Packing Organization Checklist
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Here’s your packing organization checklist. It’s always nice to have a checklist, especially when preparing for a large project like moving your home. I have found that one can never have enough good information about packing and moving. And just when it looks like there isn’t anything else to know about packing and moving, here comes some more great ideas.
1. It’s a good idea to let your moving company (we hope it’s M&M Super Moving) pack the fragile items. This will insure that they will arrive safely.
2. It’s so important to clearly label each box. The last thing you need is to get to your new home and have to open every box to find something. Some important things to write on each box are your name, it’s general contents, an arrow showing which side is up, which room the box belongs in and ‘Fragile’ if the contents are breakable.
3. As a general rule it’s a good idea to pack one room at a time. This way when you get to your new home you can easily unpack room by room without as much confusion and mess.
4. Instead of packing your rugs, send them out to be cleaned, the cleaners will roll and wrap them and they will be ready for the move.
5. To use your moving boxes more efficiently put the heaviest items in the smallest boxes, working your way up to the largest boxes which should hold large or light items. Keep in mind that if you can’t easily lift a box it is too heavy.
6. When you take apart furniture be sure to keep all the small screws and nuts in a plastic bag. Tape the bag to the item in a way that won’t scar your wooden items.
7. Use your suitcases to pack your clothing. It will be much easier to find and there’s no need moving them empty.
8. For fragile items line the bottom of the box with packing materials to create a safer environment for your things.
9. Lastly and maybe most important of all is purging as your go. Consider throwing out anything that is broken or that you haven’t used in a while. It just makes sense not to move items that you don’t need any more. If the items are still good you might give them to a local charity or consider having a garage sale before you move.
That’s it for this list. If you’d like to find more great ideas for packing for your move check out the ideas under Packing Tips.
Don’t forget, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today!
Published in categories: Packing Tips
Longhorn Cavern State Park – Cool Things To Do In Austin
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Longhorn Cavern State Park is a natural river formed cavern in the Texas Hill Country. It has been created by the dissolving and cutting action of water on the limestone bedrock.
The cavern has a wonderful history, that starts for us in the Ice Age as evidenced by the fossil remains. More recently than that the Comanche Indians used the cavern about 400 years ago. And the cavern was used during the Civil War as a Confederate stronghold where gunpowder was secretly manufactured. There are rumors that the outlaw Sam Bass used it as his hideout.
Already visited the cavern? You may want to make another trip. Workers have rewired the Landmark and replaced the old, outdated, incandescent lighting with hundreds of energy saving halogen lights, better illuminating the caverns natural beauty and special features. The new slogan is ‘See Longhorn Cavern in a whole new light.’
Longhorn Cavern State Park is located six miles west of U.S. Hwy. 281, on Park Road 4
The GPS address is 6211 Park Road 4 Sooth, Burnet, Texas 78611
For Information Call
1-877-441-cave (2283) toll free
1-830-598-cave (2283)
1-512-756-4680
Hours
Summer Hours
Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend
Monday – Sunday
Tours 10am to 4pm Hourly
Winter Hours
Tuesday after Labor Day to Friday before Memorial Day
Monday thru Friday Tours 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays Tours 10am to 4pm Hourly
More Information
They suggest wearing comfortable rubber soled shoes, they allow plain bottled water and regular flash photography. they don’t allow food, flavored drinks, flashlights, video cameras, tripods, or mono-pods.
Visit the Longhorn Cavern State Park Website to learn more.
Find More Cool Things To Do In Austin!
Don’t forget, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today!
Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Cool Things To Do In Austin
Round Rock Real Estate Update – October 2012
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‘Round Our Town’ – Round Rock Real Estate Update – October 2012
“This is a significant increase in sales volume, even for the Austin market, which has seen 17 straight months of increasing sales. The last time our market saw increases of this size was in 2009, just prior to the expiration of federal homebuyer tax credits. To see these results now without those types of external factors stimulating the market is very encouraging.” – Leonard Guerrero, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®*
Can you guess where this is headed?
