Which Neighborhood is Right for You? Questions to Help You Choose

Location, location, location--you've heard it before--the area you choose to live in will have the most impact on your home's value and your quality of life. So how do you know where to go? You probably already know whether you prefer a city, the suburbs, or a small town, and which climate is most desirable for you. But there are many other factors to consider before you relocate. Here are a few questions to help you narrow down your options:

• How long will it take me to get to work? How much will it cost?


• How far will I be from family and friends?


• Can I afford the local taxes?


• What are the schools, hospitals, and other public services like? How close am I to them?


• What is the crime rate?


• Are there any amenities nearby, such as parks and recreation centers? Are there things to do both during the day and the night?


• What is the traffic like? Is it noisy?


• Are there new homes being built nearby? What is the long-term plan for the neighborhood?


• What are the current values of similar homes?


• Is there shopping nearby?


• Where are homes selling fast? Where are sales stagnant?

Hooking Up Gets Easier

One of the headaches of moving into a new residence is calling various utility companies to hook up your services--usually you are put on hold for longer than you would like, and then you wait a few days for the service to kick in. Until now--the Internet has simplified this otherwise annoying process. Most utilities--cable, phone, gas, electricity, and Internet--will let you sign up for service or change your existing service online, saving you far more time than you would spend signing up for each service over the phone.

Even easier is a new service that lets you do all your utilities hookups online, WhiteFence.com. Not only can you sign up for all of the services at once, you can compare each provider for the best price. Just enter your zip code and let the information come to you, including special offers and discounts. And since they will have your move-in date already, the utilities can be hooked up before you arrive, so no more waiting around for the cable guy.

The Eco-Friendly Move

Moving often requires lots of fuel and packing products, but there are ways to relocate with a greener state of mind. Here are some tips:

• Downsize your move: The less stuff you have to pack up and move, the less packing materials you will need. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter by donating things to charity and thrift stores, or selling items on Craigslist or eBay.



• Be on the lookout for boxes: The more boxes and packing materials that you can reuse instead of buying new, the better. You may even be able to find free moving boxes on Craigslist or through some moving companies' recycling programs.



• Rent-a-Crate: Available in 13 U.S. locations, this company rents reusable plastic moving crates that they will deliver to and pick up from any location.



• Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies: You'll probably be doing a lot of cleaning at both your old and new places. Avoid harmful chemical cleaners and opt for natural, biodegradable cleaning products.

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Once the boxes are unpacked and the furniture is arranged, it's time to adjust to your new home. Moving to a new neighborhood can be overwhelming, and one way to smooth the transition is to find time to introduce yourself and your family to your neighbors. Don't wait until you need to borrow a power tool to meet your neighbors--knowing who is in your community will help you feel safer and, hopefully, you will make new friends too. You may think you don't have time to put in the effort to meet the people in your 'hood, but just a few simple steps can help speed the process:

• Curb appeal: Get outside and do yardwork or repairs around your home--not only is this good for your home, but your neighbors will probably notice you. This is a great opportunity to wave and say hello. Don't come on too needy, just be pleasant and drum up a conversation.


• Hit the park: Most neighborhoods have a park, a playground, or even a few benches where locals congregrate. Similar hangouts include community pools, libraries, and coffee shops. Make an effort to visit these areas, even if it's just to read a book. Ask your neighbors for recommendations on local attractions and they will probably be happy to share information with you.


• Explore common interests: If you have kids, you will most likely have an easy time meeting other parents in the neighborhood. Likewise, figure out what you have in common with people in your area, and be open to making a connection. Join a local exercise group, take a class in your neighborhood, or explore the arts scene.


• Knock, knock: Bringing a baked dessert over to your new neighbors' doorstep might sound like a scene from the 1950s, but there's nothing wrong with going out of your way to meet the people in your proximity. You might find an elderly neighbor who doesn't get out much who you otherwise would not have met.


• Host a party: You don't necessarily have to throw a block party to get people to like you--invite a small group over for coffee and muffins, or wine and cheese--once you've finished redecorating, of course.

To a Good Home: Not Just You, But Your Pet Too

Unfortunately, one side effect of the poor economy is that more people are abandoning their pets. Some people make a terrible choice on moving day and abandon their pets. Perhaps they are moving far away and don't want to pay for the transport of their pets, perhaps their new homes don't allow pets, or perhaps they just don't want Fluffy or Scruffy anymore. Stray pets end up fending for themselves, sometimes reaching the brink of starvation until they are taken in by animal welfare agencies, where their fate is uncertain. If you make the commitment to be a pet owner, it is your legal responsibility to make sure your pet is safe. Call your local humane society or animal control if you are not able to move your pet. If you know of a pet that needs a new home, check out 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, an online database on which people can offer to provide foster care for animals whose owners may not be able to keep them for as long as a year.

