1. Keep Lines of Communication Open Being friendly when you see neighbors that you share a fence with can go a long way. “Look for ways to keep the lines of communication open with your neighbors, even if it’s just a friendly wave when you see them, ” Spencer says. This maintains pleasant relations and keeps the door open for any future conversations regarding the fence and other neighborhood-related topics. 2. Maintain the Fence and Surrounding Area No matter who the owner of the fence is, Spencer says it’s important to keep both sides well taken care of. This means ensuring it’s in good condition, looks nice and clean, and there is no evident damage to it, whether that’s a hole or a missing plank of wood. Additionally, the etiquette expert says you should take care of the area surrounding the fence, such as the ground underneath it. “Clear away leaves and make sure the weeds are mowed and don’t creep into your neighbor’s property,” she says. Related 3. Inform Neighbors About Any Planned Changes “Even if you are the owner of the fence, always let your neighbors know about any changes you plan to make to it,” Spencer says. Making changes to the fence doesn’t just affect your backyard, it affects your neighbors’ backyard, in both a practical and a visual sense. Make sure you give them a sufficient heads up about any planned changes such as fence repairs, updates, or replacements. Not only is it the considerate thing to do, not doing so can have consequences. For example, if your neighbor has a dog that spends a lot of time in the backyard, you will need to make them aware of any repairs that will be made, as the construction can affect the dog’s safety and ability to be outside. 4. Don’t Paint the Fence Without Permission When it comes to painting the fence, Spencer says any changes should only be made by the owner or with their permission. “I wouldn’t take on any fence improvement projects without the owner’s permission, even if you are stuck looking at an ugly fence,” she says. A fence can be a large investment and if you are not the one who paid for it, painting or staining your side a different color is something you should never do without getting consent first. 5. Have a Conversation About Repairs While ideally, a fence would be repaired as quickly as possible, especially if there is a safety concern with children or pets, Spencer says the owner is not obligated to fix it within a specific timeframe. The only exception is if there is a homeowner’s association or city code violation. If you are waiting for your neighbor to fix the fence, Spencer recommends starting with a friendly conversation. “Offer to help with the repair or a temporary fix if you can, even if it’s just something simple like holding boards or hammering a few nails,” she says. Spencer adds that your neighbor may just be waiting for a contractor or dealing with an insurance issue, so don’t immediately assume they are delaying the repair just to make life difficult for you. 6. Be Considerate and Respectful “No matter what you’ve heard, it’s good neighbors who make good neighbors,” Spencer says. She explains that when we lead with consideration, respect, and honesty, we can build precious relationships that last a lifetime. “When issues arise, approach the situation with an open mind, listen as much, if not more, than you speak, and be willing to compromise,” Spencer adds.

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    Can You Take Garden Plants with You When Moving? A Lawyer Weighs In

    ByStan S.

    Key Takeaways Inform your realtor and potential buyers about garden plants you’ll take when you move. Ensure the written contract clearly states that you are taking certain plants with you. Real estate laws vary between states so check with a local attorney on your exact personal property rights. You’ve spent years tending to the rose bush in your front yard and are dreading leaving it behind when you move next month. Not so fast—there are ways you can bring your prized garden plants with you as long as you abide by your state’s real estate laws. We spoke with Patrick Loftus, a Chicago-based real estate attorney, about how to legally take your favorite plants with you from one house to the next. Communication Is Key In general, if you have your heart set on taking certain home fixtures with you, it’s better to decide and communicate about it as early as possible—whether it’s that beloved rose bush or your refrigerator. “The best time to negotiate would be before accepting a buyer’s offer,” Loftus says. “Setting expectations is one of the keys to a smooth transaction. If you don’t want a fight on closing day, make sure you clearly communicate your intentions to the buyer in addition to putting it in the contract.” You can get even more ahead of potential landscaping questions by proactively communicating with your realtor. That way, they can inform potential buyers if they inquire about your plants during an open house or private tour. But regardless of how early you communicate your intentions to take any garden plants with you, everything should be written down. Related Get It in Writing Unfortunately, a verbal agreement and a handshake don’t go very far in real estate these days. “Everything needs to be in the written contract when it comes to real estate,” Loftus says. “It’s a concept called Statute of Frauds here in Illinois. There’s really no other way to have an enforceable promise when it comes to real estate in Illinois.” To ensure you’re staying above board, declare your intentions to take your landscaping with you in the buyer contract as clearly as possible. “There is a section in standard contracts that realtors are provided that lists personal property that comes with the home at no additional cost,” Loftus says. “As a seller, I would make sure that box (landscaping and vegetation) was not checked before signing the contract.” Exact verbiage may vary, so consulting with a real estate attorney in your area is always a safe bet before you finalize a contract. Consequences of Sneaking Off with Your Plants Yes, it can be tedious to take extra steps and negotiate your landscaping with a buyer, but breaching your contract is much worse. “If you take property that was supposed to be left per the contract, you’ll probably be reimbursing the buyer for the cost to restore the property you took with you,” Loftus says. Rather than risk that, you might as well just buy a new plant and start fresh in your new garden. Bottom Line: Is It Worth the Hassle? Moving is stressful enough—you’re already uprooting your life. Do you really need to uproot your plants, too? It all comes down to sentimentality. “Removing and taking landscaping from your home is probably going to be more hassle than it’s worth in the end, but if there is some super special thing in the yard that you can’t bear to part with, make sure your intentions are clear,” Loftus says. Real estate law varies from state to state and can also be subject to municipal code. Connect with a real estate lawyer in your area if you have legal questions prior to selling your home.

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