LOVE IT and LIST IT: 5 Inexpensive Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home Before Selling It

Your home holds special memories for you – whether it was the first home you bought, where your children took their first steps, or simply provided you a space to call your own. That’s why everyone wants to get the best value when they decide to list their home on the market. But not everyone knows the most effective (and inexpensive) ways to increase the value of their home before listing it on the market.

1. Take in the View

If you’ve bought a home, you know that first impressions are everything. Taking the time to do some landscaping to your front and back yards goes a long way. Overgrown hedges, plants, and trees obscure the view of your home, which can turn off potential buyers. Make sure any clutter, like outdoor tools and toys, are picked up and properly put away. Make sure to mow and water your lawn to keep it looking lush and inviting. Trim back vegetation to make your home look bigger and tidier, and don’t forget to pick up any stray clippings. If your landscaping looks barren, or just needs a kick-start, planting colorful native plants will give your home stronger curb appeal. And drought resistant plants will add a little extra green to your wallet, too.

2. Let There Be Light

Natural light is a big selling point for would-be buyers. Clipping those hedges and tree limbs will let more light come in through any obscured windows, but there are other ways to brighten up your home from the inside. Dark wallpaper or paint can make a room feel small and almost cave-like. In one weekend you can transform a room from dark-and-dingy to bright-and-beautiful. And you can do it yourself without breaking the bank, or too much of a sweat. Upping the wattage with energy-efficient bulbs and changing lampshades will help fill a room with vivid light. You should also remove dark curtains and de-clutter the space to allow light to pass through the space. Which brings us to our next point…

3. Go Clean Your Room

Your personal style is what makes you who you are, but when a potential buyer visits your home, they want to envision themselves making the space their own. That’s hard to do with your pinewood derby and soccer trophies collecting dust on the shelf, unwashed dishes in the sink, and clean, unfolded laundry scattered across the sofa. Not cleaning up and doing regular touch ups to the paint and floor or carpet can turn off a homebuyer within minutes. The same goes for any lingering scents from pets, garbage, or expired food. Like opening up a room to more light, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. And don’t just stash clutter in drawers or closets. Homebuyers will look in those places as they consider your home’s storage options. Take this time to get rid of items that you don’t use anymore, which will make packing and moving into your new home easier. Not ready to part with some of your belongings yet? Storage facilities offer a great alternative while you show your home.

4. Step Onto the Stage 

It might sound extravagant, but staging a home will help increase its value. The good news is you don’t need to hire an expensive decorator to do the work. You can do it yourself and on a budget. Staging a home incorporates a lot of what we talked about above, like brightening a space with paint and cleaning up any clutter or messes. And it also helps homebuyers envision themselves living there. Staging also lets you create focal points to draw the homebuyers’ eye to the best feature of any room, such as an inviting fireplace, the space in the kitchen where a family could gather, or the size of a master bedroom. It will also help homebuyers see potential in unused spaces, like an extra bedroom that would make a great home office.

5. Look Under the Hood 

Letting simple repairs fall by the wayside can turn into bigger problems for new homeowners later. And if a potential buyer notices a leaky faucet, cracks in the foundation, or water damage on the walls or ceiling, that decreases both the chance they’ll make an offer on the home and its value. Having an inspection done to your home will help you catch any problems a buyer might find. Cosmetic changes are relatively inexpensive, while others, like removing popcorn ceilings or patching up any wear and tear, might encourage a buyer to make an offer. If the roof needs work, or the shed in the backyard leans precariously to the left, now is the time to roll up your sleeves, take out the wrench and tighten some nuts and bolts.

It might seem like a lot of work, but in just a few days you can increase the value of your property. And once you’ve listed your home, be sure to contact Earle W. Noyes & Sons to help you move with ease, so you can worry less about where you’ve been, and focus on where you’re going.

Sources:

theater.com/cafemom

us news.com/money

HGTV.com

thisoldhouse.com

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN MOVING WITH PETS

In 1960, John Steinbeck, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Grapes of Wrath,” set out on a journey across America to discover the country’s identity. He outfitted his truck with living quarters and with his poodle Charley as co-pilot, made a journey he’d later recount in his memoir “Travels with Charley: In Search of America.”

