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moving to orange county va with your dog

Moving to Orange County, VA with Your Dog

You are moving into a new home – it’s exciting but rather challenging. And we’re not thinking only of packing – some ‘hidden’ challenges will undoubtedly come your way if you’re not well-prepared. One of them is surely taking care of your furry friend while moving. Pets, especially dogs, can react nervously to the whole thing, making the process even more difficult. Luckily, there’s a way to avoid issues. Here are the best tips on moving to Orange County, VA with your dog.

Why Orange County, VA is great for people with pets

Not every place is good for pets. However, Orange County is undoubtedly one of the pet-friendly ones. Firstly, you can truly enjoy the outdoors – your dog can run, play and jump as much as it wants. There are several parks and other green spaces in cities such as Orange and Gordonsville. Also, most shops allow well-behaved dogs, allowing you to go shopping with your furry friend. Finally, you’ll be able to find a pet-friendly home as well – just be sure to set this as a priority in your house-hunting process.

How to make moving to Orange County, VA with your dog smooth and stress-free?

Relocations are not only stressful for humans – dogs can feel stressed out as well. The biggest reason for it is the disruption of their living space and adapting to the new environment. Dogs rely on the smells around them, so they can become pretty nervous once they need to move into an unfamiliar place. There are ways you can make moving with pets easier for your little friend and prepare for this task – so be sure to remember these tips when you start planning your move to Orange County, VA.

Let moving supplies be there for a while

Bringing new objects to the house can make your dog upset – especially if you start packing ‘their’ items into boxes. Thus, make sure you bring in moving supplies a bit before you need to start packing. This will allow your pet to get used to these items and have no issues once you start packing your household for the move. After going through all the steps of buying a property, hiring movers, and shopping for packing supplies, sitting in a house filled with packing materials might be the last thing you want. However, it’s what your dog needs, and that’s all that should matter. 

 a dog sitting in a chair
Dogs are very sensitive to changes – make sure they don’t feel a thing when moving to a new home.

Figure out the transport details 

Depending on where you’re coming from, you and your pet will spend more or less time in your car, or a plane, train, etc. Thus, it helps to figure out the transport details on time. If you’ll need a transport box, and your dog is not used to traveling in it – get one beforehand. Let it sit in your home for a couple of weeks, so your pet can get used to it. Put its favorite toys and snacks in this transport box, so the dog can see it’s a safe place to be.

In case you need to travel by plane, and this is the first time for your dog, it’s good to prepare it for it. Some people recommend going together through a car wash, which simulates the sounds and vibrations to the ones you feel on the plane. But most importantly, it’s essential that you are calm and that you speak to your dog in a calm, optimistic voice.

Stick to a routine 

Moving house can disrupt your schedule a lot. However, it’s essential to stick to your dog’s routines as much as possible. This includes feeding and playtime and your routines when going for a walk. The routine will ensure your dog feels safe and calm even with all the changes around.

a woman practicing yoga with her dog
Always stick to the routines when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog

Bring all of your pet’s old items 

It’s often recommended to declutter the old household before you start packing and throw away everything that you can replace with new items. However, when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog, try to keep most of the old things. Keep your dog’s old food and water bowls, bed, and toys. Once you arrive at the new bigger/smaller home, these items will help them feel secure and recognize the new place as their new home.

Visit the vet before moving to Orange County, VA

Pay a visit to your old vet before you relocate. They may be able to recommend a new vet in Orange County, VA. Also, they could write all the necessary prescriptions in case your dog takes therapy. Finally, make sure your pet is microchipped – with the updated address. This proved to be useful for pet owners whose pets escaped during the move as they were feeling anxious and scared. Finally, take care of all the documentation, especially when moving from another state or relocating internationally.

a girl using a laptop to find out more about moving with her dog
Schedule a visit to the pet before moving and get all the necessary documentation for a safe journey.

Keep your dog away on the moving day 

Once all the boxes are packed and movers are about to arrive, it’s best to leave your dog in trusted hands but away from the house. Experienced moving companies, such as Zippy Shell NV, recommend you find a place where your furry friend will feel calm and safe. Ask a friend or a trusted dog sitter to take care of your pet while movers do their part. Strangers taking away items from your home are what dogs see as a threat, making them extremely nervous and sometimes aggressive.

Adapting to the new space 

After the move, it’s time for the last step to introduce the dog to the new living space. Firstly, make sure the new home is safe for a pet – remove any hazards, close all the doors and windows and then let the dog into the house. As everything is new, your dog will explore the space by trying to smell and touch almost everything in the house. That’s why the environment must be safe for this new curious resident. Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog can be a wonderful experience – but you have to make it such. 

