Relocation Tips
Simplify Your Move
An essential guide for relocating.
Moving Again?
Making it Seamless
Moving day is seldom a walk in the park. Whether your new destination is just around the corner or across the nation, packing up and relocating can be quite the ordeal. To make this transition smoother and less stressful, follow this essential guide filled with helpful tips for those contemplating a move.
Don't Panic
Before the Big Day
Avoid procrastinating! By starting early, you set the stage for a smoother, more successful relocation, allowing you to transition to your new home with confidence and peace of mind.
Organize and Streamline
Tackle one room at a time, decluttering and sorting items into categories for donation, sale, or disposal. The less you have, the better.
Lighten the Load
Arrange a yard sale to part with unwanted clothing, furniture, or décor. Good-condition shoes and clothing can also be donated.
Update Your Address
Initiate your change of address with the post office at least two weeks before your move to ensure a seamless mail forwarding process.
Packing Hacks You'll Love
Reinforce
Opt for sturdy, reinforced boxes, and don't be shy about embracing bubble wrap and other protective materials for fragile items.
Innovate
Pack dishes, bowls, and glassware vertically for added safety. Slip glasses and stemware into socks for extra cushioning.
Pack Smart
Place heavier and bulkier items in smaller boxes or containers to make them more manageable and easy during the move.
Prevent Leaks
Safeguard toiletries an other liquids by sealing their openings with cling wrap before replacing the caps to prevent damage.
Prepare Wisely
Assemble an "Open Me First" box containing immediate essentials like toilet paper, soap, coffee, tools, and utensils.
Label with Precision
Keep chaos at bay by meticulously labeling boxes according to their room or, even better, using a color-coded system.
Today's the Day
Moving Day Essentials
Being organized, communicating effectively with movers, and having a plan in place will help ensure a smoother transition to your new home, allowing you to start this exciting chapter in your life with confidence and ease.
Have it Handy
Preserve Vital Items
Keep essential documents, medication, financial records, IDs, and other valuables with you. Don't entrust them to the moving truck.
By keeping them with you, you maintain control over their security throughout the move, alleviating concerns about potential loss, damage, or theft.
Don't Forget
Pack an Overnight Bag
Have an overnight bag ready with a change of clothes, toiletries, and a phone charger just in case you arrive home before your belongings.
This not only enhances your comfort but also provides peace of mind during a potentially chaotic time. It allows you to start settling into your new home smoothly, even before the rest of your belongings arrive, making your move a more organized and enjoyable experience.
Communication
Stay Connected
Staying connected with your moving company or professional movers is a crucial aspect of ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Effective communication can make a significant difference in keeping the process on track and addressing any issues that may arise during the move.
By keeping the lines of communication open, you contribute to a successful and stress-free relocation.
Soak It In
After You've Arrived
Moving to a new abode represents a fresh start, and making the transition as smooth as possible is essential for creating a positive atmosphere and adapting to your new surroundings effectively.
Get It Done
Clean Up First
When you arrive at your new home, it's common to be eager to start unpacking and arranging your belongings. However, taking the time to clean the kitchen and bathrooms before unpacking can have several advantages.
Deep-cleaning tasks, like scrubbing appliances, sanitizing surfaces, and cleaning out cabinets, are more efficient when there are fewer obstacles in your way.
Making it Yours
Room-by-Room Unpacking
Break down the seemingly endless task of unpacking into smaller, more manageable projects, prioritizing based on necessity.
Begin with the most essential areas, like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. These spaces support your daily routines and comfort, so having them functional early on ensures a smoother transition to your new home.
Savor the Moment
Embrace Your New Home
Approaching your new home with a sense of welcome and excitement sets a positive tone for your new chapter. It fosters optimism and helps you adapt more readily.
Moving can be stressful, and a warm welcome to your new home can counterbalance that stress. A positive outlook can help you navigate challenges more effectively.
Testimonials
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"Brian Came highly recommended by my son and I have used many realtors in the past for selling my rental properties. He was by far the best realtor and excellent in every way and went over and above. I Plan to use him again in September to sell my Condo in Calgary.
I would highly recommend Brian Skinner"
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- Diane Bird
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"Brian and Sam were an absolute pleasure to deal with. From their impeccable knowledge of the real estate market and recognizing our needs and wants (even if they changed on a daily basis) to the fabulous photos and video of our selling property and their amazing negotiation skills they didn’t skip a beat. And big thank you to Brian for driving all around the city with us in some of the worst weather conditions during one of the busiest times in real estate history. We loved working with both Brian and Sam and would recommend them to any future property sellers or purchasers!!"
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- Kristina & Bryce Mackan
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"Selling a home can be stressful but Brian makes the process seamless . I cant recommend him enough !"
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- Reid Wolton
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"Brian went above and beyond our expectations as a realtor. There are so many great things to say about Brian and his team but the bottom line is: His expertise, personable communication skills, cutting edge technology, knowledgeable marketing strategies and commitment to working hard for us, got our home sold!
