What To Do – And Not Do – When Moving During Autumn
For whatever reason, a lot of people think of spring as being the ideal time to move. While it is nice to move in a season when you will be able to make use of a deck or patio and plant some flowers, if you think about it, autumn is actually an excellent time to move. There is virtually no humidity, there is less chance for rain and the weather is comfortable to wear a hoodie so you will not be in a bulky winter coat, nor are you sweating all day either. That being said, there are a few do’s and don’ts to take note of during this season.
DON’T overdo Halloween Decorations!
If you are trying to sell your house, you may want to take it easy on the Halloween decorations. While this may be your favorite holiday, not everyone is as enthusiastic about headstones and skeletons as you are. You want the buyer to be able to picture the home as their own, which they may not be able to do with decorations everywhere.
DO clean your gutters!
This actually goes for both homes. All the leaves falling from your giant Maple tree are not all hitting the ground; some are ending up in your gutters, which will clog them. The one day a potential buyer comes to look at your house will be the one day it rains and water is flowing over the top of them. When you get to your new place, check the gutters there too before it gets too cold.
If drains are plugged, wood areas will rot. Not only that, they will welcome mosquito infestations. Chances are good that you will still have a few warm days; the mosquitoes are still lingering.
DON’T get lazy about yard work!
It is tempting to say you just don’t feel like pulling the rest of the weeds or raking the leaves because you are moving out, but this is the wrong attitude to have. You should leave the home in the condition you would like to see it if you were moving in. Obviously this is especially important if you are a home seller. You really can’t expect anyone to want to put a bid on your home if it looks not kept.
If you move into your new house and it needs yard work done, take care of it immediately before winter. Leaving it all winter will already give your neighbors a bad impression about you.
DO be mindful of wet leaves!
Wet leaves can be just about as slippery as ice. Especially if one sticks to your shoes and then you walk across the kitchen floor. Keep in mind that your movers will be in and out, up and down a truck ramp and possibly taking on stairs too. If you have any lingering leaves that you haven’t raked, take a broom out there and sweep a safe path.
DON’T pack all the rain gear!
Just because the weatherperson says clear skies, does not mean you won’t see rain. While there is less rain for the most part during this season, there is still a chance. Do yourself a favor and keep rain gear in a clearly marked box, so you know where to find it, if things get a little wet outside!
