Moving Doesn’t Have to Be a Last-Minute Scramble

With a solid checklist and smart planning, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and even enjoy the process a little (yes, really). Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this moving checklist will help you start now—so you’re not scrambling later.

📦 Why You Need a Moving Checklist

Start early, follow a plan, and you’ll thank yourself later.

🗓️ 8 Weeks Before Moving: Prep Mode

  1. Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder
    Keep track of estimates, receipts, inventory lists, and contact information in one place. Bonus: It’s your new best friend.
  2. Start Decluttering
    • Go room by room: toss, donate, or sell what you don’t want to bring
    • Use the “one-year rule”—if you haven’t used it in the past year, it can probably go
  3. Research Moving Companies
    Compare prices, check reviews, and book early—especially during peak season.
  4. Notify Your Landlord or HOA
    If you're renting, give proper notice and review any move-out requirements.

📦 6 Weeks Before Moving: Logistics Time

  1. Order Moving Supplies
    Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, labels—you’ll need more than you think.
  2. Take Measurements
    Measure furniture and doorways in both homes to avoid moving day surprises.
  3. Create an Inventory
    Especially helpful if you’re hiring movers or using storage. Snap photos of valuables.

📦 4 Weeks Before Moving: Get It in Gear

  1. Start Packing Non-Essentials
    Think seasonal decor, off-season clothes, books, and extra linens.
  2. Label Everything
    Label by room and contents. Pro tip: color-code boxes by room.
  3. Transfer or Set Up Utilities
    Schedule shutoff and setup for electricity, water, gas, internet, trash, etc.
  4. Notify Key Contacts
    • USPS (forward mail online)
    • Banks & credit cards
    • Subscriptions & streaming services
    • Insurance companies
    • Your employer and doctor/dentist

📦 2 Weeks Before Moving: Crunch Time

  1. Confirm All the Things
    Moving company, elevator access, parking permits, and time off work.
  2. Pack an Essentials Box
    Your “survival kit” for the first 24–48 hours:
    • Toiletries
    • Chargers
    • Basic cleaning supplies
    • Bedding
    • Snacks
    • Change of clothes
  3. Back Up Your Devices
    If anything gets lost or damaged, your data will still be safe.

📦 1 Week Before Moving: Final Countdown

  1. Clean Your Current Home
    Especially if you’re renting and want that deposit back.
  2. Defrost the Freezer
    Do this 24–48 hours before the move. Wipe everything dry to prevent leaks.
  3. Dispose of Hazardous Materials
    Check local rules for disposing paint, aerosols, propane, etc.

🚛 Moving Day: Let’s Do This

  1. Do a Final Walkthrough
    Check all rooms, closets, cabinets, and even the garage or attic.
  2. Protect Your Floors
    Plastic sheeting or towels can help keep both places clean.
  3. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
    Moving is physical—snacks and water are your best friends.

✅ After the Move: Settle In

  1. Unpack Essentials First
    Bathroom, bedroom, kitchen—skip the wall art for now.
  2. Test Smoke Detectors and Utilities
    Make sure everything is functioning properly.
  3. Update Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
    Most states require this within 30 days.
  4. Explore Your New Neighborhood
    Find your new favorites—grocery store, coffee shop, pizza place.

🎯 Final Tip: Start Early = Stress Less

Moving is a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a mess. With a timeline, a checklist, and a little planning, you’ll stay one step ahead—and that’s half the battle.

As we Spring Forward this weekend and adjust our clocks, it’s also the perfect time to start thinking about springing into your next move! Whether you’re buying or selling, spring is a fantastic time to make things happen in real estate. At RE/MAX Advanced Realty, we’re here to guide you through the process with helpful tips and a fresh perspective to make your transition smooth and successful.

Why Spring Is a Great Time to Buy or Sell:

For Buyers:
Spring brings more homes onto the market, giving you a wider range of options to choose from. Plus, with the weather warming up, it’s a great time to explore neighborhoods and see homes in their best light.

For Sellers:
Spring is a prime time to sell your home. Homes look their best with blooming gardens and longer daylight hours. Buyers are out in full force, eager to find the right place to settle into. The competition is fierce, so this is your chance to showcase your property to its fullest potential.

Tips for Buyers:
Start Your Search Early:
Spring is a busy time in real estate, so begin your search early to get ahead of the competition. Know your budget, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and have a list of must-haves ready to go.

