METCALF MOVING BLOG
4 Moving Tips for Setting Up a Second Residence
There are lots of reasons you might need to set up a second residence. Sometimes families have to live apart. Or, perhaps you plan to buy a vacation home and split your time each year.
Setting up a second residence isn’t the same thing as moving all your stuff — it takes different tactics.
Here are a few tips to help you move and organize your second home with as few glitches as possible.
1. Set a Budget for New Furnishings
Moving into a new home is exciting. It just shouldn’t break the bank. You can avoid overspending if you start by setting a budget for new furnishings.
Think about what you want and need for your second home. Prioritize the basics, then do some research on what you can expect to spend. Save up some money for décor so that your second house feels like yours.
2. Design Your Second Home
One of the most delightful parts of buying a second home is designing it. You can use an entirely new theme for your additional home. That’s much more fun than just duplicating your existing living space.
Are you buying a beachy cottage with lake or ocean views? Design accordingly. Are you building a mountain retreat? Don’t forget the space to store your hiking boots.
If you live in your vacation home for at least a few weeks a year, you need it to be functional. Design a vacation home so that you have everything you need.
3. Decide What Goes and What Stays
Before you can pack, you have to decide which belongings stay in the current home and which ones go to the new one. Give yourself the time to think it through. The last thing you want is to keep looking for something that is in your other house.
If you are doing the packing, consider getting temporary storage for the items you want to move. A staging area can make it easier to sort through things and pack faster.
Don’t forget to declutter at the same time. If you don’t want the stuff at either residence, you might as well donate it or give it away.
4. Designate a “Do Not Move” Room
On moving day, you need to clarify for the movers which items aren’t leaving. It’s essential to communicate clearly. Otherwise, you risk transporting things you wanted to stay.
If you’re moving most of what you have to the new place, designate a room that the movers can avoid. Otherwise, you might want to stage a few items somewhere else to avoid confusion.
Areas that movers can ignore are great, even if you’re moving almost everything. That way, you’ll have space to keep essentials and other items you plan to transport yourself.
Moving Right
When you buy a second home and intend to move some of your existing belongings there, you need a unique strategy for your moving plan. Keep these ideas in mind to minimize the hassle. To get a quote for your next moving project or learn more about our services, contact us today.