Meta description: Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog in the days to come? Then read our article and learn how to get ready for it. 

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Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Relocating for Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

We all hope for a career that will take us places. Sometimes that could be Orange County, Virginia. Exciting as that is, packing up your life and moving your family can also be stressful — after all, there are a lot of things you’ll need to organize and plan for.  

A relocation package from your employers can help, but the rest is up to you. A checklist can be an invaluable tool to keep you on top of things. The Licata Group presents some key tasks you’ll need to remember to make your career relocation easy, beginning up to two months before your moving date. 

Visit Your New Hometown

While it’s good to know what to expect, a visit to your new location and office can also offer insight on what to prepare for. It also offers a great opportunity to connect with your new colleagues, who can probably offer invaluable advice for your move. If you have children, you may also be looking to scout out new schools before your move. A visit beforehand can give you an idea of which area you want to search for accommodation. 

Plan Your Finances

With a new salary, you might not expect to find a change in their cost of living, so it’s always good to be prepared before relocating. Websites such as Payscale can help you compare the costs of supermarket goods, restaurants, gas, and medical bills. 

Message boards and Facebook groups are also a great place to get unbiased and up-to-date information from fellow residents (and to make friends with your potential neighbors). 

If you need to sign up for a new banking service, make sure you have an easy way to access and transfer your current funds.  

Secure Your New Home

Whether you’re relocating for a set period of time or for the unforeseeable future, it is advisable to consider renting a house before purchasing one so that you have the chance to familiarize yourself with the environment and other housing options. 

Schedule the Move

If you need to buy airplane tickets for you and your family, buying tickets ahead of time is still the cheapest option for tickets. Depending on how many belongings you’ll be taking, you may also need to book a reputable moving company available on your moving date. Compare moving companies to see which fits within your budget and provides the most suitable insurance coverage options to protect your belongings. 

Save all your travel and moving receipts in one handy location, such as a Google Drive, particularly if you will be claiming reimbursement from your employer.

Personalize Your Checklist

Use this information to compile your own checklist that includes important dates and information. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and use services that can help you find the home of your dreams in Lake of the Woods. After all, it’s not your career that takes you places — it’s all you. 

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Ways to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move in Virginia

A long-distance move needs to be properly planned. You cannot simply pop over and fix things you had forgotten to handle the way you can when moving just to the other side of town. So, take the time to organize the process properly, and give yourself at least a few months to do it! To help with this, here are ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia.

Plan for pets and children in advance

Even if you are moving to one of the hottest neighborhoods in Orange County, your kids, no matter how excited they are, are still going to be stressed and worried about the move. The uncertainty, leaving their childhood home, and the difficulties of a long-distance move will all combine. Make sure to set some time aside to calm them down and keep an eye on them throughout the process. Your pets will similarly likely go through a crisis. This will be compounded by the fact that some species do not handle relocation and travel well at all. Make sure their travel carriers are covered in breathable cloth since it might help them calm down.

A relaxed puppy in a box
Keeping your pets relaxed and happy will let you focus on the move better!

Update your address on all your documents

It is important to remember that your documents will need to be updated with your new address. This might take some time, but make sure to do it anyway. If at all possible, in fact, do it before your move. You will likely be busy enough as it is, trying to handle everything when you are there. So something like updating your address could slip your mind in the chaos. Still, it can cause any number of issues, starting with getting your driving license suspended, so the importance of it is not to be underestimated.

Call off your subscriptions and redirect your mail

Your mail will still be delivered to your old address unless you take the time to visit your local post office and have them redirect it to its proper new destination. This is another thing you need to do before you move, since it would be time-consuming and complicated to accomplish from your new home instead. Similarly, do not forget to cancel or redirect any subscriptions you have bound to your previous address.

Find a reliable moving company

When it comes to a long-distance move in Virginia and hiring a moving company, you want an easy process without any troubles. After all, it will be the very first step into your new life. You do not want to get off on the wrong foot. The best way to ensure this is to get cost estimates from multiple companies first. This will let you eliminate both the ridiculously expensive ones and obvious scams. You will easily recognize the latter. They will be promising you a move for next to no money at all. Make sure they have references from other customers and chat with them. You can then decide relatively safely on the company you prefer.

A moving company at work helping clients prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia.
Make sure to iron out all the details in the contract you sign!

Get insurance

Get a good insurance policy! It is not a waste of money. It is a precaution, and it is foolish not to have it. If there is an accident, and you do end up losing everything, it will soften the blow. You will not be able to replace sentimental items, of course, but at least you will not be going into your new life with next to nothing to your name.