Are They Here Yet? Estimating Your Delivery Window

One of the most frustrating experiences that can occur with a long-distance move is when you arrive long before your movers. Considering that most moving companies estimate that it takes at least two days to move 1,000 miles, if you are moving cross-country, you could be looking at a week or more, depending on driving conditions. Also, since summer is the busiest moving time, you may need to be more flexible with your delivery time-frame, aka, delivery window. Generally, a mover will be able to give you an approximate delivery window based on your request--some companies even offer a guaranteed delivery date. A professional moving company should keep you abreast of their moving schedule as it unfolds. What if you can't be there when your stuff arrives? You will either need to authorize a third party to be there when the truck arrives, or have your movers place your things into storage. Most movers will make every effort to meet your expectations for delivery, however, it's important to make sure you have contact information for your movers as well as a bit of flexibility and patience.

A Clean Slate: Tips for a Tidy Move

Moving out and moving in present an opportunity to clean and reorganize all of your personal belongings. Do you really want to unpack dusty lamps and crusty appliances in your new home? Here are some tips for making your move a clean sweep:

• Got stains? Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to scrub out most household stains, from grime to grease. Of course, be sure not to submerge any electrical appliances in water--you'll want to spot-clean those with a rag. Sprinkle baking soda on carpet stains, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Dust in the wind? Moving around furniture is likely to kick up some (or a lot of) dust. Get it under control with a heavy-duty vacuum and, if necessary, a portable air cleaner.
• Cover and contain: Protect clothes you rarely wear in garment bags, put shoes and accessories in container bins, and utilize suitcases and bureau drawers for clothes you wear regularly.
• Shred it: When tossing paper waste such as bills and bank statements, be sure to shred documents to protect yourself from identity theft.
• Now is the time to get rid of clutter: make bins labeled "store," "sell," "donate," and "trash."
• Clean from top to bottom, and save floors, toilets, and sinks for last.
• Be sure to clean your oven, whether you are taking it with you or not.

Your new place will likely be clean, but there are some things you will want to do before you unpack:

• Wipe down cabinets and drawers with a warm, wet rag. This will ensure that you remove any pesticide residue and dust.
• Disinfect bathrooms, refrigerators, and freezers.
• If you're exhausted from your move and too busy to tackle it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service to get your new home sparkling.

America on the Go

What are the most popular cities in the U.S. right now? You're probably thinking something like New York and San Francisco, but the recent quarterly report from the AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) might surprise you. The cities with the highest percentage of people moving in are: Charlotte, N.C.; Denver, Co.; Austin, Tx.; and Dallas, Tx. These cities reflect more affordability, and in this recession, people are leaving places with high costs of living and strained job markets for greener pastures. Are you thinking about relocating? Check out this handy cost of living calculator to see if a move would make sense for you. For example, someone making $50,000 in New York City could expect to see his/her salary drop to $27,569 in Charlotte, but also pay 61 percent less for housing in Charlotte. If you are struggling to pay your bills, relocation may be worth looking into.

Got Space? Creating Guest Bedrooms

Summer is underway, and if you have friends and family visiting your home, most likely you will need all of the space you can get. Clear that pile of clutter taking over your craft room, home office, or basement, and turn that valuable real estate into a guest bedroom. Not ready to part with your clutter? Put items in a storage facility or mobile storage container, and at the end of the summer when your guests are gone, you can move those items back inside. Here are some tips for making your guest room a cozy respite:

• Clear closet and/or drawer space: Leave room for your guests to unpack their belongings so they can feel at ease. Make sure there are empty hangers and space to put shoes.
• Place an uncluttered nightstand and reading lamp next to the bed. This will help your guest feel comfortable in his/her room after you and other hosts have retired to bed.
• Try not to have too many personal items in the room. The last thing you want your guest to experience is the feeling of being shuttered in your world of trinkets. Try to emulate the decor of a hotel room and create a relaxing, minimalist abode.
• Don't forget the bathroom: Place new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletry items for your guests. Add a welcoming touch with candles, soaps, and plenty of clean towels.
• Use this opportunity to educate your guests on the surroundings they are visiting. Leave guidebooks on your town or city in the guestroom, and if your guests will be traveling on their own, road maps and pamphlets for attractions.