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10 Best Cities For Starting A New Career

Post author By Hanna Kielar
Post date October 10, 2019

Best cities for a career change visual of the United States with career icons

“I wake up in the morning and am excited to go to work and do what I love.” “The work I do is challenging but it’s fulfilling and rewarding.” “I’m eager to grow and become better at what I do.”

If none of these statements resonate with you, you aren’t alone. The Conference Board’s consumer research center reported that only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs. If you’re someone who falls into that other 55%, it might be time to consider making a career change.

While there are many elements that factor into the decision for a job switch, it comes down to what’s best for you and your family. It’s hard to thrive and be truly happy if you spend 40+ hours a week doing something that doesn’t excite and fulfill you.

If you’re in the market for a career shift or if you’re looking to start your own business, ask yourself this: Is the city you live in providing you with the best platform to do so? If that answer is no or if you’re unsure, take a look at our list of the best cities for a career change.

In addition to our list of best cities for making a career change, we’ve provided some advice for making that transition as smooth as possible. The career change resources include info about the importance of finding your passion, risks and benefits of a career change, factors to consider and actionable tips to help you make it all happen.

What Makes A City Great For A Career Change?

If you know that a career shift is in your future, a change of scenery might open up some new opportunities. Some factors to consider when looking at cities for possible relocation include:

Low unemployment rates and a high number of job openings in your field
Business growth and grant opportunities for aspiring business owners
Affordability and availability of housing
Potential for increased home value if you’re considering putting down permanent roots
Average pay for your desired field or job position versus the cost of living
If you’re planning to take an entry-level job, consider those salaries as well

Another important point to consider is the lifestyle in the location. Does this new area have things to do that align with your hobbies and interests? You wouldn’t want to put down roots somewhere for a job if it’s not going to be a great place for you after you’ve clocked out. This is something we kept in mind when selecting our top cities for restarting your career. In addition to the economic factors, we only considered cities that ranked highly for well-being and happiness by their residents from this study by Gallup-ShareCare.

See our methodology section below for the specifics of how we made our top picks.

The 10 Best Places To Restart Your Career

Peruse our selections for the best cities to reboot your career, and maybe even find your potential new home and launchpad for your career.

10. Austin, TX

Kicking off our list at number 10, Austin is a well-known state capitol, but its tech and real estate growth have changed its cultural and economic landscape dramatically over the past decade. According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, employment in the tech industry has grown by 24.9% over the past 5 years. This has brought opportunities in other fields to the area, as well as supported Austin incentives and grants. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, try taking it to the Lone Star State. Texas was also named the best state to start a business in 2019. Austin’s music and art scene has grown tremendously and is becoming a diverse destination with plenty of activities to keep you entertained on the weekends.

Unemployment rate: 2.9%
Average commute time: 24 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $31,635
Average salary: $49,532
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,513

9. Colorado Springs, CO

Positioned against sweeping mountainscapes, Colorado Springs is full of beauty and opportunity. Some of their largest industries include scientific and technical services, health care and public administration. Check out their business resources for more insight into their economic development and opportunities. Colorado Springs is a great place for those who love the outdoors, as there are ample opportunities for camping, hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Unemployment rate: 3.4%
Average commute time: 21.8 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $30,459
Average salary: $47,691
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,243

8. Aurora, CO

Aurora is the third-largest (and the safest) city in Colorado with booming business opportunities. It’s also close enough to Denver to access their job market while allowing for a lower cost of living. Aurora offers many business incentives for those looking to forge their own path. Since the city is steps away from the mountains with beautiful hiking and biking trails, there is a big fitness community present there as well. Don’t underestimate their food scene just because they’re health-conscious – there’s an abundance of delicious and diverse cuisine to enjoy after work.

