Moving is a stressful time. The prospects of a new location can be exciting, but all the work that goes into it can be exhausting. Looking for tips on how to make it less so?
Sorry, then. This isn’t the post for you. Instead we’ll look at three more things you should probably think about before packing up and leaving. And they’re probably three that haven’t even crossed your mind.
1. Check your new neighborhood for sexual predators.
Nothing could be worse than finding out that the guy who lives downstairs has been convicted of sexual assault. Or that the guy three houses down that lives across from the neighborhood playground has a history of molesting children.
Luckily, there’s a way to learn this information before you sign a lease or buy a house. Thanks to Megan’s Law, people with a history of sexual criminal activity have to register with the authorities, and that information has to be made available to the public.
Each state has its own registry on their website. It comes with a warning that information may be outdated, but is generally accurate. For a national list, you can check out Family Watchdog. It’s all free.
Looking up this information is disconcerting. And that’s an understatement. But it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.
This tip isn’t just for those with children, but also single females. Or simply those who would rather keep their distance.
2. Sell all that random stuff before you pack up the truck.
Every time I move, I’m amazed by how much stuff I have that I forgot existed. When you organize this mess of hidden hoarding, you can sell it on eBay, craigslist, in the Penny Saver–whatever method you want to use to make a few bucks off your memories or wasted spending.
I advocate starting as much of the packing process as you can early. This way, you can list and sell these items before your move. They won’t take up room on the truck, you won’t have to waste gas money transporting them, and the money you earn can help offset those moving expenses we all inevitably incur.
Getting to your new place clutter-free doesn’t hurt your stress levels, either.
3. Spackle Up.
If you’re a renter, odds are it’s written into your lease that you’ll have to pay $5 for every hole in the wall when you leave. And odds are you hung up pictures and poster and other decorations anyways.
Before you move out, do your landlord (and your security deposit) a solid by getting a tube of spackling at a hardware store. Patch it up, sand it down, and walk away with more of your security deposit back in your pocket.
Whenever we found a house we liked, we would always look up if there were any sexual predators. We only found someone once, but the person lived directly across the backyard and that was just way too close for comfort.
I’m glad you checked! That would be way too close for me, too.
I get so creeped out when checking for sexual predators. It’s insane how many there are…
It really is. It’s really good that we can be aware, but it’s never a fun activity to check.
I’ve always checked for sexual predators! I even check our own neighborhood for updates every few months. I think we’re okay, though, because we live less than a mile from an elementary school, so there can’t be any too close ( I think? )
That’s so good! I don’t know…I think it depends on how they were sentenced. There’s one school in our area that has a sexual predator living right across the street. My children won’t be going there. But it’s still disconcerting.
Oh my gosh…that’s gotta be against a law! I always thought we were safe because we’re so close to the elementary school. That’s creepy for sure…
It is. I’m not entirely sure, but it may be based on sentencing or which kind of sexual crime they committed. For all I know this guy knocked up his 17 year old girl friend when he was 19. (Not really as big of an offense in my opinion.) But there’s really no telling.
That’s a good tip about the sexual predators! With the Internet, you could probably find out a lot about your new neighbors ahead of time.
I’ve got another. My wife and I were browsing for possible rental properties, and we found one with potential. Until we noticed the “lead paint” warning in little letters on the posting. You really can’t assume anything when you’re moving.
Such a great tip! That and asbestos in older homes.
Since I’m not a parent I wouldn’t have thought to check for predators, but I guess if I’m looking for somewhere to settle down long term, it’s not something I should be risking. As for spackling walls, I’ve always been told by landlords to just leave any small holes since they usually have to paint the walls again anyway. So be sure to check before putting in the work.
Mine have always spackled, then painted. If you spackle yourself you’ve saved the $5/hole or whatever your lease says. I guess it would be good to consult the individual landlord first.
Yep! We definitely will be using the spackle. We will be moving within the next few months and I am not looking forward to it either.
Ahhhh! Good luck! Meditate like crazy or something…these times can be stressful.
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I hope I don’t have to move for a long time, but I am having a yard sale this weekend to declutter. It is lots of work, but always feels great to be rid of old junk.
Oooh good luck! It does…and making a few extra dollars never hurts, either. 🙂
So the second two I definitely always do but I’ve never thought about the first one! I only look sometimes online for amusement but I guess I just kind of figured that (as a renter), the landlords would take care of that for me.
And this definitely is a post that is helpful regarding moving whether you like it or not! 🙂
I’m not sure, and I’m willing to bet every state’s laws are different, but I wouldn’t rely on the landlord to check it out! Thanks so much!
I totally checked my new hood for sexual predators!! Kinda sad- but with 2 little girls I think it’s a necessity!!!
Absolutely!
These are amazing tips. I have moved a lot over the years so I had done your last two tips but looking up predators is very important and never thought too. Thank you so much.
No problem! Hope you don’t find any nearby!
Three fantastic tips. I helped my buddy’s parents move two weeks ago. They DEFINITELY should have had a giant garage sale before moving. They give pack rats a bad name.
That’s so great of you! We totally rely on friends and family to help us move. Maybe you can convince them…
We don’t have a database in Canada for predators. Our government has strict privacy laws which usually end up protecting the wrong people and things.
In regard to the $5 hole in the wall, that fortunately doesn’t happen up here either. But I do think filling the holes is common courtesy unless the management company does automatically paint between each tenant.
That’s really terrible. I’m glad we have access to ours. I know there’s petitions going around to make yours public so not only the police can access it. I do respect that your government holds privacy at such a high standard, but think you’re right about protecting the wrong people.
I just realized that you and Jeremy are both from the same country…maybe that’s the difference with the holes in the wall. Or maybe I’ve just had weird land lords.
Just checked the database and they’re a child predator living in the apartments across the street… I checked out all of the red squares (child offenders) in my town and he’s the only one with a picture. While I’m not thrilled that he lives there, I’m thankful I know what he looks like.
Oh, my gosh! I’m sure that “not thrilled” is an understatement, but you’re right; at least now you can be on the lookout for him.
It’s a must read article. Good post! Bravo!
I’ve never thought to check for sexual predators but that’s a really good idea. One thing I do check for is bed bugs! There are bed bug websites out there where users can submit bed bug reports. It’s a good idea, especially if you’re renting to check for bug reports before moving in.
Oooh I never knew that before! I’ll have to check it out next time we move! (Which hopefully won’t be for a good, long time.)
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