Don’t Forget to Look Beyond the Listing:
While pictures and descriptions are important, nothing beats seeing the property in person. Take your time exploring the neighborhood and the home’s potential.

Tips For Sellers

Get Your Home Ready:
First impressions matter! Clean up your home, take care of any minor repairs, and consider sprucing up the garden. These small improvements can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells.

Price It Right:
Work with your agent to set a competitive and realistic price. Homes that are priced correctly tend to sell faster, especially when the market is active in the spring.

Our Most Recent Listings:

Looking for more options? Visit www.indianapolisrealestate.com to explore all available listings and find the home that’s right for you. Whether you’re searching for a cozy starter home, a spacious upgrade, or the perfect investment, we’ve got something for everyone!

What’s Next?
If you’re ready to make a move this spring, we’d love to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re buying or selling, RE/MAX Advanced Realty has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the process with confidence. Reach out today, and let’s get started!

The numbers are in, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible success of our Top Producers for February 2025! These agents have shown remarkable dedication, skill, and commitment to their clients, setting the stage for an outstanding year ahead.

Please join us in congratulating our February 2025 Top Producers:
Jun Liu
Scott Chain
Michelle Jackson
Brian Lunsford
Marilyn Farley
Lovepreet Singh
Marcus Fillyaw
Jason Williamson
Josh Graves
Cate Waggoner-Lee

These agents are making waves in the real estate world, and their hard work and passion for delivering exceptional results continue to inspire.
Here’s to an amazing month of success, and we can’t wait to see what these top performers will achieve next!

Buying a home together is one thing, but deciding whether to stay or sell? That’s a whole new challenge. If you and your partner find yourselves debating whether to renovate or relocate, you’re not alone. It’s a big decision, and emotions can run high when home, finances, and future plans are all on the table. Here’s how to navigate the conversation and find the best path forward—together.

1. Identify the Root of the Debate
Before you dive into online listings or start measuring for a kitchen remodel, take a step back. What’s really driving this conversation?
Is the home too small for a growing family?
Are maintenance issues piling up?
Do you crave a different neighborhood, school district, or commute?
Is one of you more emotionally attached to the home than the other? Understanding the ‘why’ behind each perspective will make it easier to find a solution that truly works.

2. Set a Budget—For Both Scenarios
Money talks, and in this case, it should be part of the discussion early on. Compare the costs of renovating versus buying a new home:
How much would it cost to make your current home exactly what you want?
What would it take to buy a new home that meets your needs?
Factor in hidden costs—moving expenses, realtor fees, potential market shifts. Laying out the numbers side by side can make the decision feel less emotional and more practical.

3. Make a Pros & Cons List
Sometimes, old-school methods work best. Sit down together and create a list for both staying and selling. Include factors like:
Emotional attachment
Future needs
Investment potential
Neighborhood preferences
Stress levels for both options If the list overwhelmingly leans one way, your decision might become clearer.

4. Consult the Experts
Still stuck? Bring in the professionals.
A real estate agent can give you a market analysis and help you determine what your home is worth versus what’s available.
A contractor can provide renovation estimates and feasibility.
A financial advisor can guide you through the financial impact of both choices. Sometimes, an outside perspective is just what you need to break a stalemate.

5. Communicate & Compromise
At the end of the day, this is a joint decision. Open, honest communication is key. Acknowledge each other’s concerns and be willing to meet in the middle. If one of you is on the fence, consider setting a timeline—stay for another year and revisit the conversation later.
No matter what you choose, the goal is to create a home you both love—whether that means staying put and making it better or finding a fresh start somewhere new.

If you’re leaning toward selling, let’s talk about what your home is worth in today’s market. And if you’re thinking about renovating, we can connect you with our trusted professionals to bring your vision to life. Either way, we’re here to help you navigate the next chapter of your home journey!

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate this love month than by finding the perfect home that steals your heart?

Whether you're craving a cozy retreat, a home filled with character, or a stylish modern escape, there's no better time to find a space where your heart truly belongs.

Your dream home is more than just a place to live—it's where memories are made, where laughter fills the rooms, and where every corner brings a sense of peace and comfort.
Imagine cozy evenings by the fireplace, lazy Sunday mornings with coffee on the porch, or hosting family gatherings in a space that feels just like you.

This February, fall head over heels for a new place to call your own. Browse through our featured listings, and discover a home that speaks to your heart, your lifestyle, and your future.

Featured Listings:

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