You’re absolutely right – sales figures in Round Rock are still on the rise, indicating a favorable market for sellers, in addition to a continued buyer-friendly atmosphere with historically-low interest rates, affordable home prices and excellent quality of living.
October, 2012, closed sales reached 219, a 36.9% increase from one year ago, and an increase of 5% from September. Year-over-year average sales price has increased in Round Rock as well – from $209,128 in October, 2011, to $223,047 in October, 2012.** That was an increase of 6.7%.
Inventory figures continued to plummet in October: 559 homes, as compared to 628 homes in September of this year. That could be a combination of a few factors, notably an appreciating market, coupled with the traditional belief that the holidays are the “slow” season for real estate. There’s really no “slow” season in real estate, especially in the Austin area.
Days on market still hovered under 2 months – 57 days – an incredibly quick turn-around time from listed to sold. That’s not the only silver lining for sellers… The list price-to-sales price figure increased from 95.3% in September to 95.9% in October. The bottom line? Sellers are putting more “Benjamins” in their pockets, as sales prices nearly equaled the original list price of homes.
What makes Lora and the GoodLife Team different? Register for a limited-availability ‘Round Our Town Elite Buyer or Seller Consultation today by registering at http://texaslora.com/round-our-town/ (or emailing lora@goodlifeteam.com) and mentioning this blog. Find out how we change customer service to a five-star customer experience.
Lora Tucker Kaasch, Realtor®
The GoodLife Team
lora@goodlifeteam.com
512.539.7547
Information from the “Local Market Update – October 2012” by the Austin Board of Realtors®
**Does not account for seller’s concessions.
More Information on Austin Real Estate Market and Cedar Park Leander Real Estate Markets.
Remember, when you are ready to move your home or office we would love to help. Get a free online quote today.
Published in categories: Round Rock Real Estate News
Dorm Room Basics
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When it comes to moving and packing for college some dorm room basics will help you be even more creative. It’s a small space and most of us have lots of stuff. If you are coming from Mom and Dad’s house where there was lots of room you’ll need a bit of ingenuity to make the most of just about everything!
Some of us love to decorate and others are pretty ho-hum about the whole thing, but whatever you do to prepare for the big day, you’ll be glad for a little help in the form of some great ideas. I found this great article with lots of personal ideas about moving and packing and decorating and there is also a list of 8 tips for moving into college housing.
You’ll find ideas about moving in the middle of the week, to avoid the huge rush, useing your suitcases and coolers for packing and filling the space with what you have before you purchase new stuff.
Here’s just one idea to get you started, be sure to click though and enjoy the article, I’m guessing you’ll find something you haven’t thought of…
“Before you buy expensive packing materials to protect your precious possessions, consider what you already have around. Dish towels, T-shirts and pillows all make for great packing materials. Your local grocery store will usually contribute some free empty boxes if you ask nicely during off-peak times. To cover more delicate furniture, hit a thrift shop for cheap blankets and tape them in place.” Read More
Want to know more? Here you go https://mmmoving.com/college-move-in-and-out/.
As always, when you are ready to move home or office, we are ready to provide expert help! Get a free online quote today.
Published in categories: College Move In and Out
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2013 – Cool Things To Do In Austin
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If you are a music lover and will be in Austin next fall you might just want to get a head start by getting your three day pass to the Austin City Limits Music Festival 2013. If you think we take our music seriously, you’re right. Tickets are already available for 2013!
With big name artists and lots of them, this three day music festival is one of the countries biggest! Fans come from all over to enjoy the extensive line up including, popular artists and up and coming performers.
Besides the music Austin offers its love of food to festival visitors with the Austin Eats Food Court. Enjoy some of Austin’s favorite foods! Also for the art lovers, SoCa Art Market will be open.
Past artist include Alt-J, Gary Clark Jr., Two Door Cinema Club, The Lumineers and Die Antwoord, The Avett Brothers, Iggy & The Stooges, Childish Gambino and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few.
