​הכנה למעבר: כיצד לפנות עומס ולהתכונן למעבר דירה

המעבר לדירה חדשה הוא הזדמנות נפלאה להתחיל מחדש, אך הוא גם יכול להיות תהליך מורכב ומלחיץ. אחת הדרכים הטובות ביותר להפוך את המעבר לחלק ויעיל יותר היא על ידי פינוי עומס מיותר מהבית. הנה כמה טיפים מעשיים שיסייעו לכם להתמודד עם המשימה הזו בצורה יעילה ומהנה.

התחילו מוקדם
הכנה מוקדמת היא המפתח להצלחה. התחילו את תהליך פינוי העומס כמה שבועות לפני המעבר המתוכנן. כך תוכלו לפעול בנחת, מבלי להרגיש לחוצים או מוצפים.

 חלקו את העבודה לחלקים קטנים
פינוי עומס יכול להיות משימה גדולה ומפרכת. כדי להקל עליכם, חלקו את העבודה לחלקים קטנים יותר והתמקדו בכל פעם בחדר אחד או אזור אחד בבית. לדוגמה, התחילו בארון הבגדים ולאחר מכן עברו לספרייה או למטבח.

 השתמשו בשיטת "שלוש הקטגוריות"
כשאתם ממיינים חפצים, השתמשו בשיטת "שלוש הקטגוריות": שמירה, תרומה/מכירה וזריקה. 
- שמירה: חפצים שאתם זקוקים להם ומשתמשים בהם באופן קבוע.
- תרומה/מכירה: חפצים במצב טוב שאינכם זקוקים להם יותר, אך יכולים לשרת מישהו אחר.
- זריקה: חפצים פגומים או בלתי שמישים.

 היו כנים עם עצמכם
כשאתם ממיינים את החפצים, שאלו את עצמכם שאלות כנות: האם השתמשתי בזה בשנה האחרונה? האם זה מביא לי שמחה או ערך? אם התשובה היא לא, כנראה שהגיע הזמן להיפרד ממנו.

 ארגון ומיון מסמכים
מעבר דירה הוא זמן טוב לעבור על המסמכים שלכם ולמיין אותם. זרקו מסמכים שאין להם ערך ושמרו על מסמכים חשובים במקום מאורגן ובטוח.

 שיתוף המשפחה בתהליך
אם אתם עוברים דירה עם המשפחה, שתפו את כולם בתהליך. כך תוכלו לחלוק את העבודה ולהבטיח שכל אחד יתרום את חלקו. בנוסף, זו יכולה להיות הזדמנות טובה לפעילות משפחתית משותפת ולחיזוק הקשרים ביניכם.

 הזמנת חברת הובלות מקצועית
לאחר שפיניתם את העומס, הזמנת חברת הובלות מקצועית תהפוך את תהליך המעבר לחלק וקל יותר. חברה מקצועית תדע להתמודד עם כל שלבי ההובלה ביעילות ובבטחה.

 לסיכום
פינוי עומס לפני מעבר דירה יכול להיות תהליך מאתגר, אך עם תכנון נכון וארגון מתאים, תוכלו להפוך אותו לחוויה חיובית ומועילה. מעבר דירה הוא הזדמנות להתחדש, והכנה טובה תסייע לכם להתחיל את הפרק החדש בחייכם בצורה המיטבית.

בהצלחה במעבר!

 A Stress-Free Move: Your Ultimate Guide to Prepping and Decluttering**

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter in life, but the process of getting there can be overwhelming. Between choosing a reliable moving company and packing up your entire life, it's easy to feel stressed. However, with proper planning and a focus on decluttering, you can transform this daunting task into a smooth and manageable experience. Here's your ultimate guide to preparing for a move and saying goodbye to clutter.