Make a solid schedule and stick to it

This is important since moving companies, good moving companies at least, have rigid schedules. You could lose your contract and the money you paid if you fail to keep to the plan you had agreed to. In addition to this, it will help keep things on track, and you will always know exactly what needs to be done and when. This will help reduce the stress and uncertainty a long-distance move can entail. You will also know how much time you have to find a good realtor for the sale of your old home, so you can plan around getting your hand on those funds.

Decide what to leave behind

You can’t take all of your belongings with you. Or rather, you probably could, but it would cost even more money, time, and effort. This is an excellent opportunity to go through your stuff and decide what you really need and what you no longer even want. In turn, not only would you trim your luggage, you could donate to charity, give away gifts and heirlooms, or even organize a sale and earn back some money for at least minor spending upon your arrival at your new home.

Pack smartly and well in advance to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia

Even if you have just bought a vacation home in Virginia and are not planning to live there full-time, packing right is important. When moving permanently, it is even more crucial. You need to get quality shipping containers. Preferably plastic, since cardboard boxes easily get wet, torn, or damaged. You can even get recyclable versions. You need to mark what has gone into each container so you know what is where. Finally, you need to organize your luggage so that the least important items are packed into the trucks first. That way, you can quickly get at the important things. And don’t forget to pack the most important items and toiletries into a bag you keep with you at all times! This includes essential documents such as school and medical records.

A moving box used creatively.
If you do opt for traditional boxes, there is plenty you can do with them after the move is over!

Say goodbye to your friends and neighbors

Chances are, you will not be able to easily visit your old friends and neighbors. So, take the time to properly say goodbye. Go on one last outing together. Have fun and try to revisit old memories. It is always good to foster friendships, and you can always keep in touch online!

Conclusion

We hope that our list of ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia was informative and helpful! Good luck, and we are sure that if you stick to what we discussed, your move will at least be a lot less stressful than it otherwise would have been.

Meta Description: Check out our list of ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia and learn everything you will possibly need!

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Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Virginia scenery

Moving from Maryland to Virginia to Start a Family

First of all, congratulations. You have chosen a great state to start a family in. Virginia is a safe and wholesome state that has a lot to offer. It is a family-friendly state, as raising kids in it is easy. However, you have to get there first. Moving from Maryland to Virginia is considered an interstate relocation, and those kinds of relocations need to be well organized. So, make sure to stick with us to the end if you want to find out how you can move to Virginia with the least amount of trouble and start a family there!

There are a lot of things you can do in Virginia

Virginia is one of the most famous states in and outside the US. This means that it is an old state, with a lot of history and many things to do in it. 

One of the best spots in this well-known state is certainly Orange County. There are many things to do in Orange County, and it is no wonder why many families decide to start a new life here. As we already mentioned, Virginia is a safe state, with a plethora of opportunities for children and adults alike, as it offers excellent education and many job opportunities!

Make sure to plan your move and create a strategy

Planning is essential for every relocation. Moreover, no relocation is possible without proper organization, let alone an interstate move. This is why you need to take moving organization seriously and create a strategy of how and when you are going to move to Virginia.

A person planning a relocation
For everything in life, it is good to have a plan. Moving from Maryland to Virginia isn’t an exception

Find a good moving company

Moving organization starts with searching for a good moving company that can take you to Virginia. There are many movers on the scene, but you need to hire real professionals if you want to organize the process in a flash since interstate moves such as those from Maryland to Virginia can be very time and energy-consuming.

Make sure to compare different moving companies online, look at their reviews, and get in touch with as many moving companies as you can. You also need to remember that you need to book your move at least two months in advance.

Calculate the costs of the move

In the early phases, it is impossible to precisely calculate how much your move will cost you. However, you can get a rough estimate if you include all potential expenses. Good moving calculation always leaves some space in the budget for unexpected circumstances. This means that you have to leave a financial margin in your estimate if something goes wrong.

The main cost you’ll want to include in your calculations is the cost of hiring a moving company. Every respectable moving company has a moving calculator, which enables customers to roughly calculate the cost of the move. Keep in mind that online estimation doesn’t have to represent the price in the real world.

Also, you need to include the cost of moving insurance, the cost of renting a storage unit, hiring professional packers, etc.

Pack for the move or hire professionals

Most people choose to pack themselves for the move. Sure, that way you might save some money, but in return, you’re going to lose a lot of energy.

 Professional packers packing a window.
It might not be a bad idea to hire professional packers for your relocation.