Brian and Samantha do EVERYTHING with excellence and with a positive attitude. This is an integral part of who they are and shows in all they do!! It was a miracle to find them and a joy to work with them. They were an excellent fit for us! Selling your home and transitioning is chaotic and stressful but they really helped minimize that. I cringe thinking what it would it would have been like without them!!
Brian assessed our needs, came up with practical strategies and executed the plans well, including all the fine details. He and Sam rolled up their sleeves and weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to declutter, pack multitudes of boxes and organize them out of the way. They worked hard to make things happen quickly. Professionals in action. They showcased our home in the best possible Light, marketed it beyond our imagination, to get it sold, for a fair price, in a tough market.
How they served us was second to none.
We are grateful for their trustworthy, wholehearted, FULL SERVICE as a realtor.
Thanks again guys for being such a blessing during a challenging transition.
We value you, the relationship and look forwards to connecting more in the future."
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- Cherie-Lynn
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"Very Professional
Attentive to details
Very Accommodating
Caring and respectful"
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- Christina Ng
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"Brian Skinner is THE ONLY realtor i will use in the future (as I am currently) and wouldn't let anyone of my friends or family go with any other realtor and team"
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- Michelle Drew
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"We found the right person at the right time, Brian is very hard working person always very attentive to our questions & concerns through out any time of the day as we are living in Atlanta, Georgia.
Brian is very professional and truly plesent to work with.
We will not hesitate to contact him when we pursue to buy/sell again."
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- Laleen Pinto
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"He’s best real estate broker we’ve ever had and we’ve sold 5 other houses in the past!"
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- Brenda Werezak
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"Working with Brian and Sam was a great experience. With Sam's fantastic eye for staging, and Brian's efficiency, we received multiple offers (and an accepted one) within two days of listing. Proof that the time and effort they put in with their clients goes a long way. We would absolutely recommend Brian Skinner and team for anyone looking for a professional and stress-free experience when selling their house!"
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- Niko & Dijana Miletic
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"Very patient and always gave good advise.
Was highly recommended by friends and family and I would recommend him myself as well.
Will take the time to go through all the houses in Calgary until you find the right one!"
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- Gisele
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"I would recommend Brian's assistance in a heartbeat. He'll take care of your real estate needs."
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- Bob Walker
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"Brian was great! He listened to us and helped find us our first home in an area we like. He a was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. We are really happy with him and will use him again and also refer him.
He also took good lengths to ensure our safety during a pandemic which we really appreciated
Brian’s is a great realtor we felt he really cared to find the right home for us and didn’t rush us into any purchases"
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- Ashley & Eric
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"Brian and his team have been beyond GREAT!!! Very approachable and easy to talk to."
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- Belinda Lee
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"I have now used Brian Skinner for 5 sales/purchases and have been thoroughly impressed with all aspects of the process each time.
Samantha did a magnificent job of staging and photographing the house. It certainly played a huge role in getting people booked for viewings!"
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- Kimberly
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"Brian Skinner provided us with an excellent selection of homes to view.
He listened and understood our criteria for our purchase.
Brian didn’t pressure us into any decision and made excellent recommendations.
He consistently displayed professionalism and competence at all times.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Brian Skinner to anyone looking to purchase or sell a home."
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- Ann & Chris Forsyth
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"Brian Skinner is an amazing real estate agent. He always prioritized his client's best interest. I appreciate the fact Brian is humble and down to earth. Honestly feel like I am dealing with a family member or an old friend.
Brian Skinner had a great marketing plan and researched the market to ensure I got the best dollar for my property. I truly believe I got the best $/sq ft in my community because of Brian's due diligence and attention to the market.
With Brian Skinner has my realtor I never doubted I got the best deal possible.
Sam was amazing. She took amazing photos of my property and helped prepare my property to ensure it was ready for showings. Sam was amazing to deal with."
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- Janet Rudnicki
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"Brian was super knowledgeable and was able to narrow down the huge market to options that suited us. He was also very patient and never pressured us into settling for a property that wasn’t right for us. He was professional and quickly responded to our (many) questions as first-time homebuyers. Such a positive experience! I would definitely recommend Brian to any new homebuyer who is looking for guidance as they navigate this big life decision. We are so happy with our purchase and can’t wait to make the house our own!"
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- Paisley Newburn
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"Working with Brain and Sam was awesome! I did not have to follow up on anything - they were on the ball! Broker commission tends to be standard, so I wanted to know what I was getting for that. Not only did we receive excellent service from Brian, but the added service of staging and pictures through Sam at no additional cost was a big consideration for me - well done!"
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- Deanne
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"If you want the best experience possible then Brian Skinner is for you. He has years of experience of the calgary market that will ensure you get the best deal Buying and selling a home can be very stressful. Not the case with Brian."