**1. Start Early and Create a Timeline**

Time management is critical when preparing for a move. Start planning as early as possible, ideally six to eight weeks before your moving date. Create a timeline that includes all crucial tasks:

- **Six Weeks Before**: Begin decluttering, gather moving supplies, and research moving companies.  
- **Four Weeks Before**: Confirm your moving company, start packing non-essential items, and notify important parties of your address change.  In Israel it will be the electric company, you phone provider, possibly the Arnona, and the gas company. 
- **Two Weeks Before**: Pack essentials, clean out your pantry, and arrange utilities.
- **Moving Week**: Finish packing, clean your old home, and finalize moving day arrangements.

**2. Declutter Like a Pro**

Decluttering isn’t just about reducing the number of items you need to move; it’s also an opportunity to start fresh in your new home. Here’s how to approach it:

- **Room by Room**: Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with less trafficked areas like guest rooms or storage spaces.

- **Sort and Categorize**: Create separate piles for items you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Stick to the "one-year rule" – if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to let it go.  So many of my clients do Aliyah and end up living here for a long time before their container arrives.  Once it comes they realize they didn't need most of the container they paid so much to have delivered internationally.   General rule-  Does the Item give you Joy?  Yes- Keep, No- throw. 

- **Use the Four-Box Method**: Label four boxes as ‘keep,’ ‘donate,’ ‘sell,’ and ‘trash.’ This helps in making quick decisions and keeps you organized.  In Israel it is hard to sell stuff.  Give it a try or find someone else to do it for you.  There are different Gemachim in Jerusalem that can pick up your stuff. 

- **Take Advantage of Technology**: Use online platforms to sell items you no longer need and arrange for a charity pickup for donations.

**3. Organize and Pack Efficiently**

Once you've decluttered, it’s time to pack. Efficient packing not only protects your belongings but also makes unpacking easier.

- **Gather Supplies**: Stock up on sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers.

- **Label Everything**: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will be a lifesaver when you’re unpacking.

- **Pack Smart**: Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Use towels and linens to wrap fragile items, reducing the need for additional packing materials.

- **Create an Essentials Kit**: Pack a separate box or bag with essential items you'll need immediately upon arrival. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies.

**4. Stay Calm and Seek Professional Help**  Meditate!!

Moving doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Hiring a professional moving company can alleviate a lot of stress. Look for a reputable company that offers comprehensive services, including packing and unpacking assistance if needed.

- **Research Thoroughly**: Read reviews, check credentials, and get multiple quotes to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

- **Communicate Clearly**: Be upfront with your movers about any special requirements or items that need extra care.  I can't emphasis this more!!  Comunicate Comunicate Comunicate!   Hebrew, English, Russian or Arabic!   Make sure they know what you want.

**Final Thoughts**

Preparing for a move and decluttering may seem like monumental tasks, but with the right approach and mindset, they can be highly rewarding. By starting early, methodically decluttering, and packing efficiently, you can ease the moving process and enjoy a fresh start in your new home. So take a deep breath, make a plan, and embrace the journey ahead. Happy moving!

Do you have any specific moving questions or need personalized advice? Feel free to reach out to On The Move today – we're here to make your move as smooth as possible!

In a world filled with material possessions and constant distractions, finding peace and clarity can be a challenge. However, by embracing the art of decluttering, you can create a physical and mental space that fosters serenity, productivity, and a greater sense of well-being. In this blog, we will explore the transformative power of decluttering and share practical tips to help you embark on a journey toward a simpler, more intentional life.

1. Understanding the Benefits of Decluttering:
Decluttering is more than just tidying up your physical space; it has numerous benefits that extend to all aspects of your life. By letting go of the excess, you can reduce stress, improve focus and productivity, enhance creativity, and even experience a boost in overall happiness and contentment.

2. Starting Small:
Embarking on a decluttering journey can feel overwhelming, but it's essential to remember that progress is made one step at a time. Begin with a small area, such as a drawer, a closet, or a single room. By starting small, you'll build momentum and gain confidence to tackle larger projects.

3. The Sorting Process:
When decluttering, it's crucial to sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Ask yourself honest questions about each item's usefulness, sentimental value, and whether it aligns with your current lifestyle. Be mindful of your emotional attachments but also be willing to let go of things that no longer serve you.