1 Day and 3 Day passes are available.
When
Two 2013 Weekends
October 4 – 6th
and 11th – 13th
Where
2100 Barton Springs Road
Zilker Park
Austin, TX 78746
Tickets and More Information
http://www.aclfestival.com/
Find More Cool Things To Do In Austin!
Don’t forget, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today!
Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Cool Things To Do In Austin
Moving To A New City – The Decision To Move
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Moving To A New City – The Decision To Move
No matter what your reason for moving to a new city, it could be a good idea to think things through before you make your final decision.
Make sure you can afford living in the new city. Create a budget considering all your expenses, especially any expenses that will increase in the new city, like food or utilities or home prices. It is a great idea to have at least 6 months living expenses saved as a cushion. Don’t forget things like lunches and toll fees. Get everything in there and take an honest look at the numbers. Sometimes it is best to stay where you are rather than running out of money after only a few months.
It is smart to wait until you get to know your new city before purchasing a home. So many times we jump in and buy something and then a year later after we’ve gotten to know the city we’re sorry. Because the home we own isn’t were we want it to be.
In some cities it makes more sense to use public transportation, finding out about parking where you’ll be working is always a good idea, that way you can add it to your budget.
Once you have determined whether or not you can afford to live in the new city, use some vacation time to check it out. Instead of staying in a motel stay with a friend or relative who lives there, if possible. If not stay close to the neighborhood you are considering. This way you can check out the neighborhood as if you lived there.
Find More ideas about Moving To A New City
And remember, when you are ready to move your home or office we would love to help. Get a free online quote today.
Published in categories: Moving To A New City
Moving To A New City – Fitting In
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Moving To A New City – Fitting In. Waking up in a completely new city can be frightening and exhilarating! And being the new kid on the block can test even the most outgoing person. Here are some ideas to help you during those first few months while you are still ‘new’.
Look for others who share common interests, like running, old cars, music, reading, cooking or anything you love. Many enriching relationships are created around activities. At your job look around for those who went to the same college you did, or lived close to where you just moved from. You will automatically have something to talk about. And maybe these new acquaintances will introduce you to their friends or invite you to something where you can meet more people.
Don’t be over sensitive to comments from people you meet, most of the time when people are offensive, they don’t even know it. Really, it’s only fair to get to know them and let them get to know you. I have learned from experience that it doesn’t matter what other people think anyway. Sometimes fitting in means letting it go and laughing at yourself. Stay light and easygoing and others will enjoy your company and want you around.
Be Switzerland. You know what this means, stay out of any gossip. This is always a good rule and it applies doubly when you are new. Most people have a lovely side, we just have to look for it with some.
Try new things, go to sporting events with people you don’t know well, company happy hour, the neighborhood party. You will be broadening your horizons and meeting interesting new people.
Find More ideas about Moving To A New City
And remember, when you are ready to move your home or office we would love to help. Get a free online quote today.
Published in categories: Moving To A New City
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting 2012 – Cool Things To Do In Austin
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Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting 2012
Every year since 1967 the beautiful Zilker Holiday Tree has marked the holiday season for Austin folks. The first tree was lit by Mayor Pro Tem Mrs. Emma Long. Since then the winner of the Holiday Tree Art Contest has had the honor of lighting the tree.
“The Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs – totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.”
This years tree lighting ceremony is on December 2. Join in the fun at 6pm. There will be local entertainment, food, novelties and live music. The tree will be lit and on display from December 3rd to December 31st.
Important – December 15-23 the area roads will be closed as thousands visit the Trail of Lights. If you are planning to visit the Holiday Tree itself, make sure to plan around those nights.
For those of us who may not be completely familiar with where this is happening, here’s the address…
2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704
Find More Cool Things To Do In Austin!
Don’t forget, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today!