Unemployment rate: 2.7%
Average commute time: 29.3 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $32,101
Average salary: $50,262
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,313

7. Minneapolis, MN

When making a career shift, don’t forget to consider this Twin City. Minneapolis has a great cost of living-to-income ratio and great average commute time for a bigger city. Small businesses can find ample support from the city as well as ongoing bids and Request for Proposals (RFPS) for funding from their procurement office. Located on the Mississippi River, Minneapolis has a great balance of urban and outdoor activities. Along with a great nightlife and bar scene, the city’s sprinkled with many lakes and parks, like the gorgeous Minnehaha Park.

Unemployment rate: 3.1%
Average commute time: 22.9 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $33,341
Average salary: $52,203
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,282

6. Scottsdale, AZ

This desert city’s tech and software scene has been heating up in recent years. This has brought many jobs to Scottsdale and its sister cities of Tempe and Phoenix – this uptick in employment has been a big reason for its high job potential ranking. Scottsdale attracts entrepreneurs and skilled workers alike. Check out some tools and tips to help with relocation and getting started, and make note of this “Opportunity Zone” map and size-up business research tool. After hours, enjoy striking sunsets, golf at one of their numerous clubs, energetic nightlife or maybe a hike to explore interesting geological features at Papago Park.

Unemployment rate: 3.4%
Average commute time: 22.1 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $31,461
Average salary: $49,260
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,634

5. Burlington, VT

Home of the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. and the Ben and Jerry’s headquarters, Burlington is a sweet spot to reboot and start fresh. Some of their most common industries include education, health care, and accommodation and food services. There are also a ton of resources if you’re looking to start up a business in Burlington. Looking to unplug and disconnect? Explore the natural beauty in surrounding state parks and at Lake Champlain.

Unemployment rate: 1.8%
Average commute time: 18.5 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $32,056
Average salary: $50,191
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,449

4. Boston, MA

Boston provides business startups with many exciting opportunities, including grants and loans ranging from $25,000 – $150,000, with some loans up to $250,000. There are also special initiatives to create lively main street districts enriched by a variety of businesses as well as state-provided grant matching to pay for employee training. Boston’s old port city background makes it a historical hotspot – check out the Freedom Trail route that takes you by important sites and museums.

Unemployment rate: 2.7%
Average commute time: 30.4 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $35,247
Average salary: $55,187
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,869

3. Washington, DC

Our nation’s capital isn’t all politics – it’s also brimming with ample opportunity for a career reset. According to the District of Columbia’s official job outlook, the top five fields with the most in-demand jobs are finance, law, PR/fundraising, computer systems and HR. If you’re looking to stay busy and explore outside of work, DC is full of attractions, museums, art, nightlife and places of historical significance.

Unemployment rate: 3.3%
Average commute time: 30 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $34,488
Average salary: $53,999
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,899

2. Emeryville, CA

This city is prime for a career restart. It offers affordable housing while being close enough to other Bay Area cities like San Francisco and Oakland to enter those job markets as well. Take an easy 30-minute commute to potentially rake in an even higher salary. Emeryville offers a variety of small-business rebates and incentives to make it easier to turn dreams into reality. Emeryville is also a hop, skip and a jump away from other great destinations – take a ferry across the gorgeous bay to a hidden gem like Sausalito or take a scenic drive to Napa Valley or Lake Tahoe.

Unemployment rate: 2.9%
Average commute time: 32.1 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $36,405
Average salary: $57,002
Average monthly cost of housing: $2,184

1. Portland, ME

Nestled along a gorgeous New England peninsula, Portland, Maine, is not only beautiful, it’s also an ideal location to reboot your career. It boasts short commutes, the second-lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. and low housing costs. The city offers loans as a resource for those looking to start their own businesses as well. Portland is known for its 19th-century architecture, scenic shore views and nightlife, so there’s a lot to enjoy outside of work hours.

Unemployment rate: 1.9%
Average commute time: 19.1 minutes
Average entry-level salary: $31,833
Average salary: $49,842
Average monthly cost of housing: $1,390

Additional Cities for Career Restarts

Below you’ll see some other options and honorable mentions. Do you think we missed a great city? Let us know in the comments below what makes your city an ideal option for a restart.

