One of the big things on the “wants” list of most folks relocating to Iowa City, whether it’s for the Med School or the University of Iowa, is a home close to Campus or to the UI Hospitals. Of the two, a home close to the UI Hospitals is more “doable” than finding a home close to Campus. The University of Iowa takes up a big part of downtown Iowa City. There aren’t nearly as many homes within walking distance of Campus as there are buyers wanting to buy them. Plus, often times buyers will be looking for newer homes and that’s even more difficult as most of downtown is in an historic area with big, turn of the century homes. Not something your average student is all that thrilled about. (Not to mention they can be a bit pricey considering the historic value).

The UI Hospitals on the other hand is on the other side of the river. Many of the homes on the west side are newer. There are also A LOT of condos close to the UI Hospitals. Some of them within easy walking distance, (and priced accordingly). Some of them with an easy commute by bus.

All kinds of people with all kinds of plans… Whatever your plan is this spring, make sure you have one! Make your needs, wants and wishes list now… It may not be intuitively obvious, but the concept applies to both buyers and sellers. Buyers need to know what’s important to them when they’re looking for a home. Some things they will compromise on, others not.  If you’re selling a home in Iowa City you need to know what you expect from the transaction. How motivated are you to move? If you need to move, because you’re relocating out of state then we know you’re motivated. You need to sell. How about if you want to move, because your family is growing out of the starter home you’re in? What are your priorities? You definitely have a needs, wants and wishes list to put together and you should get started on that now!

This extreme weather will pass, probably quicker than we all think. (From someone who is totally done with winter this year, I’m definitely hoping so).

When the time is right, will you be ready to move?

Please click here for a full screen version of this map of elementary schools in Iowa City.

If you need some help figuring out your options when buying a home in Iowa City just give me a call or contact me using one of the forms on my site. I’m here to help!

Six Weeks Prior To Moving

• Make a list of what you will be moving with you and what you will not. Be ruthless! Go through each room and decide what does not need to make the journey to your new home. A good rule of thumb is that if you didn’t know you had it, then chances are you don’t need it!
• Collect everything that’s not making the journey for a garage sale or charitable donation. Goodwill is always happy to see donations. Or if you want to make some money, then there’s eBay or Craigslist.  If you don’t have time or the inclination to do that, then just put your larger items in the yard with a “FREE” sign on them. You may be astounded how quickly they disappear.
• If you’re relocating for employment purposes, generally your moving company is selected for you. Otherwise, now is the time to comparison shop.
• Once you have made your selection, ask specific questions about the length of time for delivery. This can vary greatly depending on where you are in the US, (or Abroad).
• Find out exact form of payment at destination (cash, check). Again, if your relocation is employment related, this may be taken care of by the Employer. (Ask – this is not something you want to assume!)
• Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW. Even if you have packing services, there will be some things you want to pack yourself.

Four Weeks Prior To Moving

• Check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions and get children’s school records.
• If you have pets, check with your Vet for pet records and immunizations.
• Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move.
• Contact local utility companies to set turn-off date. As a rule of thumb, it’s best if you turn off a day after you move and turn on the utilities at your new home the day before your move.
• Speak to your Real Estate Agent about turning on utilities in your new home. They may be able to help. Some utility companies require the Homeowner to call personally to arrange the utilities. In this case, your Agent will be able to provide you with the correct contact numbers.
• Have you loaned anything out lately? If so, now is the time ask to have it returned and of course return everything you have borrowed. (Including library books – you’re not going to have much time to read now anyway!)
• Drain all gas or oil in power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. that are to be moved, to prevent fire in the moving truck. (While I’m on the subject of draining, this also includes draining espresso makers of water in winter to prevent freezing as I found out too late one time).
• Start using the groceries you have on your shelves and the frozen food in your freezer.
• Plan to use most of what you have over the next few weeks. Try to avoid buying more – only books equal cans when it comes to weight when moving!
• Give away or arrange for your own transportation of house plants. They’re not going to survive a 6-8 week trip in a moving truck!

One Week Prior To Moving

• Transfer or close checking and savings accounts.
• Have your car serviced for the trip.
• Fill out Post Office change of address forms.
• Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches. See to it that the moving company has this list and compare notes before they start to load the truck.
• Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn).
• Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools.
• Pack a special box with essentials you’ll need for the first few days at your destination and make sure this box is marked clearly ‘DO NOT MOVE’.
• Cancel any recurring services you may have. Newspapers, cleaning services, yard care etc.

Moving Day

• Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone.
• If you have children, arrange for them to stay at a friend’s house for the day.
• Make sure you have somewhere safe for your pets too.
• Make sure packers and/or driver are aware of fragile or precious items.
• When they’re done, make a final check of the entire house including all closets and shelves. You’d be surprised what people overlook when they’re running a tight schedule.
• Be sure to approve and sign Bill of Lading and double check with driver to make certain the moving company records show the proper delivery address for your new house. Verify the scheduled delivery date, too.
• Give the driver phone numbers for both point of departure and destination to contact you in case of a problem.
• Make sure you have the contact number for a real person when the truck is en route. You want to be able to contact someone in case of a problem and not talk to an automatic messaging system.
  

Good Luck and Happy Moving Day… Relocating to the Iowa City area? Give me a call. I’d love to help you find the right home for you!