Charley had it pretty good; the cabin was spacious for him and he frequently stopped along rivers, forests, on mountains with sweeping vistas and watched the plains roll by the window. It was a dog’s dream, even if it was temporary. Of course, the trip wasn’t without its concerns and anxieties. But pets like Charley are members of the family. And like any family member making the move to a new location, it can be a difficult experience. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to keep your furry-family member stress-free during your move. 

First Things First 

Are you a cat or a dog person? Both? Cats and dogs react differently to new surroundings. While both can be territorial, cats don’t adapt to change as quickly or as easily as most dogs. Cats can also have a more difficult time traveling because they don’t like being confined to their carriers. Letting cats roam in the vehicle can also be dangerous. Cats love consistency. Here’s how you can prepare them for the move:

• If your cat doesn’t like your carrier, it can stem from memories it associates with going to the vet or coming home from the shelter. Prior to the move, leave the carrier out and open so the cat can explore it and become familiar with it.
• Place your cat’s favorite blanket and/or toy inside the carrier to increase comfort and curiosity.
• Praise your cat when it goes inside the carrier with pets or healthy treats.
• Once you’re in your new home, leave the carrier out for the cat to come and go as it please. This will help acclimate it to its new surroundings by offering some familiarity.
• Cat carriers should be made with a sturdy material, like plastic, and not cardboard. 
• Place a sheet over the carrier while riding in the vehicle. This reduces anxiety from watching things move by the window quickly.

When it comes to travel, dogs are temperamentally different. For the most part, dogs enjoy a good car ride with the windows down and frequent stops to sniff around new locations. But dogs can suffer from the same anxieties as cats, especially if they are shelter rescues or suffer from separation anxiety. Here’s some ways to make sure your pup is moving-day ready:

• On moving day, keep your dog in one room or a small area of the yard while you pack your belongings. This will help ease anxiety by preventing them from seeing you pack your stuff – this is especially true for shelter dogs that may think they’re being left again. 
• Have a neighbor, or friend, watch and play with the dog while you pack your moving vehicle, or while your moves load their truck.
• Use a safety harness to comfortably secure your dog in the seat. Or use a safety gate that restricts its movement in the vehicle, but also gives your dog room to stretch out.

The Essentials

Like you, pets get hungry and thirsty in the car, especially on long trips. Even if your move is just across town, it’s a good idea to pack a bag for your pet. Make sure to include the essentials, like a gallon of water and mealtime portions of your pet’s food. Like with the cat carrier technique above, packing a pet’s favorite toy or blanket is always a good way to keep them entertained in the vehicle and distracted from any anxiety they might feel. It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid kit for your pet on hand, especially if your pet requires any special medication. When you get to your new home, place your pet’s toys and other objects in similar locations to your old place. And don’t change feeding times or amounts. Routine is key to help make the transition easy.

Drive Around the Block

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn’t fall asleep so your parents would drive you around the block until you nodded off? Maybe you do that with your children now. There’s something about the familiarity of riding in a car that’s relaxing. You can do the same thing with your pet. By taking them on short trips prior to your move, then slowly increasing to longer trips, you can acclimate your pet to riding in a vehicle. If they do well on these drives, show them affection or reward them with a healthy treat. Or, in the case of your dog, drive them to a location they enjoy, like a walking trail, a dog park, or the beach.

Safety

It goes without saying that pet safety should be your number one concern when moving with a pet. Make sure any belongings in the vehicle are secure and won’t hurt your pet during the ride. Also, never leave your pet in a hot, unattended vehicle. On a summer day in the high-70s, car interiors can reach between 100 to 120 degrees in minutes. Here are a few other safety tips to keep in mind:

• Though pets are usually more comfortable in a vehicle, if you’re flying with your pet while a moving company transports your belongings, make sure you check the airline’s pet policy. You should also talk to your vet to make sure its safe for your pet to fly.
• Once you have your new address, update your pet’s tags and registration documents. If your pet has a microchip, you will want to update that information with your new address immediately.
• Learn the pet regulations of your new town, city and/or state, especially if you’re moving abroad. Some restrictions include: health regulations, documentation (like rabies vaccination) and species/breed restrictions.
• Have a leash and collar with your at all times. This will prevent your pet from getting lost at a travel stop or in a new location, and will keep the pet safe from getting hurt.