Rank	City	Unemployment Rate	Commute Time (minutes)	Entry-level Salary	Average Salary	Cost of Housing (per month)
11	San Diego, CA	3.6%	24	$33,288	$52,121	$1,940
12	Orlando, FL	3.2%	25.4	$30,152	$47,210	$1,295
13	Pittsburgh, PA	4.5%	23.8	$31,301	$49,009	$1,008
14	Madison, WI	2.6%	19.4	$31,735	$49,688	$1,338
15	West Palm Beach, FL	3.4%	22.7	$32,600	$51,043	$1,368
16	Dallas, TX	3.4%	26.8	$32,733	$51,252	$1,232
17	Nashua, NH	2.7%	26.9	$32,500	$50,886	$1,573
18	Sunnyvale, CA	2.8%	24.4	$37,691	$59,014	$2,591
19	Atlanta, GA	3.5%	26.3	$32,770	$51,309	$1,396
20	Tampla, FL	3.4%	24	$30,280	$47,411	$1,275

Tips to Restart Your Career

Making the decision to change or shift your career is exciting but can also be intimidating. See the visual below for actionable tips and insights you can use to help restart your career on the right foot.

At the end of the day, it’s in your hands to go after what inspires you and fulfills your goals. The thought of selling your home and moving somewhere new or entering a new field may seem daunting. Try to reduce that anxiety by considering the tips above, taking it step by step and keeping your sights set on the reward of doing what you love for a living.

Methodology

To select the cities that made this list, we cross-referenced the 181 cities in Wallethub’s 2018 study on the best cities for jobs and 186 cities from Gallup’s 2017 study on the communities with the best well-being. Selecting cities that were ranked in both studies, we completed a weighted average of each city’s ranking position. Job study rankings (X) were given a weight of 75 out of 100 while well-being rankings (Y) were given the weight of 25 points (weighted rating =((X*3+Y)/4)). These rankings are supported by and displayed with supplementary data from the US Census (2013–2018), ZipRecruiter’s Salary tool (2019) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019) The average cost of housing was determined by averaging median mortgage costs with median gross rent.

Tags how to guides, millennials, moving, negotiating, real estate industry

Blog

Dog-Friendly Homes Present New Opportunities for Sellers

Post author By ForSaleByOwner
Post date May 30, 2014

Jack Russell Terrier on welcome home mat

Roberta Billings says dogs have always been a huge part of her life, so much so that when Billings moves into a new residence, she makes sure to accommodate her two Great Danes and her collie.

“I created space for them in all of the places I’ve lived,” says Billings, 54. “They’re my companions.”

Billings, a clean energy consultant, says she moves every two or three years because she likes to accept new projects in different areas of the country. Although she could rent, Billings prefers to buy a house in each new location so she can modify it to meet her – or in this case – her dogs’ needs. Simple renovations like all-weather carpet in one room and separate sleeping spaces in another make for great environments for her pets but aren’t always appealing to potential buyers when she’s ready for her new assignment.

That’s fine with Billings. She says she just skips the general buying population and instead looks for the right buyers. “First of all, there’s nothing in the houses I’ve lived in that can’t be brought back to normal for a couple of thousand dollars,” says Billings. “Some new paint, some new carpet and things are good as new.”

But Billings, who recently moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, says she’s only had to restore her “dog rooms” once in the past decade, and she’s sold four homes in that time.

When looking for like-minded buyers, Billings spread the word on dog-enthusiast social media sites, posted bulletin boards at local pet stores, veterinarian offices and grooming facilities and engaged in conversations at local dog parks. “A basic conversation is probably what worked best,” says Billings. “That’s how I found my buyer.”

