Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas: For Kids, Mom, Dad, Friends, and More!

Give homemade Christmas gifts this holiday season

With gift-giving season quickly approaching, you’re probably already dreading what holiday shopping entails — big crowds, long lines, traffic jams and an empty bank account. But, instead of getting stressed and spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, why not spend some time crafting DIY Christmas gifts? You can stay home, drink a cup of hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music and enjoy the lights on the tree while making your loved ones a unique gift they’re sure to love.  And even if you’re not usually a crafty person, these simple handmade ideas are easy enough for anyone to make!

DIY Christmas gifts for mom

Your mom works hard to make sure her family has everything they need and want, so it’s only right to spoil her during the holiday season. And what could she love more than a gift handmade by you? Choose one of these homemade Christmas gifts to make her feel appreciated.

Heating pad

Moms are always on the go, especially during the holidays — they have gifts to buy, presents to wrap, parties to plan and dinners to prepare. A homemade heating pad can help relax sore muscles and keep her warm on a chilly night. All you need is some flannel fabric, a sewing machine and a package of rice to make this cute and useful gift.

Photo pillow

This easy DIY Christmas gift can capture fun memories or lifetime milestones. Give your mom a present she’ll cherish, by making her a photo pillow.

Fun-filled socks

There’s usually something going on at work, home, church or school during the holidays — giving mom lots of time on her feet! When she finally has some downtime at home, make sure her feet are comfortable with a pair of cozy socks. Consider filling them with goodies like nail polish, candy, lip balm and even a gift card to one of her favorite places to shop or eat.  

DIY Christmas gifts for Dad

Finding gifts for dad can be challenging — men aren’t usually the easiest to buy for. But, we’ve found some great ideas that are a mix between fun and practical.

Mini pool table

Sometimes dads just need a break at work. What better way to do this than by playing a quick game of pool? Learn how to construct a mini pool table as a fun homemade present. It even fits into a desk drawer for easy access and storage.  

Road-trip travel kit

Does your dad travel a lot for work or pleasure? Make him a road-trip travel kit so he always has what he needs while on the road. Consider buying a canvas bag or decorating your own car-themed box, and then include these items:

• Tire gauge
• Flashlight
• Extra phone/laptop charger
• Gifts cards for on-the-go drinks and meals
• Travel supplies (Kleenex®, gum, mints, face wipes, first-aid kit, etc.)
• Water bottle

Wooden bungee cord organizer

This innovative Christmas gift helps any father stay organized by keeping his ties, sunglasses, keys and even charging cords/headphones all in one place. You can build just one or as many as he needs. Click here to learn how to create a wooden bungee cord organizer.

Homemade Christmas gifts for kids

Store shelves are lined with thousands of toys each Christmas season. But, there’s something special about a handmade toy crafted with love. And whether you’re buying for a niece, nephew or your own little one, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to their sweet face.

Play dough

Play dough has been around since the 1930s and is still popular with kids today. It not only gives them the ability to be creative and make various shapes and animals, but it’s also easy to make and clean up. Learn how one blogger makes a variety of play dough colors with just a few ingredients.  

Memory card game

Another cool DIY Christmas gift for kids is a memory card game — it’s both educational and fun! You can make sets with random pictures, pictures of animals or even pictures of family members. Here’s how to do it:

1. Collect images and scan/upload them to your computer (use as many as you want; we recommend choosing 18 images for 36 memory cards total)
2. Crop images to 4” x 6” and copy/paste into a Word document (leave a little space in between for easier cutting later)
3. Print two copies onto 8 ½” x 11” printer paper
4. Apply decoupage glue (Mod Podge®) to the back of each printout
5. Lay the pieces against card stock
6. Let them dry according to glue directions (typically 2 hours)
7. Apply a top coat of Mod Podge® to seal the images
8. Let it dry for another hour
9. Cut the game pieces out
10. Store in a cute box — consider decorating it with a fun design!

Chalkboard city blocks

A chalkboard cityscape will keep your child entertained for hours and it’s simple to create. All you have to do is cut some wooden lumber into various shapes and sizes and then cover the fronts with chalkboard paint. Now your kids can use their imagination to build whatever city or background they want!