Plan Ahead

Remember the old phrase measure twice, cut once? It’s better to plan ahead and make sure everything for your pet is ready-to-go come moving day than scrambling at the last minute. Make sure if you’re stopping overnight that the hotel, or other accommodation (like your in-laws), allow pets. Some hotels don’t have a pet fee, while others might charge $25-$50 per pet. Always let your hotel know you have a pet. You should also make a list of all the things your pet will need during the move, like food, water, a leash and collar and any medical records, that you can check off as you pack. Have those items easily accessible in your vehicle. While dogs and cats are most common, they’re not the only animal family members out there. Plan accordingly to your pet; whether it’s an iguana, parakeet, snake or hedgehog, each species has its own needs.

Enjoy It

You and your pet are on a new adventure! If you’re trip is relatively long, take time to explore with your pet. Take photos, give them plenty of fresh air during the move. And with Earle W. Noyes & Sons residential moving services, you’ll have more time to spend with your pet while we do the heavy lifting for you!

Sources: Animal Humane Society, Petfinder.com, American Humane, PETA

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN MOVING WITH PETS

In 1960, John Steinbeck, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Grapes of Wrath,” set out on a journey across America to discover the country’s identity. He outfitted his truck with living quarters and with his poodle Charley as co-pilot, made a journey he’d later recount in his memoir “Travels with Charley: In Search of America.”

Charley had it pretty good; the cabin was spacious for him and he frequently stopped along rivers, forests, on mountains with sweeping vistas and watched the plains roll by the window. It was a dog’s dream, even if it was temporary. Of course, the trip wasn’t without its concerns and anxieties. But pets like Charley are members of the family. And like any family member making the move to a new location, it can be a difficult experience. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to keep your furry-family member stress-free during your move. 

First Things First 

Are you a cat or a dog person? Both? Cats and dogs react differently to new surroundings. While both can be territorial, cats don’t adapt to change as quickly or as easily as most dogs. Cats can also have a more difficult time traveling because they don’t like being confined to their carriers. Letting cats roam in the vehicle can also be dangerous. Cats love consistency. Here’s how you can prepare them for the move:

• If your cat doesn’t like your carrier, it can stem from memories it associates with going to the vet or coming home from the shelter. Prior to the move, leave the carrier out and open so the cat can explore it and become familiar with it.
• Place your cat’s favorite blanket and/or toy inside the carrier to increase comfort and curiosity.
• Praise your cat when it goes inside the carrier with pets or healthy treats.
• Once you’re in your new home, leave the carrier out for the cat to come and go as it please. This will help acclimate it to its new surroundings by offering some familiarity.
• Cat carriers should be made with a sturdy material, like plastic, and not cardboard. 
• Place a sheet over the carrier while riding in the vehicle. This reduces anxiety from watching things move by the window quickly.

When it comes to travel, dogs are temperamentally different. For the most part, dogs enjoy a good car ride with the windows down and frequent stops to sniff around new locations. But dogs can suffer from the same anxieties as cats, especially if they are shelter rescues or suffer from separation anxiety. Here’s some ways to make sure your pup is moving-day ready:

• On moving day, keep your dog in one room or a small area of the yard while you pack your belongings. This will help ease anxiety by preventing them from seeing you pack your stuff – this is especially true for shelter dogs that may think they’re being left again. 
• Have a neighbor, or friend, watch and play with the dog while you pack your moving vehicle, or while your moves load their truck.
• Use a safety harness to comfortably secure your dog in the seat. Or use a safety gate that restricts its movement in the vehicle, but also gives your dog room to stretch out.

The Essentials

Like you, pets get hungry and thirsty in the car, especially on long trips. Even if your move is just across town, it’s a good idea to pack a bag for your pet. Make sure to include the essentials, like a gallon of water and mealtime portions of your pet’s food. Like with the cat carrier technique above, packing a pet’s favorite toy or blanket is always a good way to keep them entertained in the vehicle and distracted from any anxiety they might feel. It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid kit for your pet on hand, especially if your pet requires any special medication. When you get to your new home, place your pet’s toys and other objects in similar locations to your old place. And don’t change feeding times or amounts. Routine is key to help make the transition easy.

Drive Around the Block

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn’t fall asleep so your parents would drive you around the block until you nodded off? Maybe you do that with your children now. There’s something about the familiarity of riding in a car that’s relaxing. You can do the same thing with your pet. By taking them on short trips prior to your move, then slowly increasing to longer trips, you can acclimate your pet to riding in a vehicle. If they do well on these drives, show them affection or reward them with a healthy treat. Or, in the case of your dog, drive them to a location they enjoy, like a walking trail, a dog park, or the beach.

