Homebuyer's Guide

POSTED: Friday, Jul. 13, 2007

How to ... Move

Successful relocation demands organization

If you’re looking for a new place, your real estate agent will be a key aid, says Valerie Griffith, a managing broker with Buyertours Realty LLC who has lived in Lynden for the past nine years. “The agent you choose to work with should provide you with a personalized relocation packet suited to your interests and needs within two to three days of your initial e-mail or telephone contact, and should be comfortable in sending you virtual tours of properties that fit your requirements.”

• Once you ready yourself to start packing, there’s an easy formula you can follow to expedite the process, according to Griffith. “It’s called S.O.R.T., which stands for separate, organize, recycle and trash. Go through your household, and if you don’t want to pay to have it moved, get rid of it now.”

• If you’re hiring a moving company to handle the heavy work for you, ensure the company you choose is licensed and regulated by the state, cautions David Powell, owner of Bellingham-based Moving & Storage Solutions and a Whatcom County resident for the past 18 years. “After that, ensure you have an estimator come to the home and do a walk through, providing you with a written estimate, instead of just booking someone over the phone or Internet.”