Homemade Christmas gifts for grandma

Even if Grandma is happy with just having the whole family together under one roof, why not surprise her this year with a thoughtful gift?

Wooden photo block

A DIY photo cube is a great gift idea and will look great on grandma’s mantel or bedside table. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• 4” wood block
• Craft paint
• Regular and foam paint brushes (one of each)
• Sand paper
• Mod Podge (matte finish)
• Six photos printed on regular computer paper (images should be 4” x 4” in size)
• Clear acrylic coating spray

Click here for step-by-step directions on how to craft a wood block photo cube.

Apron

It’s probably not a rare sight to watch grandma cook homemade meals. This year, make her a handmade apron to show how much you appreciate her. You can customize a blank apron with paint, buy some new material or turn a patterned or floral top/blanket you already own into something new and stylish!

Glass magnets

Another meaningful present for grandma is glass magnets with photos of people that mean the most to her — grandchildren, children, husband and close friends.

Homemade Christmas gifts for grandpa

Show grandpa just how much he means to you and the family with a handmade gift from the heart. You can make it funny or sentimental. Either way, he’ll love that you thought of him this holiday season.

Soda can coasters

Grandfathers are notorious for having a lot of “favorites” — favorite place to eat, favorite old movie and favorite story to tell. And he probably does each of these activities while sipping on his favorite drink. To show him how well you know him,make him coasters using the cans of his favorite soft drink!

Grandchild photo board

A photo board with a picture of each grandchild is a great way to share memories while you open presents around the family Christmas tree. Create something simple and elegant, or make something fun and memorable. Either way, it’s something grandpa will treasure for years to come. Here’s how to make it:

1.       Distress or paint a wooden frame (you choose the size and shape — can be based on decorating space or how many grandchildren there are)
2.       Use a stencil, vinyl cutouts, stickers or sandpaper to distress the frame or add embellishment (optional)
3.       Gather twine and clothespins
4.       Glue twine to the back of the frame, leaving enough space in between for 4”x6” photos
5.       Attach pictures to the twine using clothespins

Customized tool belt

This one’s super easy — buy a blank canvas tool belt from a local craft store, then personalize it with whatever you like! Paint fun phrases like “World’s Best Grandpa” or “Mr. Fix It” along with tools and other handyman items (use shaped sponges to do this easily).

Embroidered handkerchiefs

If you want to be witty and practical at the same time, make him some personalized handkerchiefs with funny messages like, “Achoo!” or “Keep your nose clean!”

DIY Christmas gifts for boyfriends and girlfriends

If you’re drawing a blank on what to get your significant other, we’ve come up with some homemade Christmas present ideas he or she will love and appreciate.  

 “Your song” photo

You probably have a song that describes your relationship perfectly, so create a photo from your favorite lyrics, quotes, or special sayings to always remind him or her of you. Sweet and simple.  

Christmas gift basket

Another great present to give your partner is a Christmas gift basket full of their favorite things. Here are some ideas:  

• Fill a gym bag, tackle box, cooler (or any container that describes their personality), and then fill it with their favorite snacks, drinks, gift cards or even tickets to a game or concert.
• Create a spa jar. Buy a pretty quart-size glass jar and then fill it with things like: face cleansing cream, lip balm, lotion, nail clippers, nail file, nail polish, bath salts, a scented candle, chocolates and a gift card for a massage or mani/pedi.

Date night basket  

Sometimes the sweetest gift is one that says, “Let’s spend more time together.” And nothing says that better than a date night basket! Find a cute popcorn tub and include some microwaveable popcorn, drinks, candy, candles and a movie.

Christmas gifts for friends, neighbors and teachers

Does your list of people to buy for grow each year? Don’t worry, we’ve found some cute homemade gift ideas that will ensure you can give everyone on your list a gift without breaking your budget.