Safety

It goes without saying that pet safety should be your number one concern when moving with a pet. Make sure any belongings in the vehicle are secure and won’t hurt your pet during the ride. Also, never leave your pet in a hot, unattended vehicle. On a summer day in the high-70s, car interiors can reach between 100 to 120 degrees in minutes. Here are a few other safety tips to keep in mind:

• Though pets are usually more comfortable in a vehicle, if you’re flying with your pet while a moving company transports your belongings, make sure you check the airline’s pet policy. You should also talk to your vet to make sure its safe for your pet to fly.
• Once you have your new address, update your pet’s tags and registration documents. If your pet has a microchip, you will want to update that information with your new address immediately.
• Learn the pet regulations of your new town, city and/or state, especially if you’re moving abroad. Some restrictions include: health regulations, documentation (like rabies vaccination) and species/breed restrictions.
• Have a leash and collar with your at all times. This will prevent your pet from getting lost at a travel stop or in a new location, and will keep the pet safe from getting hurt.

Plan Ahead

Remember the old phrase measure twice, cut once? It’s better to plan ahead and make sure everything for your pet is ready-to-go come moving day than scrambling at the last minute. Make sure if you’re stopping overnight that the hotel, or other accommodation (like your in-laws), allow pets. Some hotels don’t have a pet fee, while others might charge $25-$50 per pet. Always let your hotel know you have a pet. You should also make a list of all the things your pet will need during the move, like food, water, a leash and collar and any medical records, that you can check off as you pack. Have those items easily accessible in your vehicle. While dogs and cats are most common, they’re not the only animal family members out there. Plan accordingly to your pet; whether it’s an iguana, parakeet, snake or hedgehog, each species has its own needs.

Enjoy It

You and your pet are on a new adventure! If you’re trip is relatively long, take time to explore with your pet. Take photos, give them plenty of fresh air during the move. And with Earle W. Noyes & Sons residential moving services, you’ll have more time to spend with your pet while we do the heavy lifting for you!

Sources: Animal Humane Society, Petfinder.com, American Humane, PETA

FINDING THE BEST LOCATION TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE

If you’ve already decided that it’s time for a change of scenery but you’re still not quite sure where you’d like your new home to be, there are a few things you should consider before making the call on your next destination.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, or do you need a bit of peace and quite? If you love staying up late and taking advantage of restaurants, bars and nightlife on a regular basis, you should consider somewhere more urban like New York City, Chicago or San Fransisco. If you like hiking in the mountains or enjoying a quiet afternoon on the water, you should consider somewhere a bit more rural like Bar Harbor, ME, Durango, CO, or Jackson, WY. There are also great cities that can cater to people who love both the city and the outdoors. You CAN have the best of both world in small cities like Portland, ME, Burlington, VT, and Park City UT. 

HOW ABOUT THAT WEATHER?

Weather is one of the most important things to consider when deciding on your new home. Avoid the North East if you shutter at the thought of temperatures below 40 degrees, not to mention dealing with a few feet of snow in January. And if you would hate running your air conditioner all summer long, you’ll want to steer clear of states like Florida or Arizona. However, there are a few places that the weather is mild throughout the year. California in general is known for great weather all year long. This is most likely why it has the highest population in the country! Other mild-weather states include; Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Hawaii.

YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT.

Cost of living is another important factor in choosing a new location for your relocation. You may love the weather and location of San Frasncicco, but those amenities also come with a very high price tag. If you’d rather spend a little less on your living expenses, but still be close to San Francisco; Oakland and San Jose are both worth a look. Other cities like Birmingham, AL and Knoxville, TN top Forbes list of “America’s Most Affordable Cities”. Proof that you can still have nice weather and great amenities without paying $2,600 a month for a small studio apartment.

EVERYBODY'S WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND.

Once you’ve found a place you love, if you’re unable to get a job in or near your new home, it is going to be difficult to stay. It’s a great idea to research what the job market in the different areas before deciding on a location. If you see many job opportunities and openings in an area, that’s a good sign that the local economy is thriving! If possible, line up a new job or at least prospects before you move. This will help your transition to your new area go as smooth as possible!

