Tips for Moving Into a Floating Home

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Many people dream of owning waterfront property. But maybe you want to take it a step further and actually live on the water. It’s possible with a floating home.

But before you take the leap into this unique living situation, it’s important to consider the potential costs, maintenance needs, and moving logistics first.


Houseboat Vs. Floating Home: What’s The Difference?

houseboats on a river
an example of houseboats moored on a river

Houseboats and floating homes are both dwellings that are designed to be on the water, but they have some distinct differences. 

As the name implies, a houseboat is a boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a home. Because it’s a boat, it has its own means of propulsion, like an engine, and can be moved from place to place. Houseboats are typically moored at marinas but have the capability to travel.

 

“Floating homes often have efficient and innovative design solutions to maximize limited space, which can be great if you’re interested in a more minimalist and organized lifestyle.”

 

A floating home, on the other hand, is more like a house that floats on the water. It is typically moored or anchored in a specific location and doesn’t move around like a houseboat. Instead, they’re often connected to local utilities like water, sewage, and electricity, similar to land-based homes. 

Buying a Floating Home: Things You Need to Know

a neighborhood of floating homes in a harbor. hotels and part of a resort can be seen on land in the background

Are you thinking about moving into a floating home? Here are the key considerations to mull over first.

Budgeting and Financing

Floating homes come with a unique set of costs, both upfront and ongoing. Some of these expenses mirror those of traditional homes, while others are specific to life on the water. Here’s a breakdown:

Upfront Costs

  • Purchase Price: The cost of the floating home itself can vary widely based on factors such as location, size, condition, and features. According to Redfin, you may spend anywhere from $30,000 to upwards of $1 million.
  • Inspection Fees: Before purchasing, you should invest in a professional inspection from someone experienced with floating homes to ensure there are no hidden issues. In fact, your lender will probably require it. This involves a dive survey to check out the underside of the home, and costs around $600 to $1,000.
  • Down Payment: You may need to take out a loan to purchase a floating home. If so, depending on the financing type, the down payment may be higher than what’s typical for land homes.

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Ongoing Costs

  • Moorage fees: If you don’t own the slip where your floating home is anchored, you’ll need to pay a fee to rent the space. This can be a significant monthly cost, often around $1,000, which usually covers things like water, garbage, sewage, parking, and maintenance of common areas. 
  • Homeowner association (HOA) fees: If your floating home is part of a community or marina with shared amenities, you might have to pay HOA fees in addition to the slip/moorage fee. 
  • Utilities: You’ll likely be responsible for covering the cost of additional utilities, just as you would in a traditional home, including electricity, gas, internet/TV, etc.
  • Insurance: Floating homes require a specialized insurance policy that can be pricier than traditional homeowner’s insurance. It’s crucial to have coverage for potential risks such as sinking, flood damage, or storm-related damages. You can expect to pay anywhere from about $400 to $1,800 annually, depending on the total coverage amount for the home, value of the property, personal belongings, and more.
  • Financing costs: Floating homes don’t qualify for a traditional mortgage, since they’re considered personal property and not real estate. That means you’ll need a personal property loan, similar to a loan for any other type of boat. Specialized floating home loans also exist; you can usually find them from local banks and credit unions in communities where floating homes are common.
  • Maintenance: You need to factor in maintenance costs with any home, but floating homes have special considerations. We’ll get into that more next.

Maintenance and Upkeep

a person cleans off their deck with water and a brush

In general, floating homes can be less expensive to maintain than a traditional house. That said, they have specific upkeep requirements that are a lot different from maintaining a house on land. 

 

“Your best bet is to work with a professional moving company that has experience with floating home relocations, as they’ll know the potential challenges and have the necessary equipment to get your move done right.”