Personalized ornaments

A personalized ornament is a wonderful Christmas present for friends, neighbors or teachers and can be done in just minutes. It’s also something they can hang on their tree each year and think of you. Here’s how to do it:

Gather supplies:

• Glitter, confetti or candy (or anything you want to fill the inside with!)
• Any color sticker letters or a Sharpie®
• Clear glass/plastic ornaments
• Ribbon

Directions:

1.       Use letters or sharpies to spell out words, phrases, names or monograms
2.       Insert the candy or use a funnel to fill with the glitter/confetti
3.       Tie a festive bow on top

Treat jars

Another cute idea is to create Christmas jars that resemble Rudolph, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Put cookies or candy into the jars for a delicious and sweet treat. You’ll need these supplies:

• Jars (any size you want)
• Glitter (red, white and brown)
• Red pom pom
• Black ribbon
• Silver foam sheet
• Black beads
• Orange paper
• Decoupage
• Hot glue
• Brown pipe cleaner

Get instructions on how to create Christmas treat jars here.

Holiday snack mix

Everyone enjoys tasty treats during the Christmas season and you can’t go wrong with holiday snack mix! It’s easy to make and you can add whatever components you wish. Click here for a list of the main ingredients you’ll need along with the directions on how to make it.

Do you have other ideas?

What other DIY ideas do you have for fun Christmas gifts this holiday season? Share them with us in the comments below. And from everyone at U-Pack® — Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Move Your Body—and All of Your Stuff—With This Moving Day Playlist:

Whether the next roof over your head is across the hall or across the country, moving is an undeniably anxiety-inducing experience. How on earth can you chill out and get your stuff packed and on the truck in time?

Turns out, music has been scientifically proven to ease stress.

So we took it upon ourselves to play musical therapist/DJ for all your moving day woes.

So start grooving (and moving) to this Spotify playlist we created for you to get you through each step of the process. Here’s to a smooth move.

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1. ‘Paperwork,’ by T.I. and featuring Pharrell Williams

Before you get to packing, you’re going to have to deal with a little drudgery called paperwork. Perhaps you thought you were done with all that nonsense after closing day.

Nope! Now you’ve got to tackle insurance policies, moving truck rental contracts and change of address forms, just to name a few. We hope this peppy tune from T.I. and Pharrell will keep you motivated while you get to it.

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2. ‘Irreplaceable,’ by Beyoncé

OK, this one’s about Queen Bey throwing a no-good scrub out of her house. But it certainly gets you in the mood to send someone packing—even if it’s yourself! Just don’t put everything you own in a box to the left (something tells us that’s not a proper packing technique anyway).

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3. ‘Dirty Work,’ by Austin Mahone

Ok, everything’s moving along. You’ve carefully packed all your things—even that weird cutout of Han Solo that your husband insists on keeping. But you ain’t done yet. Now’s the time for the inevitable dark task of deep-cleaning your whole home before you move out.

Whether you’re trying to get your security deposit back on a rental or you just need to leave your digs in mint condition for the next owner, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Let this catchy tune motivate you as you get to work.

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4. ‘Use Somebody,’ by Kings of Leon

Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, you’re gonna need some help. So go ahead and use somebody—hire movers, beg your best friend or kid brother who owes you a favor (or five) to help schlep your couch and the rest of your stuff into your new digs.

If you ask your pals, make sure you know how to properly pay them back (pizza and beer don’t cut it anymore, FYI). And if you hire movers, it helps to know their secrets for a successful move—before you ever pick up the phone.

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5. ‘Nothing Left,’ by Kygo and featuring Will Heard

We can’t believe we’re putting this one in here, but it turns out some of you folks need a reminder to take everything with you when you go.

You know that creeping feeling we have when we finally leave a place for the last time? That uneasy vibe is because leaving stuff behind isn’t all that uncommon.

Realtors tell us they’ve seen people leave behind baby items, cars, cash—and even their pets! So make sure there’s nothing left behind when you walk out your door that last time.

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6. ‘The Way You Move,’ by Outkast

We really do like the way you move (or the way your movers move, it’s that the direction you’ve decided to go.) You’re ready for action, never relaxin’, and by now, you’re in the middle of a flawless moving day. No shattered fragile items here!

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 7. ‘Spiderwebs,’ by No Doubt

You’re in your new digs! But you might wish you weren’t home right now when you have to trek into your new basement, attic or crawl space and clean out all the cobwebs and spiderwebs left behind by previous residents. That’s OK—even if you have to evict a few unwanted house guests, we’ve seen worse—and we know how to tell you to deal. 