Billings knew her approach – honing in your search to a person with specific tastes and interests – can be risky in its limitedness, but she’s confident that it can be effective. “You’re not just looking for a person to buy your house,” Billings says. “In some ways, you’re looking for a person to buy your way of life, at least the way you live your life in a certain place.”

Recently, Billings directed potential buyers to a Forbes.com story that touted Portland as one of the dog-friendliest cities in the country. “I can tell people how great it is to own a dog here, but when you read it somewhere, it makes it that much more official,” she says.

Although most of the people who looked at her home – including the eventual buyer – were already living in the Portland area, Billings says she felt like a little reading material went a long way, which may explain why she included links to Yelp reviews of dog-friendly restaurants and stores that were located close to her house.

Billings says she spends a lot of time at Powell Butte Nature Park with her dogs, as do many local dog owners. “It’s this wonderful trail that was about 3 miles from my house, so I mentioned that to people at the trail,” she says. “One of the people I spoke with said she and her husband were looking for a place, and I gave her my info and we went from there.”

Billings says she had an offer within a week. “I’m a dog person. I don’t run from that when I try to live somewhere or sell a place,” Billings says. “It only makes sense to look for a similar person if you’re selling something as personal as the home you live in, and it’s even more important if you’re selling your house on your own like I did.”

Tags moving, pets, social media

Closing and Moving FAQs

4 Tips that Will Transform Your Move from Stressful to Efficient

Post author By Steve Flanagan
Post date February 25, 2014

Anytime you’re going to pack up everything you own and move to a new place, it’s going to be stressful, or so it seems. But that’s not necessarily a given. Sure, moving can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to come with a lot of headaches. Following these four tips will help make you next move efficient instead of stressful.

1. Streamline your Belongings
There’s no point to packing and moving a bunch of stuff that you haven’t used in years. You’d be messing up your new place before you even move in.

Instead, go through your belongings before you pack, and get rid of the things you don’t want or need anymore. (Hint: If you haven’t used it in five years, you don’t need it anymore.) As an added benefit, you won’t waste your money if you’re paying your moving company by the pound.

2. Shop for Movers Carefully
You could talk to a dozen different companies and get a dozen different moving quotes. Before you sign on the dotted line, do your homework and carefully consider which company is right for your specific needs.

And if you’re thinking about hiring an unlicensed moving company to save money, stop right now. Moving companies that aren’t licensed or insured are breaking the law, and if something gets lost or damaged they won’t have insurance to cover it.

3. Save all of your paperwork
You may be tempted to throw away all of the documents related to your move once your move is over, but that would be a mistake. You may be able to use your moving expenses as a tax deduction, so don’t get rid of receipts and other important papers until you’ve taken full advantage of them.

4. Save Money by Moving in the Off-season
You many think it’s a great idea to move in the middle of the summer so that you can be settled before the kids start school in August, but so does everyone else. Because the demand for summertime moves is so high, moving companies can get away with charging more at that time of the year. If you can delay your move a few months you might just save a few bucks. And if you can’t delay your move until winter, at least move after the first of the month which is another peak time for movers.

This article was authored by Mike Edelman of MovingRelocation.com. Learn more about MovingRelocation.com and their tools to help you find the best moving company for your needs.

Please note that this editorial content was provided by movingrelocation.com, who is not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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Articles Marketing Virtual Agent

How to Stage Your Home While Packing

Post author By ForSaleByOwner
Post date December 3, 2013

When it comes to selling your home, staging can be one of the most effective ways of drawing offers. But when this process coincides with packing, things can get messy—literally. Here are a few strategic ways to reap the benefits of simultaneously staging and packing your home.

Clear the Way
You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and a stack of boxes by the front door doesn’t exactly create a homey feel. When packing, be sure to keep boxes away from the entry point of your house. Not only are they an obstacle, but they can be an eyesore as well. Instead, try nestling boxes away in closets, garages and other places where they won’t be as visible to prospective buyers.

