The peak moving season is here, and it’s time to make your relocation smooth and stress-free. According to Move.com, nearly 70% of U.S. moves take place between May and September1. The desire to move remains strong, even though the annual percentage of Americans moving has decreased2,3.
Recent findings by Architectural Digest indicate that 55% of adults are considering moving in 2024, driven by reasons like increased affordability, safety, and proximity to work, family, or friends3. If you are among those looking for a change, this guide is tailored for you.
We understand that moving can be daunting and stressful. That’s why we have crafted six essential steps to simplify your move. Our goal is to reduce the relocation hassle with our free guide, allowing you to focus on the exciting journey ahead!
1. CHOOSE A COMMUNITY
The first step when you decide on relocating to Colorado is to make up your mind about where to stay. Regardless of whether you prefer a neighborhood right in the middle of a town or the suburbs, or a particular community, ensure that it matches your requirements.
When you look for new homes in Colorado, take time off to explore the communities around your workplace or your preferred home. How far is the school if you have children or do you have to commute long distances every day? If commuting is not an issue with you, is public transportation easily available? For an on-the-spot assessment take public transport to get a feel of what it will be like during rush hours.
Other factors to consider before house moving to Colorado are the home prices in the selected community, the cost of living, and most importantly, the crime statistics. Check available parking slots, especially over the weekends when most cars will be parked roadside. Retail options and population density are important metrics to consider too.
Researching different communities can be time-consuming, but we’re here to simplify the process. Contact us at 720-730-2289 to discuss your needs. We’ll offer recommendations on neighborhoods that align with your preferences and budget in Denver, CO.
2. FIND YOUR NEW HOME
After you are through with the first task of selecting a community where you would like to relocate in Denver, Colorado, a crucial decision has to be made now. Should you rent or buy property in Denver and what are the pros and cons of each of them?
Renting should be your first choice if you are new to the area and want to test out the community before buying a house and settling down permanently. The same holds true if you are not yet ready to make a large financial commitment to buy a house and do not have the required down payment saved. Moreover, when you rent, you do not have to worry about property taxes, maintenance, and yearly insurance, all of which can add up to a substantial sum of money.
However, if you are relocating to Colorado and know you will not be moving again any time soon, there is no reason to postpone home ownership if you have the financial means. Owning a home not only ensures a permanent roof over your head thereby increasing the quality of your life but also increases your assets and wealth.
This is because any piece of real estate appreciates over time and once you pay off your mortgage, the equity on your house is substantial. On the tax front, you get rebates on federal tax deductions on property taxes and mortgage interest.
Home buyers get the stability that renters do not. Renters face a potential annual increase in rent which may be more than their annual increased earnings. But your outgo on mortgage payments in the case of homeownership remains constant during the tenure of the loan. For example, data from Statista shows that while fixed-rate mortgage payments remain steady, rentals in the USA have surged by almost 42% in the last decade.
If you opt to purchase a home and select Just Livin’ Realty Group to guide you, rest assured we will support you every step of the way, striving to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience. If you are relocating and moving to Colorado, we suggest you download our Moving to Colorado relocation guide.
For comprehensive details on purchasing a home and a step-by-step timeline of the home buying process, feel free to contact us to receive a complimentary copy of our Home Buyer’s Guide.
3. SELL OR RENT OUT YOUR CURRENT HOME
If you already own a home in Denver, you’ll also need to start the process of either selling it or renting it out. We at Just Livin’ Realty Group can help you evaluate your options based on current market conditions in Denver, CO.
In many cases, our clients choose to sell so that they can use the equity in their current home to make a downpayment on their next one. But selling your home while simultaneously buying a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner.
Here are some of the most frequent concerns we hear from clients in Denver and our tips for addressing them:
- What will I do if I sell my house before I can buy a new one?
Check out furnished apartments, vacation rentals, and month-to-month leases in Denver. You may even find that a short-term rental arrangement can offer you an opportunity to get to know your new neighborhood better.
- What if I get stuck with two mortgages at the same time?
Ask us at Just Livin’ Realty Group about contingencies that can be included in your contracts. For example, it’s possible to add a contingency to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you haven’t sold your previous home. We can discuss the pros and cons of these types of tactics and what’s realistic given the current market dynamics in CO.
- What if I mess up my timing or burn out from all the stress?
Enlist support as early as possible. It’s our job at Just Livin’ Realty Group to guide you and advocate on your behalf, so don’t be afraid to lean on us throughout the process. We’re here to ease your burden and make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
In addition to answering your questions, we’ll give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home in Denver so you know how much you can afford to spend on your new one. Part of that process will include a plan to maximize your current home’s sale price. We utilize a proven strategy at Just Livin’ Realty Group that’s designed to achieve an efficient sale while boosting your profits.
For a thorough breakdown of the technologies and marketing activities we use to get you the most money for your home sale, ask us at Just Livin’ Realty Group for a copy of our Property Marketing Plan.