 

It’s crucial to set a regular schedule for inspecting your floating home and performing routine maintenance and repairs. Here are some of the action items that should be on your list:

  • The hull: The bottom of your floating home, or its floatation system, is submerged and therefore at risk for wear, water damage, and marine growth. Plus, the hull is usually made of concrete, which can crack. Regular inspections are crucial
  • Corrosion and rust: Any metal parts or fixtures, particularly those near or below the waterline, are susceptible to these issues. Use marine-grade materials when possible and regularly inspect and treat areas showing signs of corrosion.
  • Waterproofing: Regularly inspect the exterior of the home for potential water leaks or areas where water could get inside. That includes the roof, walls, windows, and doors. If you do find any leaks, be sure to take care of them ASAP to prevent internal water damage.
  • Utility connections: Since utilities like electricity, water, and sewage are typically connected via lines that run to shore or a dock, it’s important to regularly check these connections for wear or damage, especially since the home can move around a bit.
  • Anchoring and mooring: Ensure that the home’s mooring lines, anchors, and related equipment are in good condition. Check for wear, chafing, or any signs that a failure could be on the horizon.
  • Deck: Decks exposed to the elements can degrade over time, so it’s important to regularly check, clean, reseal or restain, and repair decking as needed.
  • Ventilation and humidity: Floating homes can be more susceptible to moisture and humidity problems, which means good ventilation is crucial. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier, or else do your best to increase ventilation in particularly humid climates.
  • Pests: Being on the water opens up the possibility of potential pest problems, including rodents and insects. Regularly check for pests and use preventative measures to keep them away, if necessary.
  • Safety equipment: Ensure life rings, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and other safety equipment are in good working order and replace them as needed.
  • Winterizing: If you’re in a location with cold winters, there is the potential for freezing. You’ll need to go through a winterizing process, which includes insulating water lines and possibly using heat tape to keep them from freezing. Floating homes in extremely cold climates might also need a bubbler system or agitator to prevent ice from forming around the floatation system, which could cause damage.

Pros and Cons

a boat taxi drives by a floating home neighborhood

Living in a floating home offers a unique lifestyle that can definitely be alluring. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges that you should be aware of before buying. Here are the pros and cons of buying a floating home to consider:

Pros:

  • Unique lifestyle: A floating home offers a serene environment, often with unparalleled water views and a sense of connection to nature.
  • Community: Many floating home communities are tight-knit with neighbors who share a love for the water and the lifestyle it offers.
  • Potential for appreciation: In certain areas, especially where waterfront property is at a premium, floating homes can appreciate in value.
  • Less environmental footprint: Depending on the location and setup, floating homes can have a smaller ecological footprint than land-based homes. For example, a floating home can be cooler in the summer, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning. Some floating homes are also designed with sustainability in mind, using technologies like rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and water turbines for energy.
  • Space efficiency: Floating homes often have efficient and innovative design solutions to maximize limited space, which can be great if you’re interested in a more minimalist and organized lifestyle.

Cons:

  • Maintenance: Floating homes are subjected to the constant wear and tear of water and moisture, leading to potential issues like rust, rot, and mold. Regular maintenance is crucial.
  • Financing and insurance: Obtaining a loan and insurance for floating homes can be more challenging and potentially more expensive than for traditional homes.
  • Vulnerability to natural elements: Floating homes can be more susceptible to rising water levels, storms, and flooding.
  • Utilities: While many floating homes are connected to city utilities, managing services like water, sewage, and electricity can be more challenging than on land. There may also be limitations on internet and TV connectivity.
  • Resale potential: The market for floating homes can be niche. Depending on the region and the economy, selling a floating home might take longer than a conventional home.
  • Regulations: Floating homeowners may face challenges related to zoning, maritime laws, or changing regulations that can affect moorage rights or the ability to rent out the home.

Tips for Moving Into a Home by the Water

a ferry and barge that can carry people and large items like cars across the water, which is helpful when moving into a floating home
Ferries and barges like these that can move cars and people across can also help you move into a floating home

You might be wondering: How is moving into a floating home any different than moving into a home on land? After all, it requires the same process of packing up your belongings in boxes, taping them up and adding labels, transporting everything to your new home (maybe with the help of professional movers), and then unloading and organizing your new space.

Well, there are some considerations that you may not have thought of that you need to know so there aren’t any surprises on moving day. 