Cleanliness Is Key
Although packing for a move can be a messy task, do your best to keep your house as clean as possible when staging. Not only will frequent cleanings make the final clean-up of the house easier, but it will also make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Pack Away Your Personal Touches
One of the keys to a successful staging is letting potential buyers imagine themselves living in your home. Get a head start on packing family pictures, personal affects and anything that makes your home “yours.” This will help make packing quicker in the days before you move out, and it will make the staging more successful.

Brighten Up
Homes that are well-lit tend to do better in staging than homes that appear dim and dark. As tempting as it may be to pack away under-utilized desk lamps and fixtures, as long as you’re having showings, keep them in place and lit. Keeping your home bright can also help it look more spacious, another appealing factor to strive for when staging your home.

Odd Rules
It may sound strange, but arranging knick-knacks and other belongings in odd-numbered groupings tends to be more visually appealing than arranging them even-numbered groups. While it may seem cumbersome to do this, it can actually help you get a head-start on packing up your belongings. If you have four flowerpots beside a window, removing one will not only make the space more attractive, but it’s also just one less item to pack during the days before a move!

Please note that this editorial content was produced by staff of Moveboxer.com, who are not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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5 Simple Tasks to Do Before Moving Day

Post author By ForSaleByOwner

Post date December 3, 2013

After months of open houses, negotiating, paperwork and packing, moving day is finally here. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and anxiety of moving out of your old house and into a new home. So, to save yourself some sweat and trouble, here are five simple tasks to do before moving day to make the move as smooth as possible.

1. Create a Survival Kit
While being thrust into the wilderness isn’t likely to happen on moving day, you should create a box or bag full of essential items that can readily be accessed as soon as you set foot into your new home. This includes toiletries, non-perishable snacks, important paperwork, unpacking supplies and any medications that need to be administered soon after the move is completed.

And don’t forget your pets when assembling the kit! Make sure there are a few snacks for Fido and some litter for Lola in there, too.

2. Make Your Home “Mover-Friendly”
Completely emptying a house of its contents isn’t the easiest task. To make your move quicker and safer, clear off walkways, remove any obstacles that might get in the movers’ way, prop doors open and get rid of any trash that may be lying around. Your movers will appreciate it, and the easier their job is, the safer your belongings will be.

3. Keep the Kids Away
Children, stressful situations and heavy objects don’t tend to mix well together, which is why it’s critical to figure out a way to entertain your kids off-site on moving day. One simplest solution is to ask a family member or friend to look after them during the moving process. Another option: Schedule the move for when the kids are at school. If you have babies or toddlers in day care, make sure you let an administrator know about your situation, just in case he move gets delayed, and you need someone to stay with your child after-hours.

4. Double-Check Everything
Before you leave your old house for good, make sure it’s clean from attic to basement, all your boxes have been loaded in the truck, all windows and doors are locked, and there are no stray items hiding away in cracks or crevices. This will secure the house and prevent any hassles in retrieving anything you may leave behind on moving day.

5. Protect Your Valuables
Losing anything is bad, but losing something of incredible value, monetary or personal, is even worse. Keep your valuables close on moving day, or if you’re trusting them to the movers, make sure you document where they’re securely and safely packed.

Please note that this editorial content was produced by staff of Moveboxer.com, who are not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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Checklist Closing Virtual Agent

5 Moving-Day Tips that Make Moving Out Easy

Post author By ForSaleByOwner

Post date December 3, 2013

Moving day has finally arrived; the papers are signed, the boxes are packed and you’re ready to make the trip to your new house. Before you leave for good, remember these five essential moving-day tips that will make moving out quick and easy.

1. Make a Good Last Impression
Just because the house you’re moving out of isn’t yours anymore doesn’t mean that you should leave it in disarray for its new occupants. Moving can be messy; be sure to do a thorough cleaning before leaving. It’s easy to overlook a few scraps of box tape here and some stray packing peanuts there in the middle of the loading process. Think about how you want your new house to look when you get there, and try to emulate that.