4. Decluttering Techniques:
Adopting various decluttering techniques can make the process more efficient and enjoyable. Some popular methods include the KonMari Method, which focuses on sparking joy, and the 20/20 Rule, where you evaluate whether an item will be useful in the next 20 days or 20 minutes. Find a technique that resonates with you and aligns with your goals.

5. Organizational Systems:
Once you've decluttered, it's essential to establish effective organizational systems to maintain a clutter-free environment. Invest in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and shelves to keep items organized and easily accessible. Implement labeling systems to ensure you can find what you need quickly.

6. Digital Decluttering:
In today's digital age, decluttering isn't limited to physical spaces. Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming and distracting. Take time to organize and declutter your digital files, emails, and social media accounts. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, delete old and unused apps, and organize your files into clearly labeled folders.

7. The Emotional Side of Decluttering:
Decluttering can stir up various emotions, especially when it comes to sentimental items. It's crucial to acknowledge and honor these emotions while maintaining focus on your goals. Consider taking photos or creating a memory box for sentimental items instead of keeping everything. Remember, memories reside within you, not in physical objects.

8. Sustainable Practices:
Decluttering provides an opportunity to embrace sustainable practices. Consider donating items to local charities or hosting a garage sale to give new life to things you no longer need. Recycle or repurpose whenever possible, reducing waste and minimizing your ecological footprint.

9. Maintenance and Continued Growth:
Decluttering is an ongoing process, and it's important to establish habits that prevent clutter from accumulating again. Regularly review your belongings, practice mindful consumption, and be intentional with future purchases. Surround yourself with items that bring you joy and add value to your life.

Conclusion:
Decluttering is a transformative journey that goes beyond creating an organized space. By decluttering, you free yourself from the burden of excess, embrace a simpler and more intentional lifestyle, and create room for what truly matters. Start small

17 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House
 
Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Regardless of why you decided to sell your home, there are a number of pitfalls you can easily fall into, making your home selling experience less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you have your bases covered. 
Underestimating the cost of selling your house
While you should ultimately profit from the sale of your home, many home sellers forget about the costs associated with selling a house. For starters, you should expect to use five to six percent of the total sale price of your home to cover the commissions of both the seller and buyer agents. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000 you could wind up paying upwards of $18,000 in commission. 
 
Furthermore, this hefty cost doesn't include possible concessions homebuyers might want you to make during the negotiation phase, such as making repairs suggested by a home inspector.
Not budgeting for your move
When you consider the moving process, you have two options: hiring a moving company or borrow your buddy’s truck and doing it yourself. 
 
By hiring a moving company, rather than doing it yourself, you’re getting someone who will pack, move, and then unpack your belongings. This means that a full-service mover can be well worth the investment when you’re preoccupied with all of the other tasks associated with selling your home. Not to mention,when you hire movers your belongings are insured so you’re covered if anything breaks.
Selling a house you owe more on than what it’s worth
If you still have a remaining balance on your mortgage, you’ll most likely use a portion of the sale proceeds of your home to pay off the existing mortgage. Make sure you don’t owe more on your mortgage than what your house is actually worth or you won’t make enough money on the sale to pay off your mortgage. The best option is almost always to wait on selling your home so that it can build more equity. This way you can sell your home and buy a new one without having two mortgages at the same time.
Pricing your home incorrectly
If you price your home too high, your home may fall into seller’s limbo, sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity. On the other hand, if you price too low then you will likely sell your home quickly but you risk missing out on a significant amount of money. 
 
The first step to understanding how much your home is worth is utilizing an online calculator. Afterward, meet with your real estate agent to discuss a good pricing strategy for your home. They will look at other comparable properties in your neighborhood that sold recently as well as bring keen insights into what the housing market is currently doing. Together, you’ll determine a good starting price as well as a pricing strategy that will incentivise buyers if your house begins to sit on the market for too long.
Skipping a pre-listing home inspection
Selling a house is stressful enough, even when everything goes right. But if a homebuyer hires an inspector who catches an issue like mold, pests, or a cracked foundation, then your stress levels will multiply as you risk losing a potential sale entirely.
 