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8. ‘My House,’ by Flo Rida

Dude—you did it! Even if you’re still unpacking and taking care of other settling-in tasks, give yourself a pat on the back for making it through the special hell that is moving. Pop the champagne, invite your friends and family over, and welcome them to your house as you play that music too loud.

Also, when can we drop by?

10 awesome unpacking tips

As most of you know, my family has recently moved across the country (from AZ to OH). Who knew it would be so much work?! Woo! We are finally down to the last couple boxes and it feels GREAT!

Here are some unpacking tips I have found helpful for your next big move. If you have organized your move with a moving check list and used my moving tips, your job of unpacking will be much easier. If every thing is labeled and in the correct room, you are already off to a great start. It may be a good idea to quickly run through each room though before you start unpacking to make sure each box is in the right room.

1. Clean before you start unpacking. Make sure each room and closet has been cleaned and sanitized before putting your stuff away. It may look clean… but wait until you pull out the drawers. Eek! It will feel refreshing to know it is clean, I promise! You may even consider hiring a cleaning company to come in and clean before hand if it is really bad.

2. Open the “me-first” box and set up the beds first. Remember to take it one box at a time and make sure everything has a place.

3. If possible dedicate 1-3 days after moving in so you have time to unpack. It feels nice to get everything unpacked in the first couple of weeks.

4. Delegate helpers to unpack a room if you have help. Here’s the rooms I unpacked first and it seemed to work out well.

• Bedrooms and closets
• Main bathroom
• Kitchen/pantry
• Laundry room
• Living room
• Play room
• Office
• Garage/basement/other rooms

I almost put my kitchen first on the list, but you have to go to the bathroom and sleep. You just have to! ;) Having the kitchen unpacked, and in clean working order has always saved my sanity. It’s nice to have one clean and organized space when moving into a new home. Find what works for you. :)

5. Keep the kids entertained while you unpack. Give them some crayons and let them draw pictures on the boxes. It may be fun to buy them a new toy as well or let them just explore the new house.

6. Get your house in order before setting up the computers and TV. As tempting as it may be, open the boxes first and then it will be so nice to sit and relax.

7. Get the empty boxes out of the way. As you start unpacking the boxes will start piling up. Take a few loads to the recycling bin, or better yet, list them on Craiglist for someone else to use.

8. Reorganize as you go. As you get into a daily routine you will find yourself moving things around to wear they best fit.

9. Add your own style. Obviously decorating a home won’t happen over night, but it’s fun to start adding your own style to make it feel like home. A few easy ways to do this from the get go, is to add colorful curtains, rugs and pillows.

10. Turn of some music, invite your friends or family over and most importantly have fun! Moving is definitely an adventure!

11 Tips for For Hiring Quality Movers:

With millions of moves every year in the United States, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality moves is a must, of course.

But even with so many smooth moves, scams or shoddy practices do occur. It’s in your interest to be informed about every step in the process.

Here are 11 ways to hire the right team for your move:

1. Don’t let your mover phone it in

A reputable moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move. The estimator should be thorough and check all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.

2. Look for more than a cursory glance

An estimator who performs a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is going to be off the mark. A good estimator will ask questions about what you plan to take from your current house to your next home. So, be sure you are prepared to tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck—the items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.

3. Don’t pay a large deposit

Reputable movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.

4. Avoid the name switch

Some companies avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Be sure the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Their employees should answer the phone with the full name of the business.

Find out if there are any other names the company “does business as,” as well as their state and federal license numbers. Search online to see if there are complaints about the company. To find out more about the company’s history, call the consumer complaints hotline at theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 888-368-7238.

5. Get references

If your friends and family don’t have recommendations, get a list of reliable movers from associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association and state associations of movers.

Ask any mover you speak with for references. Tell them you want a list of three customers from your area who have moved in the past three months. Call those customers and ask direct questions about their experiences.

6. Avoid packing costs

If you pack your belongings yourself, the mover generally isn’t responsible for damage to them. However, if you have your mover do the packing, you may pay inflated prices for boxes and packing materials, not to mention time and labor. If you decide to have the movers pack, ask about the packers’ experience. Most packers are  careful, but you want to avoid the chance of getting someone who tosses whatever they can into a box and then seals it up with little regard for breakage.