2. Leave No Belonging Behind
This is pretty self-explanatory: Check every seemingly pointless drawer and cabinet, along with all the nooks and crannies for any stray objects, tools or toys that may have been hiding from you while you were packing.

3. Raid the Fridge
You don’t want to leave anything in the house, and you certainly don’t want to leave anything in the refrigerator. To be safe, you should unplug and defrost your refrigerator 24 hours before moving day to dry it out. This will prevent you from leaving a messy—and possibly smelly—housewarming gift for the new owners. Any non-perishable food you’re not taking with you can be donated. The organization Move for Hunger coordinates with movers to take any unused food during a move to local food banks.

4. Don’t Fall Off the Map
Before you leave your old home, it’s nice to leave an email address or phone number for the new owners. You or the movers might have forgotten a box or a few items, an issue with the house may have been overlooked in the inspection or they may just want to check in to see what lawn service you used while you lived there. In any case, it’s a good idea to make sure the new owners can reach you if they need to.

5. Keep Your House Safe and Sound
Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked before you leave. This is especially important if your house is going to remain unoccupied for a few days. Also, turn off all faucets and lights, turn off the water heater and lower the thermostat to prevent wasting any energy.

Please note that this editorial content was produced by staff of Moveboxer.com, who are not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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Moving and Choosing Your Child’s New School

Post author By ForSaleByOwner

Post date November 5, 2013

There’s no question that moving is a big adjustment for anyone, but switching schools can be an especially trying experience for children of all ages. If you’re moving with kids, these tips on changing schools will help you find the perfect scholastic environment for your son or daughter.

Do Your Homework

If you want to do some research about schools in the area you’re moving to, but don’t have the chance visit them right away, there are several websites that rank, rate and show demographical information for schools in your area.

• The Nation’s Report Card, a website run by the U.S. Department of Education, gives a state-by-state breakdown of academic achievement in grades 4 through 8 and lets you compare states in a variety of categories.

• The National Center of Education Statistics, also run by the Department of Education, lets you search for public schools within a certain distance from a zip code based on different characteristics and programs the school offers.

• Homefair.com offers free, in-depth school reports on almost 90,000 public and private schools and 15,000 school districts within the United States.

Take a Tour

There may be ample information online to help you make your decision, but when it comes to getting a good vibe from the faculty, staff and students, nothing replaces visiting the school yourself. Besides giving your son or daughter a chance to check out his or her new school in advance, visiting the school gives you the opportunity to ask administrators and teachers specific questions that may not be answered on the school’s website. Even if you have all of the facts and figures you’re looking for, visiting the school will help you and your child figure out whether or not he or she will be comfortable with the environment there, and that’s one thing you won’t be able to find on a website.

Read Between the Lines

When you tour the school, don’t just take what you’re told at face value. While full-blown skepticism isn’t necessary, take a close look at what you see, and listen closely to what you hear in the building. You should pay attention to how well-maintained the building and facilities are, the age and functionality of classroom technology, how crowded the classrooms are and anything else that’s important to you and your child.

Poll the Car Pool Lane

If you have the opportunity, ask local parents what they think of the school their kids attend. This will give you an insider’s perspective on each school, and parents may be more open to discussing any concerns they have about the school than the teachers and administrators. You can also reach out to friends, family, and family friends in your new city to get their impressions of the school districts. You may be closer to finding the best new school than you think!

Please note that this editorial content was produced by staff of Moveboxer.com, who are not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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Articles Closing Virtual Agent

How to Coordinate a House Closing and a Move

Post author By ForSaleByOwner

Post date November 5, 2013

Great news: You’ve sold your old house and found a new home to move into! Now, it’s time to close both deals. Coordinating your move and your closing can be a tricky process, laden with possible delays and costly complications. Here are four smart tips for how to keep your closing and moving process quick and easy.

