Stuff Self Storage Blog


What to Know About Moving to Illinois

Moving


Moving is stressful enough when you’re moving within the same state, but long-distance moves are even more of a hassle. In addition to changing your address and transferring your utilities, long-distance moves require you to apply for a new driver’s license, transfer your vehicle registration materials, and adjust to living in a new area. While long-distance moves can certainly be a pain, the internet takes some of the stress and uncertainty out of starting over in a new state. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about relocating to the state of Illinois. Relocating to Illinois From Another State Before moving to Illinois, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the home-buying process, hire a real estate agent, and research neighborhoods, school districts, and moving companies. ● Search for a Illinois real estate agent to assist you with your housing search. ● Compare Illinois neighborhoods. Some of the best places to live include O'Fallon, Shiloh, Edwardsville, and Columbia. ● Research school districts for your children. ● Hire a moving company for your long-distance move. Tips for New Illinois Residents Once you’ve moved to Illinois, you’ll need to apply for a new driver’s license, register your out-of-state vehicle, and register to vote in the state. ● Within 90 days of moving to Illinois, transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration credentials and apply for a state-issued driver’s license. ● If you’re moving from one part of Illinois to another, be sure to update your mailing address with the Illinois Department of Revenue within 10 days of the move. ● Obtain a new automobile insurance policy. ● Complete an Illinois Voter Registration Application. ● Utilize the services of the Illinois workNet Center if you need help finding work. Moving a Business to Illinois If you own a business, you’ll need to take several additional steps when moving to Illinois ...


Sharon Wagner
May 13th, 2022


How to Downsize Your Home for Larger Living in Retirement

Moving


If you’re thinking about downsizing (or you’re helping a senior loved one downsize), reading up on what to expect is the best way to make this experience as easy as possible. Whether you’re wondering where to downsize, how to save money or the best way to get your home sold, knowledge is power when it comes to making the best decisions. This guide from Stuff Self Storage will help answer your questions so you’ll be ready to live large in your new (smaller) home. How to Know You’re Making the Right Move Is this a good time to downsize? What style of home is right for you? These (and other) factors should first be taken into consideration before you plan the move. 12 Signs It’s Time to Downsize Downsizing Your Home: 3 Money Benefits 15 Best Home Styles for Retirees Maximize the Financial Gains of Downsizing Since buying a home is a big investment, you'll want to make sure you're financially ready. Here are some great resources for helping you compare mortgage options, estimating your current home's sale price, and more. What Can I Make from Selling My Home? Mortgage Options That Make Home Loans Affordable for Veterans The Total Guide to Downsizing Your House to Get Out of Debt Downsize Your House, Further Your Budget Practical Tips for a Smooth Move Aside from buying a home, you'll need to make preparations for selling your current home and moving out. From self-storage to home staging, here are helpful tips that can make the downsize easier. Rent a Storage Unit at Stuff Self Storage How Much Does It Cost to Move? 4 Ways Home Staging Can Help When You Are Downsizing Maybe you decided to downsize to save money or to get rid of the hassle of homeownership. Maybe your goal is to see the world, or you crave the social opportunities of a senior ...


Andrea Needham
December 10th, 2021


How to Transition Into Caring for Parents

Moving


As your parents get older, it may become apparent that maintaining the family home has become burdensome for them. Deep cleaning, yard work, and daily maintenance are a lot harder to manage. They may also need assistance with personal care or getting to doctor's appointments, grocery stores, or the bank. When you notice your loved ones are not able to keep up like they used to, have an open conversation on how to make daily living comfortable and easier. If assisted living is not necessary, discuss aging in place with the option of you living locally, hiring help, or you moving in. Make Relocating Easy Create a rewarding experience for the entire family during this period of time. Make it less stressful on yourself by renting your new abode instead of searching for and purchasing a new house within a specific proximity of your loved ones. This can get you moved quickly, provide flexibility in location and save on monthly expenses. Experts report that 68% of renters acknowledge that renting gives them flexibility in determining their location. Take this opportunity to live somewhere unique and fun that you otherwise would not have considered, such as downtown or on a golf course, or the waterfront. Obtaining an easier lifestyle carves out more time to spend and care for your loved ones. Rather than your free hours being spent on updating and maintaining a new house, you can share them with your parents and manage their needs. Hire Help When Mom and Dad decide to age in place in their home, it needs to be updated and maintained. This can become quite difficult, and hiring professionals can assist everyone. Although gardening is a beneficial activity for seniors, the physical labor of mowing and trimming can be hired out to a backyard landscaping service. Connect with backyard landscaping companies in your area, but before meeting with a landscaper, ...


Sharon Wagner
December 10th, 2021