How We Do It

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Here is a typical schedule for moving. Take a look and then consider how much easier this would be with help!

MOVING PREP LIST
2 months to 8 months before the move

  • Create a master move calendar with all important dates
  • Interview real estate agents
  • Select moving day
  • Interview and schedule movers
  • Hire professional appraisers
  • Hire handymen to get house prepped for sale
  • Take pictures of the house the way it is
  • Make a list of everything you want to bring with you
  • Design space plan for the new house to see that it will all fit
  • Order new furniture, and arrange for delivery to new home
  • Send furniture out for re-upholstery or cleaning
  • Send rugs out for cleaning
  • Decide what items will be stored, consigned, sold, donated
  • Make arrangements for distribution of those items
  • Maintain donation records
  • Organize/hold estate sale
  • Get boxes and packing materials
  • Start packing up the house
  • Keep a list of packed items/box contents
  • Keep adult children in loop via email

4 weeks before the move

  • Begin composing a list of people/companies to notify with change of address
  • Notify magazines now
  • Arrange for change in insurance coverage, if necessary
  • Start using up frozen foods and cleaning supplies
  • Arrange final clean-up/hauling
  • Begin getting your new home move-in ready
  • Make sure paint colors, floors, cabinetry, counters are as you like them
  • Bring in contractors to make necessary changes
  • Choose and order window treatments
  • Notify homeowners insurance before the move

2 weeks before the move

  • Send out change of address forms
  • Order new checks from your bank
  • Notify utility companies (water, garbage, telephone, cable, newspaper) of your move
  • Arrange for new services to begin on the day of your move
  • If you live in an apartment/condo, reserve the elevator for moving day
  • Contact charities for final donation pick up
  • Have family/friends pick up their items well in advance of the movers

1 week before the move

  • Have new home deep cleaned
  • Clean out refrigerator and freezer
  • Put jewelry/small valuable items/important papers together
  • Think about what you will want in a personal suitcase – not packed
  • Arrange for extra trash pick up

Moving Day

  • Take your personal items (jewelry/papers) with you
  • Move cars to make room for van
  • Have moving contract on hand
  • Oversee movers at old house
  • Have floor plan available
  • Meet movers at new house – show them where things go

Moving In

  • Unpack boxes
  • Connect TV, phone, internet
  • Arrange kitchen, bath, closets
  • Hang pictures

Settle In/Designing Your New Home

  • Choose paint colors
  • Hire/supervise painters
  • Make necessary safety modifications
  • File change of address cards
  • Review room arrangements
  • Organize closets, office, bookshelves
  • Add accessories, finishing touches
Thank you notes from our clients:

"Liz, thank you so much for the help you gave to Mom & Dad on their recent move to Austin from their ranch two hours away. You made the transition so much easier with your calm manner, great attitude, and all the super ideas and sources you knew for all the myriad details in a major move such as this. Having your help made the difference in their move not being too stressful and having it turn out to be the pleasure it was. My sister and I realize how fortunate we were to have your help in their move."

-Lisa

Dear Liz,
"Jack and I want to thank you for a job well done. Your help as we moved to Austin really saved the day. Moving is such a stressful thing and your help made it seem almost easy. We really appreciated the moving company you arranged for us. They were excellent professionals who were very enjoyable to work with. Thanks again for all of your help."

-Jack and Geanne

"Elizabeth did a remarkable job on my client's home. When given the task of preparing a 50 year old home for the market, she knew exactly what to do! After working tirelessly decluttering, organizing and staging, Elizabeth had the home market ready! Thanks to all of her hard work and expertise, we had numerous showings and a quick offer! This was no small task in a downward real estate market!"

-Nancy (FM Realty)

"Recently it became apparent that my mother-in-law was unable to take care of herself alone in her home where she had lived for over fifty years. The attic had not been cleared in years, and the kitchen cabinets, pantry and closets were packed. It was daunting to think of clearing out the house and preparing it for sale. In came Elizabeth Fitzgerald who worked relentlessly to accomplish what seemed to me to be the impossible.
In two weeks time she had arranged to have the attic cleared and the contents hauled away. She arranged for an estate sale company to appraise and pick up the furniture for sale. She scheduled and supervised new carpet installation and the painting of all bedrooms and baths. Arrangements were made for needed repairs on the outside including painting the trim on the house, repairing of cracks in the patio and landscaping. After all this was completed she staged the house for sale, and it sold very quickly.
After locating a nursing facility, Elizabeth was instrumental to help set up her room including selecting artwork and photos and installing them.
She was a dynamo and an unbelievable asset in accomplishing what seemed early on to be an impossible task. If you are searching for a competent, tireless and sensitive professional to assist you during a difficult transition, Elizabeth is your gal!
I recommend her without reservation."
Virginia