1. Make Your Move

The best way to coordinate your move and your closing is to align your move with the moves of the people involved in your transaction and closing. Yes, that is easier said than done. Getting everybody in the chain on the same page can be complicated, especially when dealing with real estate agents, lawyers and banks; but, the initial effort will save you time, and potentially money, too. Making sure everybody can move in and out on the same days means that your belongings will spend less time trapped away in boxes and in the possession of movers, who may charge you to hold your items. When dealing with a process as time and money-consuming as moving, anything you can do to conserve these valuable resources is worthwhile.

2. Communication Is Key

Life happens, which means bad things can happen. Just in case something delays your ability to move or close at a certain time, make sure you keep open the lines of communication with the buyers of your home, the sellers of the home you’re buying, your movers and the lawyers involved in the process. If an unforeseen expense is hampering your ability to pay the closing fees, or a snag in the packing process requires more time than you budgeted for, be sure to let everyone else involved in the move know. Giving everyone a heads up means that the problem can be resolved faster and more successfully than if it was left unmentioned. Murphy’s Law may seem to apply directly to your move, but that doesn’t mean you can’t undermine it with a little creativity and communication.

3. Time It Out

Once the moving and closing date has been decided, you can coordinate the process even further by drawing up a rough timeline of events. The more you know about how the day should unfold beforehand, the easier it will be to budget your time. Thinking about a day-of timeline ensures that you realistically give yourself enough time for each step in the process, and it gives you the opportunity to avoid any major time snags. Prevention is the best medicine, and stressing out on moving day because of poor timing is not a place you want to be.

4. Keep Back-Up in the Bank

There are several costs that come along with moving and closing, and you don’t want to be unable to pay them. That’s why it’s important to have enough easily accessible money in the bank, or on hand, to cover these charges if an unexpected expense comes up. Additionally, know how much your mover charges to hold your boxes overnight, just in case a problem in the closing prevents you from moving into your new home right away.

Please note that this editorial content was produced by staff of Moveboxer.com, who are not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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Articles Closing Virtual Agent

When to Schedule Movers in the Home Selling Process

Post author By ForSaleByOwner

Post date November 5, 2013

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So, you’ve sold your home. Congratulations! The hardest part is over, right? Yes and no. You’ve gotten past all the negotiations with the buyers, and everyone has signed on the dotted lines, but now you need to focus on hiring a moving company to transport your belongings.

Scheduling the Movers

The first step is to take the proper precautions in verifying the credibility of your moving company. Do some research, and make sure to ask friends, family and neighbors for suggestions. Then, once you’ve chosen a company, it’s time to look at scheduling. This is where things can get hairy. Scheduling the actual move itself is dependent on the time of year and other details of your move.

Keep in mind that spring and summer are the busiest times for movers; if your move’s going to take place in the dead of winter, it won’t be as difficult to reserve your spot in the company’s schedule.

But, if your buyers want to move in as soon as possible, you obviously want to help them out, within reason. You can’t achieve the impossible – determining the availability of your favorite moving company on such short notice – but you can try to accommodate the new residents as much as possible.

Try to Book a Mover Two Months in Advance

If you’re not being squeezed by restrictive time constraints to be out of your house as soon as possible, it’s good to call and schedule the move about two months in advance. This gives you ample time to sort things out, but also time to leave the buyers a decent amount of time to move in. And a period of two months allows you to have a better chance at choosing the day that works best for the movers pick up your stuff, rather than having to work around their schedules.

You should schedule your move after you’ve cleared the contingency stage when you feel confident that your deal is most likely going to go through. If your sale suddenly falls through, or your closing date gets postponed, you will be stuck with a moving appointment that might need to be rescheduled, or even canceled.

Please note that this editorial content was produced by staff of Moveboxer.com, who are not employed by ForSaleByOwner.com or by Tribune Digital Marketplaces. This article has been republished for additional education purposes. This article is not affiliated with any links or products that appear on the on the same pages. Read more about our editorial policy.

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Tags home selling tips, moving