SOLD by JAMES RESPONDEK in PACIFIC PALISADES. Browse more homes for sale here.
Jaw-dropping natural beauty, vibrant atmosphere, convenient location, and every modern amenity one can think of – it’s easy to see why Pacific Palisades real estate properties are highly sought-after.
For those seriously considering a Pacific Palisades relocation, here’s every need-to-know for a successful and minimally stressful move.
Here’s an overview. Click on the link for details.
ONE MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE
- Sort and purge
- Book a moving service
- Arrange moving insurance
- Research and book travel accommodations
- Give notice to important parties
- Start packing
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Organize documents
- Confirm all bookings and reservations
- Pack as much items as possible
- Take the car for a routine maintenance
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE
- Get the car ready for the trip
- Unplug appliances
- Confirm move out/move in dates
- Schedule the new home for thorough cleaning
MOVING WITH KIDS
- Explain the reason for the move
- Maintain daily routines
- Host a farewell party
- Explore the new neighborhood with the kids prior to the move
- Schedule a visit to the old community
MOVING WITH PETS
- Check local pet regulations
- Ensure the new home’s pet-friendliness
- Schedule visit to the vet a couple of weeks before the move
- Get them acquainted with their carriers
- Allow for an adjustment period at the new home
WORK WITH JAMES RESPONDEK IF YOU’RE MOVING TO PACIFIC PALISADES
ONE MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE
Preparing to move should be done as early as possible, but one month before moving day is enough time for most people. Here are some of the Pacific Palisades relocation steps to take during this period.
1. Sort and purge
Start by sorting which belongings to keep and which ones to discard. Go through every room in the house, including the garage, the attic, the storage space under the stairs, etc. When done selecting the belongings to take to the newly purchased Pacific Palisades real estate, categorize them whether they will need regular or special packing.
As for the items to discard, hold a garage sale to sell off the good ones to help fund the move. Donating to charity can also be a good idea. Aside from lending a helping hand, it can also provide some tax relief that can be beneficial to the purchase of Pacific Palisades luxury homes.
2. Book a moving service
When choosing a mover for a Pacific Palisades relocation, make sure that the service is licensed and insured. Verify a moving company’s license through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. After selecting a mover, get a written estimate to determine the packing costs, and beware of hidden fees. Surcharges are common in a move, but the mover should discuss what they entail in advance.
Arrange moving insurance
Professional moving services to Pacific Palisades luxury homes generally come packaged with moving or relocation insurance. However, protections provided by moving companies are often insufficient for most shipment types. Those taking on a Pacific Palisades relocation should make it a point to contact their insurance provider and inquire about particular valuables that may need extra coverage. Discuss an existing policy with the insurance provider to ensure all assets are fully protected during the move.
4. Research and book travel accommodations
For those who will be flying to their new Pacific Palisades luxury homes, make sure to arrange travel tickets (flight, rail, car rental, etc.) ahead of time. For those who plan to do a cross-country or out-of-state move by land, identify the distance and how many gas stops the trip will require. Research the gas stations and hotels along the way. Book hotels ahead of time, so there’s less worry about running out of rooms to stay in.
Those moving from out-of-state should consider booking an extended stay hotel in Pacific Palisades. Moving can be full of unpredictable twists and turns that could leave one without belongings for days – or even weeks. Fully furnished extended stay hotels have all the amenities that moving individuals and families need to use until their belongings arrive and the new house is good and ready.
5. Give notice to important parties
Relocating individuals should let the following entities know that they are moving: banks/credit card companies, insurance providers, and utility providers, as well as clubs and organizations. Government agencies must be notified as well, including tax agencies, the US Postal Service, Social Security Administration, and Department of Motor Vehicles. These entities often require relocating individuals to update their personal information with their new address.
Renters must let their landlord know about their moving plans, as most rental agreements require renters to furnish a vacate notice letter 30 days in advance.
6. Start packing
Stock up on packing supplies such as box cartons, bubble wrap, and tape. Begin packing seldom used items such as shelf displays, wall paintings, out-of-season clothing, and unused furniture and equipment. Pack similar items together, and label each box according to the contents and the room it belongs to for easy identification.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
Very often, the couple of weeks before the move is the most stressful period – iit can make one feel like there’s not enough time to complete everything. The tips below will help alleviate some of the packing blues during this critical time.