7. Beware of extra fees

Do you live in a two-story house or are you moving into one? Moving to or from a 10th-floor apartment? If so, you’ll likely be charged extra for the movers’ having to negotiate stairs and elevators. Have a narrow street that won’t fit a moving van? Expect a surcharge for the transfer of your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery. Make sure to ask your mover about any additional fees that may apply to your situation.

8. Avoid a blank contract

Never sign a blank contract. Get absolutely everything in writing. The mover’s estimate and any extra fees should be listed, as well as your pick-up and delivery dates.

Read your contract and make sure all of your belongings are listed. If your laptop isn’t labeled on the inventory form you sign before the driver leaves, you can’t expect it to be in the box when he arrives. You can’t file a claim for something that doesn’t appear on the inventory list.

9. Don’t accept the “guaranteed” quote

There are three kinds of moving contracts:

A non-binding estimate on your contract means the company cannot require payment more than 10% above the original estimate. Any overages must by paid within 30 days of delivery.

A non-binding to exceed estimate on your contract insures that you will not have to pay for any overages to the original estimate. The estimate is the maximum you’ll be required to pay for any services rendered.

A binding estimate on your contract is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move and all extras and services. If you request additional services (such as unpacking), any extra fees must be paid within 30 days of delivery.

10. Don’t let the window of opportunity close

You have nine months to report any problems to the moving company and file an insurance claim. So if you’re opening boxes a year later and find shards of glass, you’re out of luck.

On moving day, try to open each box and sift through it to check for damage. Note any problems on the mover’s copy of the bill of lading before signing it.

Your mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving it, he must deny your claim or make an offer to pay.

11. Understand insurance and valuation protection

All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. However, there are two different levels of liability. You need to be aware of the charges that apply and the amount of protection provided by each level.

Full (Replacement) Value Protection: This is the most comprehensive plan available for the protection of your goods. Unless you select the Alternative Level of Liability described below, your shipment will be transported under your mover’s Full (Replacement) Value Protection level of liability. With this plan, whenever an article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, the mover has the option to either:

• Repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover, or pay you for the cost of repairs.
• Replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of replacement.

Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (for example, jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, rugs and electronics). Ask your mover for a complete explanation of this limitation before your move. It’s your responsibility to study this provision carefully and make the necessary declaration.

Alternative Level of Liability: This no-cost option is the most economical protection available, but it provides only minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. For example, if a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6 (10 pounds x 60 cents). There is no extra charge for this minimal protection, but you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it. If you do not select this alternative level of liability, your shipment will be transported at the full (replacement) value level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable valuation charge.

Can You Deduct Moving Expenses for a New Job?

Where you work is a major factor in where you live (duh!), and in the interest of keeping U.S. taxpayers gainfully employed, Uncle Sam will help foot the bill if you have to relocate for work. Awesome, right? In other words, you can deduct moving expenses on your annual income tax return.

Under the right circumstances, that is.

Single taxpayers can deduct qualified job-related moving costs—although an unmarried partner joining them on a move isn’t entitled to the same tax relief. But married taxpayers can both enjoy the tax savings even if only one-half of the pair’s job takes a couple—or a family—to a new home. Still with us?

Before you sharpen your pencils to start tallying up all the money you’ll save by filling out Form 3903: Moving Expenses, you’d better make sure your move passes the following tests.

You’re really moving for work, and it’s kind of far

OK, this one may seem obvious, but we’ll just say it: In order to deduct job-related moving expenses, you have to actually have a job in the place where you’re moving—not just the hope of one.

And we’re not talking about a move down the street, either.

“To qualify for a moving deduction, your new job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your old job location,” says ZM Ishmurzina, CPA, a partner at Artio Partners in Chicago.

You’re in for the long(ish) haul

Don’t expect to take a work hiatus a few months after relocating for the job, either.

Michael Raanan, a former IRS revenue officer who’s president and enrolled agent at Landmark Tax Group in Santa Ana, CA, says employees must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months that follow a move. Self-employed individuals must work for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months after moving.