Given the affordability of home inspections, there’s not much reason to avoid them. Getting a pre-listing home inspection will put your mind at ease as you’ll either know that your home is in sound condition or you’ll be able to tackle problems before homebuyers have the chance to bring them up during the negotiation phase. If an issue does arise, you can either fix it or you can let buyers know and then make a concession during the negotiation phase by reducing the price of your home accordingly. 
Not refinishing hardwood floors or cleaning your carpet
If you’re reading this at home, look down. How do your floors look? Even if they don’t look terrible, there’s a pretty good chance they’re starting to show their age. Since potential buyers are going to be inspecting every aspect of your home, you should start thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors and cleaning your carpet.
 
The best time to have your carpet cleaned or hardwood floors refinished is right before you stage your home. Since you’ll already be moving most (or all) of your furniture to either a new home or a storage unit, this is a great time to get your floors done and make them a selling point to potential homebuyers.
Not staging your home for a quick sale
The main point of staging your home is to allow potential homebuyers the chance to picture themselves living in your space. They get to see a home with furniture and art that’s arranged in a way that highlights key features of your home, rather than an empty house that echoes every sound. Staging your home pays off too as 21 percent of agents told the National Association of Realtors that staging a home increased its’ sale price by as much as 10 percent, making it a worthwhile investment. 
Forgoing professional real estate photos
With the advent of cameras on smartphones, everyone likes to think of themselves as a photographer these days. Even though that picture you took of your dinner last week looked like it could be featured in advertisements, you’re still probably not ready to take your own real estate photos. A real estate photographer will make sure that your home looks great when you list it because not only do they have the equipment, they understand the angles that best sell a home. 
 
If you have a large home, a stunning view you want to show off, or a large amount of land, you may also want to consider having aerial photos taken of your home. The views that drones are able to capture are impressive and can help show off your home in a way that will make sure it stands out from other houses in your area that are on the market. Even better, drone technology makes this option more affordable than ever before, allowing you to get a lot more bang for your buck.
Trying to sell a poorly lit home
You want to show your home in the best light, so take the time to really gauge the quality of your lighting by closing your curtains/blinds and looking at each room as though you’re a potential homebuyer. Make a note of any rooms that are poorly lit or just seem dark and then call an electrician so that you can have some additional lighting installed. 
 
Even worse than a poorly lit room, however, is when the lights don’t work at all. Sometimes the light bulb is just burnt out, while other times the socket itself is in need of repair. Consider calling an electrician before you begin showing your home to make sure it’s shining its brightest. Potential buyers (and your bank account) will thank you for the investment.
Not making your home energy efficient
If you’d like to spend less on your utility bills, you aren’t alone. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 33 percent of homebuyers see high-efficiency HVAC systems as an important factor when looking at a new home. If you have an older home, you should look into either retrofitting or replacing your HVAC unit altogether as your current system might be using a lot more energy than it needs to be. This will ensure that you have a system that is meeting your home’s needs, while also lowering your utility bill.
 
If you’re committed to energy-efficiency then there are a few extra things you can do. These options include making sure your home is properly insulated, ensuring that you don’t have any leaky air ducts, and buying a smart thermostat. Whichever route you pursue, having an energy-efficient HVAC system will make your house stand out from the competition. 
Not cleaning your house before trying to sell it
Most of us would probably be lying if we said our homes weren’t overdue for a good cleaning, so don’t forget to check this box before listing your home for sale. There’s nothing more off-putting during a home tour than realizing the house is dirty, and potential homebuyers may wonder what else you’ve been neglecting. By hiring a professional cleaning company, you’ll guarantee that not only is your home spotless but that you’re going to make a great impression on homebuyers when they tour your house. 
Not addressing the exterior of your house
Over the years, your home’s exterior has taken a beating from the elements. With everything mother nature throws at it every year, the paint on your home’s exterior and the stain on your deck have likely lost a bit of their luster. So before listing, be sure to pressure wash your house first. In addition to making sure your house looks its best in the listing photos, you will also enhance the overall curb appeal when buyers eventually show up for a tour. 
 