4. PLAN YOUR DEPARTURE
When you are house-moving to Colorado, a mix of excitement and fatigue will overwhelm you. Excitement because you are moving to a new place with untold possibilities and fatigue because relocation can be tough and tiring even if you get ready slowly and do not rush things.
However, you do not have to tackle all the challenges alone. By partnering with us at Just Livin’ Realty Group, you gain a supportive companion through every phase of this journey. Below, we share some key pointers to aid in your relocation planning: Grab a copy of or valuable relocation guide today!
Here are some tips from our experts when you are relocating to Colorado.
Start with the kids first as any move outside their comfort zone can be traumatic. Gently break the news to them and take them on a tour of the neighborhood or the new house to dispel any fears that they might have. Show them their new school and assure them that they will make friends just as easily as they made before. While at it, notify both the present and the future schools of your move to facilitate a seamless transfer and enrollment process.
Start the packing process well before the moving date. Take one room at a time and mark each box with its contents and specific room. Take this opportunity to declutter each room by discarding or disposing of the clothes and items that have not been used for a long time.
Alternatively, you can engage a moving company to help you out with this task. They will pack, move, and unpack all your items in the new house at an additional cost. However, before entrusting the work, research the transport companies in your present neighborhood and ensure that they are trustworthy. Do not pay a hefty advance before your goods have been safely delivered to your new location.
After you have set the moving date, arrange for disconnection of all utility connections like electricity, gas, and Internet that were in your name. Also, meet up with all your friends as well as family that you will be leaving behind. The days just before leaving will be quite hectic so arrange for the fond farewells well in time. It is not easy to bid goodbye to those who have been very close to you for years.
If you need recommendations for moving companies, packing services, cleaners, or any other assistance to streamline your move, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
5. PREPARE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL
While departing from your current residence can take up a lot of your time, do not lose focus of your house moving to Colorado process. To make sure that you do not have to run around for necessities once you reach your new place, start planning well in advance.
Here are some expert tips to kick-start your planning:
Begin by considering the essential utilities that will require activation, such as water, electricity, and gas. Notify relevant parties, including banks, credit card companies, and subscriptions, of your upcoming change of address to prevent missing any critical bills, communications, or packages. Additionally, inform the postal service and arrange for mail forwarding.
If you are contemplating remodeling, painting, or installing new flooring, it is recommended to complete these tasks before transporting all your possessions. Professional cleaning of the property before moving in is also a wise decision.
Remember to pack essential items like toothbrushes, towels, and bedsheets for your first night in the new residence. Label some boxes as “Open Me First!” for easy access. Keeping a toolbox readily available will be beneficial for any necessary reassembly tasks.
Compile a list of restaurants to explore and places to visit near your recently acquired home. This list can uplift everyone’s spirits and serve as a guide to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood. If you are moving to our area, do not hesitate to contact us for a curated list of recommendations to enhance your experience.
6. GET SETTLED IN YOUR NEW SPACE
Research indicates that relocating can result in feelings of isolation and sadness.6 Nevertheless, there are effective ways to counter these adverse emotions. Here are some key strategies to assist you and your loved ones in settling into your new residence in Denver.
If you have kids, prioritize unpacking their bedrooms. Surrounding them with familiar belongings can facilitate their adjustment and establish a comforting area where they can retreat from the upheaval of moving day. Whenever feasible, involve them in the process of decorating their room.
Pets can also feel overwhelmed by a new environment. Allow them to acclimate to a designated room initially, equipped with their beloved toys, treats, food and water dishes, and a litter box for cats. As they become more at ease, gradually introduce them to other areas of the house.
Remember to prioritize your own well-being. Plan breaks to explore the CO area and take time for yourself. Walking or biking can provide mood-boosting benefits of fresh air and physical activity.
To combat feelings of solitude, make a conscious effort to engage with individuals in your new neighborhood. Discover local groups of interest, enroll in a class, participate in a religious community, or engage in volunteer work. Rather than waiting for companions to reach out to you, take the initiative to connect with others.
Furthermore, endeavor to introduce yourself to your new neighbors, extend invitations for coffee or meals, and offer your support when needed. As you cultivate relationships and a network of support within your new community, your new abode in Denver, CO will truly become a place to call home.
LET’S GET MOVING
While moving is never easy, these steps offer an action plan to get you started on your new adventure. With a little preparation—and the right team of professionals to assist you—it is possible to have a positive relocation experience.
We specialize in assisting home buyers and sellers with a seamless and “less-stress” relocation. Along with our referral network of moving companies, contractors, cleaning services, interior designers, and other home service providers, we can help take the hassle and headache out of your upcoming move. Give us a call or message us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation!
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
- Moving.com –
https://www.moving.com/tips/12-tips-for-moving-during-peak-moving-season/ - Moving.com –
https://www.moving.com/tips/moving-trends-predictions-for-2024/ - Architectural Digest –
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/moving/moving-trends-survey - National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/infographics/the-benefits-of-homeownership - Statista –
https://www.statista.com/statistics/200223/median-apartment-rent-in-the-us-since-1980/ - Psychology Today –
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/is-where-you-belong/201607/why-youre-miserable-after-move