1. Organize documents
Official documents should be arranged according to type to make them easier to find. Documents can be categorized as:
- Relocation documents. Written estimates, moving contracts, storage box inventory list
- Financial documents. Credit card bills, checking/savings accounts, loan papers, tax documents and receipts
- Asset documents.Buyer/seller agreements, lease agreements, vehicle registration, vehicle warranty, insurance coverage
- Personal documents. School records, medical history, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, IDs
2. Confirm all bookings and reservations
Be sure to get confirmation for bookings and reservations done with the mover, the hotels, and ticketing offices, along with any arrangement made for the move. If moving from a rental apartment, remind the landlord or property manager about the move. Make sure to arrange where the moving truck can park to reduce the disruption to tenants.
3. Pack as much items as possible
With a couple of weeks to go, the majority of non-essential belongings should have been packed by now. Concentrate on packing the rest of the stuff as the moving date draws closer. Go through closets, cabinets, and drawers for any items that may have been overlooked. During the last stages of packing, it will be a good idea to identify “essential boxes” containing items that will likely be used immediately upon arriving at the new home. These essentials can include kitchen utensils, household tools, bathroom supplies, bedding, and the like.
4. Take the car for a routine maintenance
Get the car fully checked and serviced. This is especially important if the car will be used as the main mode of transportation for the move. Confirm the car’s overall condition with the service professional. Make sure all electrical systems such as lights, HVAC, and gauges are functioning properly.
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE
The week before moving day is the time to finalize everything. Be ready to finish as many tasks as possible early on. Doing so can mean there will be enough time to deal with last-minute issues that may pop up. Go over the following one-week moving checklist to make as much headway as possible for the move.
1. Get the car ready for the trip
Check the battery connection, fluid levels, tire pressure, and electrical systems. Maximize the space inside the car by laying and flattening unused seats. Keep the field of vision open and avoid storing boxes where they can obstruct the mirrors. Tie boxes and bags down with ropes, bungee cords or straps to prevent them from shifting around during travel. Refill the gas before the trip.
If the car itself will be transported via vehicle carrier, pack away all personal belongings from the car, including any removable electronics such as satellite radio, toll booth passes, and GPS. Keep the gas tank half full, as a full tank will add to the transportation cost come weighing time.
2. Unplug appliances
All appliances must be unplugged 24 hours before leaving.Secure delicate items in bubble wrap before placing them in boxes.
3. Confirm move out/move in dates
Often, the contract will specify the move-in date of the buyer, or agreed on ahead of time. But it pays to reconfirm with the seller to make sure schedules are on track. Renters should verify their move-out date with their landlord or property manager to ensure the parking zone for the movers is appropriately reserved. Also check that the new place has a space reserved for the movers to unload.
4. Schedule the new home for thorough cleaning
Depending on the condition of the new home, some deep cleaning may be necessary. If the space was previously occupied, it is even more crucial to have the property professionally cleaned. For peace of mind, book a professional cleaning service prior to your move. Make sure to inform cleaners about any family member with allergies and chemical sensitivities. Top real estate agents in Pacific Palisades are a good source of information on trustworthy cleaning services in the area.
MOVING WITH KIDS
Moving to a new place can be especially challenging for kids. Parents should make an effort to view the move from their child’s perspective and involve them in the decision-making as much as they can. Here are four essential tips to make moving with kids a breeze.
1. Explain the reason for the move
Taking the time to help kids understand the reason behind the move can help address any negative feelings they might have about the situation. Schedule a family meeting to explain the move and what it means for each family member. When discussing the relocation with children, focus on the positive aspects of the move.The negative attitudes of adults can influence how a child feels about the move.
2. Maintain daily routines
A move to a new house can severely disrupt the sense of familiarity that children have with their surroundings, which can negatively affect their feeling of safety and belongingness. Routines can help maintain their feeling of stability. Be consistent with familiar routines such as bathtime, playtime, mealtime, study time, and bedtime. Upon moving into the new house, establish familiar routines immediately.Likewise, make it a point to unpack and set up the child’s room first, as familiar objects can help them get settled right away.
3. Host a farewell party
A moving away party allows children to spend time with friends and family before they leave. Start by making a guest list, prioritizing their closest friends. Next, choose an adequately sized venue where everyone can be together in one place. It can be the backyard or a local events venue, depending on the number of expected guests
It is important to schedule the farewell party a couple of weeks before the move so it doesn’t interfere with the busy final week.Decide on a theme to make the event more exciting and memorable, and find ways to create keepsakes, such as giving out souvenirs, taking Polaroid pictures, or making the guests sign a guest book or poster.