In addition to pressure washing your house and deck, you can also take the time to pressure wash your garage door, fence, patio, driveway, and any walkways you may have. 
You never got around to repainting
One of the first things a potential buyer will notice when they pull up to your home is the paint. If you want to make a good first impression, then you’ll need to ensure that your home is painted an inviting color and that the quality of your paint job is top-notch. While the job of repainting your house might take a few days, the value of painting your house before selling will be well worth the effort.  A recent study found that painting the exterior of your home has a 51 percent return on investment. 
 
Don’t stop with the exterior though! We’ve all seen some pretty questionable color choices on the walls of homes. If you happen to have a lime green or bright purple wall, you’ll want to repaint them to be a more buyer-friendly neutral color. Doing so will make it easier for buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home as it makes them think of your walls as a blank canvas.
Selling a home with a yard in need of some TLC
The other way to make a great first impression is by wowing potential buyers with your yard. Start by cleaning up anything that may be cluttering your yard, porch, or pathways (things like gardening equipment or a child’s bicycle). Then you can move onto mowing the lawn, weeding your garden, and planting some new flowers. If your yard has a damaged pathway, you may also want to think about fixing or even replacing it as well. 
 
If these touch-ups seem like a lot to tackle while you’re trying to sell your home, don’t be afraid to hire a landscaper as the cost is well worth it. A study by Turf Magazine found that a home’s value tended to increase by as much as 10 to 12 percent after making upgrades to the landscaping.
You have mismatched appliances
Maybe your black stove died a couple of years ago and you replaced it with a brand new stainless steel one. Or maybe you swapped out that white kitchen faucet you always hated with a copper one that caught your eye. Either way, the result is mismatched appliances. While it won’t necessarily impact the overall sale price of your home, many homebuyers are going to find the mismatched color scheme off-putting, so consider making some changes before you sell. 
 
The best way to proceed is to decide which kitchen appliances are your favorite and base the color scheme off of them. So if that fancy new stove you bought last year is stainless steel, then make sure your other appliances are too. Luckily, many appliance manufacturers offer discounts if you purchase multiple appliances with them at once.
Lingering during a home tour
Nobody likes a lingerer, especially when they also happen to be the owner of the home you’re currently touring. If you don’t leave the home during a showing, then potential buyers feel awkward as they attempt to discuss what they like and dislike about the house. You also prevent your listing agent from being able to do their job to the best of their abilities as you’re naturally going to want to answer any questions the buyers have rather than leaving those questions to your agent. So instead of staying in your home during a showing, try taking the opportunity to go shopping, run errands, or visit some friends instead. Your agent will thank you.
Taking a Lowball Offer Personally
Regardless of your reasons for moving, the fact that you’ve probably lived in your home for years means that you have a lot of strong feelings attached to it. So when you receive a lowball offer, it’s natural to be offended. 
 
Instead of walking away, send them back a counteroffer that you and your real estate agent think is fair. If they really are interested, then you’ll be glad you didn’t let your emotions get the better of you.
 
Originally published on Redfin
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When you are preparing for a move, you will find that there are a lot of details that have to be taken care of. You will have a lot of preparations to handle for the big day and it will take a lot of time for one or two people to handle. Most people find it a lot easier to hire movers to take care of all these things for them. Movers can make it a lot less stressful for everyone involved.

Movers can usually be found in most areas. In some companies, they will provide different services. There are some movers that do more and others that only provide minimal services. You will need to decide what you are looking for in the moving company that you hire. Think about all the things that you are going to need done and what you are going to be willing to pay for. 

Some moving companies only provide the transportation part of the move. This means that you will have to do all the packing and the wrapping. For some of the companies, you will even have to load the boxes and packages up on the truck. This may not be what a lot of people want in their moving company. They may expect the movers that they hire to do all the work for them in order to make their life easier. 

If this is the case, you should look for movers that provide all the services of moving. This will include the wrapping of items, boxing them up, loading and unloading the truck and driving to the new location. A lot of people want this full service in their moving companies. For this service, however, you are going to have to pay more for the cost. In the long run, it is usually worth the expense. 