There are clearly many factors to take into consideration when looking for a new location to fit your lifestyle, but if you find a new location that feels right and is within your budget, there is a great chance that you will enjoy your new home too! Regardless of where you choose, Earl W. Noyes & Sons can help you (and all of your belongings) get there smoothly and efficiently! Contact us and we’ll show you why generations of Maine residents have chosen us as their moving company.

TIPS FOR RELOCATING YOUR BUSINESS

If you’re looking to relocate your business to a new location, the good news is that your company is growing and in need of bigger space. But you might be worried about the finer details to make the move as easy of a transition as possible. Don’t worry. These tips will clear the way for smooth sailing, and show you how to have fun in the process.

Divide and Conquer

There’s an old carpenter’s motto that you should measure twice and cut once. A similar thought can be applied to planning the move to your new location. One of the biggest concerns with business owners during a move is having a large lapse in work productivity. You’ll want to organize your business into categories, like essential and non-essential operations. What can your business live without, or at a bare minimum during the move? Those departments should be the first to pack-up and relocate. They’ll be able to get situated in the new location and get back to daily operations as soon as they’ve settled. More essential operations should be the last to move to keep business operating as close to normal as possible. An alternative method is to temporarily rent a co-working space, like WeWork, for essential business operations, or allow employees to work from home, while professional commercial movers pack and transport office items to the new location.

Pack Early, Organize and Don’t Forget to Label

Getting a jump-start on packing is never a bad idea. Waiting until the last minute can cause additional delays in the moving process and more stress than necessary. Additionally, not properly labeling boxes and bins causes confusion and misplacement of important materials. The best way to solve this issue to pack according to department, labeling the boxes to indicate what is inside and the department to which the items belong. For example, if your sales department packed their offices efficiently, boxes should be labeled: Sales Department – computer monitors and cables, or, Sales Department – Client Files, A- F, 2014- 2016.

Don’t Be Scared of the Trash Bin or the Donation Bin

Even if your business is moving after only six months, a lot of clutter can accumulate. Spend some time prior to packing going through shelves, drawers and cabinets to eliminate odds and ends, like take out menus, old business cards, broken office products, etc. Having a de-cluttered desk, or work station leads, to a de-cluttered mind. Try to make this a common practice once every two months at the new location to keep up efficiency.

If you’re looking to upgrade your tech, desk, chairs or other office furniture, there are plenty of donation locations, or young start-up businesses, looking for low-cost and gently used items to get their business started. Don’t forget you were in their shoes once, and donating office supplies is an environmentally friendly way to keep more office equipment out of landfills.

Update Your Contact Information and Let People Know

Your snail mail address will change when you move, so make sure you let customers and clients know well in advance that you’re moving, when you’re moving and where you’re moving to. Posts to blogs and social media help, as do email campaigns. Make sure customers and clients know if your phone number will change and any changes to hourly operations. You’ll also want to make sure you update any stationary, business cards, email signatures or wherever your business address is listed.

Make a Check List

If you’ve ever left for the grocery store with a mental list of items in your head, chances are you forgot all but one item on the drive over. Make a physical checklist of all the items you’ll need to move and make sure to check them off as they’re packed and brought to your new office location. There are plenty of organization apps, like Google Keep, to create and manage lists on your smartphone or tablet.

Have Fun

When The New Yorker magazine moved its offices to downtown Manhattan, they had to transport furniture, technology and decades’ worth of back issues, documents, books, files, artwork and much more. So what did they do? They had a party and shared their move with the world. Not only did the staff document the move on their blog, they also used Instagram to share images and anecdotes using #TNYMoves. It was a unique way to engage the magazine’s readers with a behind the scenes look into the publication’s past, while also looking ahead to its future. By using social media to share your own moving experience, clients and customers will get to see another side to your business. It’s a great way to build a stronger relationship with your followers on social media, and can help grow your company’s brand. It can also ease the stress of the move. 

Hire Professionals

The best way to relieve stress is to hire a moving company that cares about your belongings as much as you do, and offers safe and easy transportation for local or long-distance moves. Moving companies that also offer storage facilities can be beneficial if there is a gap between your move-in and move-out dates. Earle W. Noyes & Sons’ storage and Commercial Moving services come fully equipped to meet your individual business needs and put your mind at ease.

Sources: Instagram, Green Standard, WeWork