Published in categories: Austin Attractions, Cool Things To Do In Austin
Round Rock Real Estate Update – September 2012
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‘Round Our Town – Round Rock Real Estate Update – September 2012
Can you believe it’s November? It feels as if this year has simply flown by… Speaking of flying, our home inventory has been flying off the shelves this year, not only in Round Rock, but also across the state. In fact, the 2012-Q3 edition of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report indicates that the real estate recovery in Texas appears to be sustainable.
Jim Gaines, Ph.D., economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, commented on the report’s findings: “Previously, it was unclear whether the positive momentum of the first half of the year was a temporary surge or a sustainable improvement. These third quarter results clarify that picture, indicating that the housing market has recovered in Texas. Assuming the national economy doesn’t falter in a significant way, I think we’ll see this positive momentum continue in Texas.”*
In the Round Rock area, inventory was down 17.7% from September, 2011, from 763 to 628 single family homes, despite an increase of 3.8% in the number of new listings, from the same period last year. With lower inventory figures, Round Rock homes have spent less time on the market: 78 vs. 58 days – a whopping 26% decrease – since the beginning of the year.
Sellers have been receiving a high percentage of their original list price – 95.3%, an increase of .9% from September, 2011. Additionally, the median sales price has been inching up from a year ago – from$194,000 to $205,000.**
As the holidays approach, conventional wisdom has been that the fall/winter just isn’t a “home selling” season. The reality? That couldn’t be farther from the truth, especially in our marketplace. Here are just a few reasons why:
* Serious buyers are still looking – meaning, you have less “window shoppers.”
* Relocation buyers must buy – this is the time where many companies shift employees to different areas.
* The best agents in the business are still working – trust me on this.
* Selling in the fall/winter positions a buyer for the spring market – i.e. sell when inventory is low, and buy when inventory is high.
If you’re curious about what your home may be worth, I am happy to provide you with a free, no obligation market analysis of your home – I’m here for you. You have my word on that.
Lora Tucker Kaasch, Realtor®
The GoodLife Team
lora@goodlifeteam.com
512.539.7547
Information from the “Local Market Update – September 2012” by the Austin Board of Realtors®
**Does not account for seller’s concessions.
More Information on Austin Real Estate Market and Cedar Park Leander Real Estate Markets.
Remember, when you are ready to move your home or office we would love to help. Get a free online quote today.
Published in categories: Round Rock Real Estate News
Buying A Home – Researching Your Future Neighborhood
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Location – Location – Location – Buying A Home – Researching Your Future Neighborhood
Before you purchase a home don’t forget to do one of the most important tasks; research your future neighborhood. This is so important, why? you ask, well, the future value of your home is tied to what happens in it’s neighborhood and the surrounding area.
As many have found out, something as simple as a new road or as aweful as a sewer treatment plant being built nearby can have a dramatic impact on your home value. You’ll also want to research the city for crime, schools and other local info.
Go to the City and ask questions, ask for the city planner or staff and show them where the house is and ask what plans there are for development, zoning and projections for roads. Or you could find a real estate agent who is works in the area where the home is and knows what is going on there. Ask your questions and ask if he/she goes to city plannings meetings.
Drive around in the neighborhood. Go at night when people are home, look for things that you like and also notice things that you don’t like. Look for police cars and trash and graffiti. Do the homeowners take care of their yards? Ask yourself questions about the convenience of the neighborhood, proximity to shopping and schools. During rush hour drive from the potential new house to work and back and see how long it takes.
Talk to the neighbors, let them know you are considering moving to the neighborhood and ask them if they could provide any insight. Ask them how they like living there. Go to the schools (if you have children) and observe them and ask questions about what the offer, this is a great way to get a sense of a schools character.
Go to the city’s official website. Here you can find all kinds of info, from crime statistics to recreation for your potential new neighborhood.
Making decisions based on the information gleaned through your research will assure you that you have done your best to find a great home in a great location.
Read More Buying or Selling Your Home.
And when you are ready to move home or office, we would love to help! Get your free online quote today.
Published in categories: Buying Or Selling A Home, First Time Home Buyer Wisdom