Most movers will even go the extra mile to pack one room at a time and then they will label them and put them in the rooms that they belong in the new house. This great time saving step will help a lot of people with the unpacking in the new home. When you know what is in each box and where it goes, you will save a lot of time and work in the end. 

Some movers even have storage units available for the customer to store their unwanted items. This great feature will be a big help in most moves. This step will let you store the items that you do not want or cannot use in the new home. You will not have the bother of trying to find room for them. The items will be safely packed away in a storage container until you want them. This will also cost extra, but it again is worth the cost when it comes to making things a lot easier for your move.


Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/98311/what-are-all-the-services-movers-provide/

Getting a moving company to help you with the difficult task of moving is a great idea! 

After you've found the movers that are right for you and your needs, you should do a few things to ensure that you are protected and that you have an easy and safe move. You do not want to have any problems with your move. It should go as smoothly as possible. You should always take notes when you are talking to the movers and write down everything that they say. They will give you a quote and a confirmation number. It is important to get that number as well as the names of the people that you talk to at the moving company. If there is ever a problem, you will know who to talk to in order to get it settled. 

You should always make sure that you make a necessity kit for your move. When the movers come to take all of your belongings, you may find that it is difficult to find exactly what you are going to need for the first night in the new home. You should make your own box of the things that you are going to need for the first night and take that package with you. This will include your clothes, toothbrushes, and a set of sheets, blankets, and towels. This will be a big help in the morning! 

You may also want to protect certain things before the movers get there. This may include some of your irreplaceable keepsakes, such as candlesticks, picture frames, or kiddush cups. Although the movers are there to do all of this work for you and make your life easier, you may want to box up the things that mean the most to you and take them with you. The movers that you hire should have insurance to cover anything that is lost or broken, however, you can not replace the memories of some things that you have so it is easier to just take care of these things yourself. 

Something that will help you and the movers is to take the pets away for the time that the movers are there and for when they take the items to the new house. You may want to take the pet to a friend’s house or a kennel until after the move. Things will be hectic and the last thing that you need is for your pets to get in the way of the movers from doing their job. You want your move to be as simple and as fast as you can, like everything else in Israel!

The final thing that you should do is relax! You have hired people to help you with the hard things and it is important for you to let them do their job. You should concentrate on the other things that are involved with moving and do not worry about the movers. They are professionals and they will take care of everything!


Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/98396/tips-for-using-movers/

Every one is familiar with the horror stories of moving. If the people have the sizable amount to work for moving, it would very wise decision to hire the full service moving companies. Moving is considered as the full of stress and hassle incident of life. Relocate to a different state and settle over there are even more stressful as people hardly think of. People have to do lots of home works on the things. What to take? What to leave? How to get it there? How to get it there unharmed? One way to answer all these questions is to research the different types of moving companies and then decide which type will best suit your needs. The relocation industry has become more specialized and there are now more choices.

Finding a reliable moving company is a bit of a daunting task for the people, as moving stuff does not happen too often in life. People have to borrow the ideas from the satisfied friend, relative or even from the neighbors. Another most convincing way to hire the service of the moving companies is to browse on the internet and find the movers’ website where they supply their service details.

Full-service moving companies are the most traditional of the different types of moving companies. They are also the most inclusive choice. Full-service movers handle every phase of relocation. They pack, load, drive, unload, and move furniture around. These types of movers are licensed and will be able to offer you insurance for accidental breakage or damage. This is the most expensive option of the different types of moving companies, but it is also the most convenient. The movers make all the decisions for you according to your moving checklist which reflects the things to do and take with moving possession, from the mundane, like what size box to use, to the technical, like how to get the grand piano up to the second floor.

This last example, the grand piano, is an example of what might be charged as an extra service along with packing and unpacking a particular type of the house hold things or furniture reassembling, availability of escalator facilities or not. Consumers should ask questions about possible up charges during the quoting stage which they provide online some of the time for free to the people wish to move.

That's it for now, good luck with the move!


Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/86930/moving-aspects-and-the-full-service-moving-companies/