When it’s Your Own Move: A Realtor’s Perspective on Moving

Even for a Realtor who guides hundreds of clients through the process, moving hits differently when it’s your own boxes, memories, and walls. Chad Larsen and his wife experienced that first hand. 

We sat down with Chad after his recent move to talk about the process – preparing your home to sell, packing your things, and transitioning into a new space. Whether you’re moving across town or across the hall, the experience is often humbling (even for a Realtor). 

And in case you missed it, check out our last blog with Chad that talked about all of his moves in The Carlyle building and what it means to find the “right” fit. 

Taking Inventory

When the right opportunity presents itself, seize it. That’s what Chad and his wife did when they learned that a unit they’d admired for years was coming to the market. 

“We toured the unit and were immediately sold,” Chad recalls. “Then reality hit – we need to sell our current one!”

“However, we recognized that certain aspects of our unit were dated,” says Chad. “Our most recent updates were 10 years old, so it was even more important that the space looked as new, fresh, and clean as possible.”

Declutter 

Preparing your home for market is often overwhelming, even for a seasoned Realtor like Chad. 

“It’s hard to know where to start,” says Chad. “I recommend taking a picture of each room and imagining that image as a listing photo online. Ask, what catches your eye, and is it in a good way?”

This simple exercise helps clarify what qualifies as clutter. Perhaps you can remove items from a coffee table, reduce artwork on the walls, or put some decor in storage. 

“I actually ended up calling our office manager, Deb, a handful of times and sending her photos asking if I needed to get rid of things,” Chad laughs. It helps to have an objective person give you an outside opinion.

And don’t forget the hidden spaces: “Thin out the pantry, coat closest, and storage room,” Chad advises. “Having those areas cleared is critical for showings, even if they might not appear in listing photos.”

Pick Your Projects

As Chad often reminds clients, “Nobody wants projects except for the projects they want to do.” 

That means sellers should address the little details buyers will notice – think paint touchups, wallpaper removal, and minor cosmetic fixes. 

“I knew the moment we painted our bedroom Peacock Blue 10 years ago that we’d have to paint it whenever we moved out,” Chad laughs.  

“The same went for our cherished entry wallpaper,” he adds. “It didn’t exactly pass the ‘neutral’ test.  I could’ve left it for the next person to change, but I also knew it would be the first thing they saw in the home.”

Chad shares, “I was sad to see it go, but we got to enjoy it.  The new owner can put their own stamp on the place now.” 

Behind the Scenes: Scrub, Scrub, Scrub!

Maximize your home’s market value by providing the cleanest slate possible. That meant it was time for Chad to take his own advice to heart: Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially in real estate.

“I knew that our bathroom was a bit out of style, so doing a thorough deep clean was a simple way to give it a refreshed feel,” says Chad. “I was on my hands and knees scrubbing the grout on the tile floor.”

He continues, “Those little touchups can completely elevate a space.”

The Move Itself

When it came time to move, Chad and his wife called in the professionals. 

“We didn’t use movers the first time we moved between Carlyle units, and we learned our lesson,” Chad jokes.

Even though the move was only five floors, not five miles, it was no small task. 

“The sheer volume of packing material is overwhelming,” Chad notes. “So much goes into wrapping, unwrapping, and sorting through it all once you’re in the new space. It’s a lot of work!”

Settling In

As Chad and his wife settle into their new home, they couldn’t be happier. 

But, as Chad admits, his work is far from over.

“I’m my wife’s contractor, handyman, designer, and Realtor,” he says with a grin. 

As they take on small projects and continue personalizing their space, they’re reminded that every move is part of a larger journey – one that reflects where they are in life. 

“Each stage brings something new,” Chad says. “We’re grateful to have found what feels right for this one.”

Chad is normally on the sidelines, but this time he was on the field. The experience offered a valuable reminder of what his clients feel through every step of the process. 

Now, he’s ready to be back on the sidelines guiding others through moves of their own. 

And for Chad, the best part of this chapter? Returning to what he does best: helping others find what’s next.