So you've been shopping for Tulsa homes for sale and found just the right match, congratulations! Now it's time to start planning for your big move, and there's no doubt preparation is an essential ingredient for making your move go as smoothly as possible. There are also some extra considerations if you're moving during the summer, which is the most popular time of year for people to move. Our real estate agents have more details on how you can prepare for a smooth move this summer.

• Prepare for the Summer Heat
  If you'll be handling some or all of the heavy lifting without the help of movers, it's important to dress and prepare for the summer heat. Having plenty of cold water on hand is a must, and it's helpful to wear clothing with light (but durable) fabric, as well. If you're expecting the weather to be especially hot, consider planning your move for as early in the day as possible. And if your new home is close to your old one, turning on air conditioning in both homes provides a nice respite as you move items from one to the other.

• Budget for a Summer Move
  Planning to hire a mover to handle the heavy lifting? Be prepared to pay higher rates than at other times of the year, due to so many people scheduling their moves for the summer. As with any time of year, it's wise to take time to vet movers before making a choice. Check reviews, ask for recommendations from trusted sources, and choose the best mover for your needs. If you're hiring a mover, scheduling your move well in advance can often help you find the best rates.

• Be Mindful of Summer Holidays
  Major summer holidays often come with a hefty helping of extra traffic, so it's helpful to plan your move outside of holiday weekends. In addition to major, national holidays like the Fourth of July, consider any local holidays, festivals, or events that may cause extra traffic in the area where you're moving.

• Prepare to Organize and Label Boxes
  Before you get serious about packing, make sure you have key supplies like boxes, packing tape, markers, and labels, as well as something to provide cushioning for fragile items. Invest time in organizing by packing similar items together, and labeling every box clearly. In addition to writing on a label what's in each box, using extra, color-coded labels is a great way to help you easily identify which boxes go in which room.

• Consider Lightening Your Load
  There are few better times to clear out extra clutter than when you're packing for a move. Donating unneeded clothing and other items can lighten your load during a move, while doing a good deed in the process. It also makes it easier to get organized without overwhelming the storage spaces in your new home.

• Prepare for Moving with Kids
  Moving is often a scary prospect for kids, even if they'll eventually love their new home and neighborhood. In order to ease the transition, it's often helpful to pack their favorite toys last, and let them keep a few favorite items to play with during the move. You can also visit your new home with them ahead of time, to get them excited about where they'll be moving.

Still searching for the right match for your next home? Our local team is here to help with all of your real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Tulsa, OK area.