That doesn’t mean you’re chained to your desk. Paid and unpaid leave or vacation time counts as employment time, says Gail Rosen, CPA, PC, in Martinsville, NJ. So do involuntary absences because of illness, strikes, shutouts, and natural disasters. And periods of seasonal unemployment of less than six months count if covered by your employment contract, or if you are self-employed.

Rosen says the time test is waived if you are laid off a job in which you could have reasonably satisfied this test, fired for reasons other than willful misconduct, or transferred for the employer’s benefit.

You’re keeping score—of your qualified expenses

If you’ve passed these tests, it’s time to tally up all the expenses you can—and can’t—deduct.

Travel expenses for the move are deductible, including transportation and lodging for you and members of your household, including pets. Expenses for the day of arrival are deductible, too.

The cost to pack, ship, unpack, and store your belongings is deductible as long as it happens up to 30 consecutive days after the move date and before the arrival date to a new location. “Additional expenses can be claimed if you move overseas,” Rosen says.

Reasonable costs only. Although there’s no dollar limit on your deductible expenses, don’t expect to get away with anything truly extravagant. And if your employer reimbursed your moving expenses, Raanan says, you can claim a moving expense deduction only if the reimbursement is included in your wages.

No add-on vacation costs. Don’t expect to squeeze in a vacation en route and deduct for that, too. “You also have to move by the shortest and most direct route available by the conventional mode of transportation used and in the shortest time commonly required to travel that distance,” Rosen says.

Also excluded: Sadly, you cannot deduct any meals, any part of the purchase price of your new home, car tags, driver’s license, expense of buying or selling a home (including closing costs, mortgage fees, and points), cost to enter or break a lease, home improvements to help sell your home, or the loss on the sale of your home. Deal with it.

Check your calendar

The expenses must generally be incurred within a year of your work start date at the new location, but Rosen says expenses may be postponed in certain situations—such as if you delay a move to allow your child to finish school.

You can deduct expenses in the year you pay them, even if you haven’t satisfied the minimum employment period by filing time, says Rosen. You can also wait and claim the deduction on an amended return when you have satisfied the minimum employment period.

If you deduct and for some reason it turns out you can’t qualify after all, you’ll have to either include the amount you deducted in your next year’s income or file an amended return for the year of the deduction.

Bottom line

“The best thing to do is save any and all receipts and/or canceled checks you think, question, or wonder might be deductible and talk to a tax professional to make sure you maximize your deduction without getting yourself in hot water with the IRS,” says Raanan.

Maintaining Two Households When One Doesn’t Sell:

Say you put your house up for sale, do everything you can to make it desirable to buyers, and it sits idle despite dropping the price.  Sometimes, no inexplicable reason exists to explain it, but you’ve already scheduled a moving day with the moving company to your new home and cannot postpone it any longer.  Is it feasible to transform your former residence into a rental property and simultaneously maintain two households? Find out whether renting out and owning two properties is for you.

Review Your Financial Portfolio

Before you saddle yourself with rental property ownership on top of your home, review your finances and budget.  Could you even afford to take on a second mortgage even if it’s only a temporary acquisition?  Remember that you must guarantee that you find a trustworthy tenant who pays rent on time and in full and plans to reside in your old place for an extended period of time.  Otherwise, the money you were counting in is nonexistent until you fill the vacancy.

Double the Bills

You know how you always happily anticipate receiving your mortgage and utility bills?! Imagine receiving two sets of bills that you must pay – not fun.  Maybe moving isn’t the best option at this time, and you should postpone moving services, especially if you’re underwater with your first home.  When calculating how much rent you need in order to cover your second home’s expenses including mortgage, insurance and utilities, research the going rate in your area, recommends Zillow, and adjust the rent within that range.  Falling behind on either mortgage payment, says US News, could cause you more financial stress and create significant credit problems.

Are You Landlord Material?

Take a hard look at yourself and ask this question, “Could you become a landlord?” Factors that indicate you’re not the best candidate, says Zillow, include laziness, unskilled at fixing things, too busy, lacking savings, easily stressed out and not being a people person.  Understand that becoming a landlord is another full-time job, so if you’re not prepared to handle everything that comes with a rental property, hire a property manager to oversee the home.