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- Reid Wolton
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"Brian was more than helpful. It was an absolutely great experience working with him and Brian was always there whenever I had any questions or concerns. His great personality and proffesionalism made it very comfortable to work with him. I will gladly reccomend Brian to any of my friends/family looking to buy a new home."
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- Dustin Hahn
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"Brian was amazing from the moment I called him to help with the sale of my home. He was very professional and efficient. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again or to recommend him to family and friends"
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- Andrea Anderson
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"Brian has been and will always be our Realtor of choice. We have been through numerous deals both selling and buying with him and he has been nothing short of spectacular all the way through. From his knowledge of the city and properties to his negotiating abilities we are always happy with his service and will continue to use him for all of our needs in the future."
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- Dado Bosnjak
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"I would highly recommend Brian Skinner. He was thorough and he made the purchase easy. Brian followed up on every aspect of the sale. He was very knowledgeable regarding the real estate market. I look forward to working with him again."
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- Linda Abrams
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"Brian was not only invested in selling my property, but was invested in me. He worked hard to ensure I got the best deal. Brian had my condo cleaned and staged prior to the photos. My property stood out compared to other condos in the community. I would recommend Brian because he is very personable. He was always friendly and followed up on any questions that I had. Brian made this whole process easy for me and was stress free."
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- JR
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"Brian came with high recommendation from our family. We saw the great job he did for them. Brian was a great fit to help us with our decisions on selling and buying our new place.
He's the best!"
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- Geri Koenig
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"Brian handled our sale brilliantly. In a difficult market he priced our home properly and manged to get us an offer in two weeks. He handled the negotiation very well and got us the best value possible. I am very happy with his performance as he sold our home and got us into a new one in record time!!!!"
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- Dado Bosnjak
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"was very accommodating while working with us understanding that my partner and I had different schedules. He knew that as first time home buyers as exciting of an experience as this was it was also stressful for us, he went out of his way to make us feel comfortable. He answered all of our questions in a very timely manner, no matter the time of day or night that something might have popped into our heads. Once we found a property we could see ourselves in he was very helpful with setting up multiple walk throughs pointing out both goods and bads of the home to give us a clearer view of what we were thinking of purchasing. This being our first home the sale process was a little intimidating but he ensured everything would move smoothly, as it did. The communication over the days we worked to find the right price was amazing, he worked very hard to get us the little extras so moving in would be a breeze. All in all I would have to say this was a fantastic experience, the knowledge, patients and just over understanding of the situation he took into each day he worked with us was bar non. I will definitely be recommending Brian to all of my friends and family who are looking to purchase a home in the future."
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- Dacoda McCaffrey
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"Brian Skinner is not only knowledgeable and professional, but he is also able to anticipate our needs ahead of time, resulting in an overall excellent house selling experience. He went beyond to assist us in every step of the process, starting from house staging, listing, scheduling and the final sale. Brian has been the difference in making the sale in a very timely manner. My wife and I are very fortunate to have Brian working as a team to close the deal, just right before the Covid-19 lockdown. For that we are truly thankful, We will definitely recommend Brian to anyone who plan to sell or buy a house."
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- FS & Ping
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"As recommended by family and friends,he was knowledgeable,informative and trustworthy during listing and sale process.
professionalism and integrity shown was excellent. We have no hesitation to recommend Brian Skinner to anyone who wishes his services.
He was instrumental in staging and selling the house in timely manner,enabling us to take possession of the condo which we bought,without any difficulties."
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- Basil & Ranee Jayasuriya
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"Brian & Sam were attentive and did a great job of marketing and selling my house for a competitive price. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Brian & Sam to others and have already done so."
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- Dan Bird
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"Brian is very professional and was always there to answer any of the questions that we
asked. Brian is super friendly and easy to talk to."
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- Sylvie & Luis Chico
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"Dedicated to the sake of your property and always professional. Thanks Brian for a job well done"
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- Se & Tricia
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"Brian Skinner and Sam were AMAZING to deal with. Every aspect was seamless!! They were there for me whenever I needed them and even after the sale of my condo they were still there for me. AMAZING doesn't even justify how GREAT they are!!!"
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- SJ
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"Brian Skinner is very professional. He is willing to go extra steps to improve the appearance of the house to make it looks nicer.
His performance is efficient. He works hard for the seller to get the best value returned. Greatly appreciated!
Excellent sale! Well done; it's beyond our expectations."
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- Lionel
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"Samantha was a pleasure to work with, she is very talented in what she does and our home was beautifully staged and photographed. Pictures speak a thousand words and her photographs told a perfect story.
Brian was a pleasure to deal with. From the onset we knew he was honest and forthright. Our entire experience was positive. He took the time to listen and explain and set our minds at ease throughout the process. He is a wonderful, kind and funny man. I highly recommend his services."
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- Jennifer & Neil
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"Nice to have sold the house in 5 days, and do what I had requested."
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- David Pilz
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