However, if you choose to do so, here’s what you need to buy:

  • boxes, plastic bins, and similar containers
  • packing tape
  • a marker
  • some kind of protective material like packing peanuts
  • crates

You can get most of these materials at the nearest supermarket, and they are not that expensive. However, if you don’t want to lose time and energy on that or have special items you wish to move to Virginia, we recommend hiring professional packers trained to do that.

Renting a storage unit in Virginia is preferable

Many people forget the importance of storage units. Storage units are handy when moving to a new location since you can never exactly know how much space you’ll have for your stuff. In short, it always helps to have a place in which you can leave your things after the move.

A storage unit
Many people forget to rent storage after a relocation. This can cause a lot of trouble. Don’t let this happen to you when you’re moving from Maryland to Virginia!

But, if you want to take two pigeons with one bean, you might want to find a moving company, such as Helix Transfer & Storage, which can offer storage solutions as well.

Find good housing 

As we already mentionedOrange County in Virginia seems very attractive to families, especially ones with children.

One of the reasons behind that is the excellent state of the real estate market in the county. In Orange County, you can get a fantastic home for a reasonable amount of money and live in friendly suburban neighborhoods, perfect for anyone who wants to start a family in Virginia. 

Also, buying a home in Orange County is an excellent opportunity for some serious investment. It is predicted that the prices will continue going up, and many experts recommend that investors jump on the train and reap the benefits of coming to market early.

All in all, Virginia is a prosperous state with its own little renaissance at the moment, as it offers an excellent opportunity for families to develop and grow properly. This is why we think that Moving from Maryland to Virginia to start a family is a great choice.

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Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

6 Tips For Settling Down in a New City

6 Tips For Settling Down in a New City

After connecting with The Licata Group, outlining a reasonable house hunting budget, and going to countless open houses, you have finally found the perfect property for your family. Now, it’s time to pack up, hit the road, and start making yourselves at home in your new city! Here’s how unpack strategically, keep your family safe and secure, and begin exploring your city.

Set Up Utilities

Before you move in, you need to set up basic utilities like electricity, gas, and water at the first available opportunity. In your new city, you may notice a difference in water taste or quality. If you’re concerned about contaminants in your tap water, you can conduct a local water quality search. Should you find that you’ve moved to an area with poor water quality, you may want to install a simple water filtration system. Just keep a few extra filters on hand so that your family always has access to clean drinking water!

Unpack Immediately

Don’t delay the unpacking process! You don’t want to leave your belongings in moving boxes for weeks on end. Plus, your kids will feel anxious without their belongings, and you’ll want to furnish their bedrooms quickly so that they can relax and decompress. Consumer Affairs recommends unpacking and arranging furniture and other large items first, and then organizing smaller essential belongings. 

Don’t Forget Security

After moving in, you may want to set up a home security system to keep your family safe. Electronic House recommends paying for a professional, 24/7 monitoring service to make sure that your family is always protected

Don’t forget about cybersecurity, too! You need to be proactive to keep your family safe online. Since you’ll be updating your address, consider how you can prevent your family from dealing with identity theft. Once your kids have unpacked their devices, give them a brief talk about online safety just to make sure that everyone in your household is up to speed. This may be a good time to change the passwords on your accounts, just in case.

Interior Design

How can you make your new house really feel like a home? Create an environment that truly suits your family’s lifestyle and aesthetic preferences with smart interior design choices! Ask your kids for their input, too, especially when it’s time to decorate and paint their bedrooms. When you’ve personalized each room, you’ll truly begin to feel like you’ve come home. You can also check out local antique shops and thrift stores to pick up unique items. 

Locate Essential Services

You’ve left behind your family doctor, your dentist, your bank, and your favorite coffee shops – now, it’s time to find replacements in your new city! Search for healthcare providers who are taking new patients, and locate your nearest urgent care center while you’re at it. Find the closest branch for your bank, or switch to a new credit union in your area. And check out a cute coffee shop where you can see your family becoming regulars!

Start Exploring

You’ve unpacked, you’ve decorated, you’ve secured your property and contacted your utility companies. Now, it’s time to experience everything your city has to offer! Feel free to reach out to your real estate agent and ask for suggestions for local attractions, or you can put some handy apps to work. 

Your kids are probably antsy after going through the whole moving process, and chances are, you’re ready to have some fun in your new city. Head to a local park, check out a downtown museum, pay a visit to a zoo or botanical gardens, and get outside of your comfort zone! You never know what gems you might find in your new location.

Moving as a family can be quite challenging, and during the weeks leading up to your move, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed out. But preparing for your next steps will help you feel like you’re in control. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make this transitory time go smoothly for your family. 

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com