Upon settling in the new home, set up a virtual event and invite the children’s friends to view the new house and their room. Permit the kids to keep an open line of communication with their friends to help them ease into the transition.
4. Explore the new neighborhood with the kids prior to the move
Try to visit the new neighborhood weeks ahead of the move. This can help the kids establish some familiarity with the place and give them a clear sense of what to expect. Go around the community and check out nearby restaurants, playgrounds, picnic parks, movie theaters, and the like. Schedule a weekend for fun activities during the visit to help them feel more at home when they’ve moved there for good.
If a physical visit is not possible, request the agent to conduct a video house tour for the kids.Have the agent describe the positive qualities of the new home during the tour. Ask questions about the neighborhood and surrounding areas, including any kid-friendly amenities that the young ones may be interested in.
5. Schedule a visit to the old community
Reassure the kids that they can see their old friends again by planning a return trip to the old neighborhood. This will give them something to look forward to after the move, helping turn that tearful “Farewell” into an anticipatory “See you soon!”
A surprise visit can heighten the excitement of the planned neighborhood return. Talk to the parents of their friends or their old school to see if a surprise visit can be arranged. Think of games and activities that the kids can do for some quality bonding during the visit.
MOVING WITH PETS
A relocation can be just as stressful for four-legged companions as it is for people. However, there are steps that can help them stay safe and calm throughout the hectic period.
1. Check local pet regulations
Pacific Palisades is a pet-friendly community, but certain areas apply certain restrictions such as keeping a pet on a leash or confined at all times. Some communities also have specific requirements for pet owners to follow. It’s best to look into the local pet policies in advance. Those moving from out of state, should be aware of key aspects of California pet laws including the following:
- All dogs require rabies vaccination. Dogs four months and older should have received their first rabies shot.
- All dogs must be licensed. This applies to all single dog owners, multiple dog owners, and breeders.
- Pet abandonment is a chargeable offense. Municipal animal service agencies can charge those who abandon their animals with a misdemeanor.
- Breeders have unique pet rules and regulations to follow. These specific breeder regulations are designed to protect buyers and animals from abuse.
Talk to top real estate agents in Pacific Palisades for more information about local pet laws that may apply to your unique situation.
2. Ensure the new home’s pet-friendliness
Steps must be taken to pet-proof the new home. Gates, windows, and doors should all have screens to prevent them from getting out of the house accidentally. Have the new home inspected for any animal traps and hazardous materials (mothballs, rat poison, electrical cords, etc.) that may have been left behind by the previous owner.Install pet-proof latches to keep them from opening doors and cabinets.
If the home comes with a fence, inspect the structure for holes your pets can slip out of. If the home doesn’t have fencing, consider getting one installed before the move.
3. Schedule visit to the vet a couple of weeks before the move
Make an appointment to have the vet evaluate the pet’s overall health. A checkup prior to the trip ensures that the pet meets all vaccination and medical requirements.The vet can also provide important tips to reduce the animal’s anxiety during transport.
4. Get them comfortable in their carriers
Make their carrier comfortable for them by placing their favorite blanket or toy inside. This will allow them to associate the carrier as a place for rest and relaxation.Feeding them inside the carrier and leaving treats inside for them to find can also help them become more familiar with it.
5. Allow for an adjustment period at the new home
While it can be exciting to let the animal roam around immediately in the new home, it’s best to keep them secluded for a few days to ease them into adapting to their new surroundings. If the pet seems anxious upon arrival, keep them in a room with plenty of treats and liquids. Once they feel comfortable in their new space, their behavior will likely return to normal. That will be the time to let them out to explore the rest of the property.
EXPLORE THE PACIFIC PALISADES REAL ESTATE MARKET WITH JAMES RESPONDEK
Purchasing a luxury home in this highly desirable community can be so much easier if you work with the top real estate agents in Pacific Palisades. James Respondek is one such Realtor, having been in the business of buying and selling the finest properties in the area since 1979.
His long standing reputation for getting results and his sophisticated yet down-to-earth approach provide discriminating clientele with a distinct advantage in the purchase and sale of prestigious properties.
To find your dream home in Pacific Palisades, get in touch with James by calling 310.488.4400 or by sending a message here.