Document Alterations

If you decide to convert your former home into a rental property, you may also need to convert your mortgage terms with your lender and update and add to your homeowner’s insurance policy, says Money Girl.  One benefit to owning a rental property is that you can deduct expenses from your taxes which helps your bottom line, statesUS News, especially when you’re directly involved with the upkeep.

Rental Responsibilities

Be aware that when you are the landlord, you are responsible for your property and may be at the tenant’s mercy when they need something fixed or replaced.  Extra time and effort must be devoted to the rental, and you must ensure you have the money and a plan for handling emergencies.  Updating and servicing your appliances before you welcome renters is important to keeping them happy.   If you own more furniture than you need to furnish your new place, you could leave it at the rental for your tenant’s use or put it into storage through FlatRate Moving.

How to Help a Pack Rat Move:

Helping someone move is never fun. You eat up a precious Saturday schlepping boxes down dangerously narrow stairs while your friend or family member (who claimed to be totally great at moving, by the way) mostly seems to be taking breaks and carrying down “valuable” lampshades one at a time.

It’s hard and frustrating work. But if your pal is a pack rat, a frustrating day can quickly turn into something bigger. Way bigger.

Whether the friend is a hobbyist collector, an indecisive type who seems to keepeverything, down to old peanut butter jars, or a borderline hoarder, managing the move can be emotionally and physically trying. Here’s how to deal with it.

Allow enough time for sorting

When people have been collecting and storing stuff for years, moving them will take more than a few hours and a dozen boxes. Even if they’re just renting a tiny apartment, the amount of stuff to go through can be surprisingly vast. Start by giving yourself enough time. Plenty of time.

“A studio apartment stacked to the ceiling and filled with stuff from wall to wall can take a week or more to organize and clean,” says Emma Gordon, storage specialist at Clutter Storage, an on-demand storage company based in Culver City, CA.

You’ll also want to equip yourself with more supplies than usual.

You really want to help? “Come prepared with plenty of boxes and large garbage bags, disposable gloves, cleaning supplies, and disinfectant,” Gordon says.

Consider the emotional side

You may feel frustrated when you see the amount of work to be done, but don’t forget: This is hard for everyone.You did say you were going to help, right?

“It’s important to remember that as overwhelming as it is for you, your friend or family member is probably feeling vulnerable, embarrassed, or anxious—on top of feeling overwhelmed by the work ahead of them,” Gordon says.

The best route to take: patience. Don’t treat the individual’s collected treasures like garbage. Go slowly, work through each room, and really listen to what he’s telling you. Try to see things from his point of view.

Set a plan to declutter

Odds are, there will be a lot of stuff in the home that isn’t really needed anymore, but may be difficult for the owner to confine to the dustbin of history (and the actual dustbin). Make the owner feel better about the process by keeping the memory alive and donating some items, especially if the person you’re helping has a favorite charity that accepts gently used goods.

This process may be easy, or it may be grueling. After all, “there may be underlying issues that make it difficult for the individual to get rid of their stuff,” Gordon says.

Have a battle plan

Once you’re ready to go and the individual is (mostly) on board, it’s time to dive in. Having a plan in place can dramatically cut down on time, as well as emotional and physical strain.

Gordon recommends designating places to put stuff as you go through it.

“Clear an area for sorting items into ‘keep,’ ‘give away,’ and ‘trash,’” she says.

Once you have a designated drop point, start in one room and work through each part in the house. Carry a durable laundry basket or large plastic bin with you so you can quickly group and move items to the right spot.

But don’t expect it to be easy.

“Be aware that this is the most time-consuming part of the process, and also the most stressful,” Gordon says. Fun! Aren’t you glad you volunteered for this?

Keep deadlines

Odds are, your friend or family member was already feeling emotional before the move. Now that you’ve started working, you may find the individual dragging her feet or becoming argumentative. Rather than rise to the fight, it might be better to find another way to keep things on track. Gordon recommends using the charitable donations to your advantage.

“Some charities offer donation pickup,” she says. “By scheduling a pickup, it compresses the process into a tighter deadline. It makes the process of actually getting the stuff out of the home so much easier.” Every bit helps. Trust us on this.