  • It’s wet out there: Depending on your particular home, there may be a slippery dock where it’s easy to lose your balance and drop something into the water. You’ll want to use waterproof packing materials when necessary and take extra care to protect fragile items from falls or water damage.
  • Transporting your belongings: Your home might only be accessible by boat, and you’ll need to take a lot of trips back and forth. It might make sense to rent a barge service and move everything across the water in one shot. Some even allow you to drive the moving truck right onto it. 
  • Weight distribution: Just like in a moving truck, you have to distribute weight evenly in your floating home. Putting too much weight in one area of the floating home can cause it to tip, which may lead to damage over time. Make sure your belongings are evenly distributed from front to back, and side to side.

Your best bet is to work with a professional moving company that has experience with floating home relocations, as they’ll know the potential challenges and have the necessary equipment to get your move done right. The simplest way to find a company with this kind of experience is to look up and contact movers in the area you’re moving to.

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Can Floating Homes Be Moved?

Not easily, unfortunately. Houseboats, which are different than floating homes, come equipped with engines and steering systems that allow them to navigate waterways, and can be moved from one location to another on the same body of water. They also lack permanent connections to utilities that floating homes have. 

That said, although they’re not really built for regular travel like houseboats, floating homes can sometimes be towed or pushed to new locations using tugboats or similar vessels. Of course, this process is probably going to be a lot more complex and costly than moving a houseboat. 

Empty Nesting: Downsizing and Moving to a Smaller Home

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You’ve probably joked with your friends at some point about how great it’ll be to get your kids out of the house for good. But when that day actually comes, you might be surprised by the rush of emotions that take over.

For years, you’ve spent a significant portion of your day with your kids. You eat dinner together, listen to them complain about teachers and homework, cheer them on at their soccer games, and fight over whose turn it is to fold the laundry. Then, suddenly, it’s quiet

Becoming an empty nester comes with complex social, emotional, and financial challenges. But don’t worry: we’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and learn how to adjust — maybe even thrive.

The Complexity of an Empty Nest

a young adult woman packs the back of her car with cardboard boxes while her parents watch from the entrance to their home

Empty nest syndrome” is not a clinical disorder or diagnosis, but rather a term used to describe the feelings of sadness, depression, or grief that parents often feel when their kids leave home to live on their own, whether it’s to attend college, start a career, or get married. This can be especially true if the parents’ lives were heavily centered around their children’s activities and needs.

 

“Finding a home that suits you right now is important, but it’s also crucial to think about what you might want five or 10 years down the line, when moving again may not be so easy.”

 

That said, it’s not all bad. With your kids grown and out of the house, you now have the opportunity to nurture the parts of your life that you may have neglected so that you could focus on your kids. Maybe you now have time to try hot yoga or go for hikes, or you can retire from your day job and start your own consulting business. 

Empty nest finances

Your children may no longer be living with you, but that doesn’t mean the financial umbilical cord has been cut. It’s typical for empty nesters to face a unique set of financial difficulties, including:

  • Adult child welfare: 73% of middle-aged parents are financially supporting an adult child. That can include paying their cell phone bill, helping with rent, or even providing an allowance so they can get by. It’s a parenting decision that’s up to you, but generally, financially providing for adult children isn’t considered a helpful solution to helping them become fully independent.
  • College expenses: Another 7% of parents use their retirement funds to pay for their child’s college education. This puts aging parents in a difficult position, as students can borrow money to pay for college, and live off of ramen to skimp by until they start their careers, but you simply don’t have the time to make up for lost savings that were meant to live comfortably in retirement.
  • Co-signing family loans: Maybe your child needs a car, a private student loan, or is trying to become a homeowner. In many cases, they don’t have the credit and assets built up to get approved. That’s where you may come in as a co-signer, which means you’re equally responsible for paying the debt if your child can’t.
  • Boomerang children: It’s common for adult children who’ve moved out to experience financial challenges that cause them to move back in with their parents. This can feel like starting from square one, with your child reverting to being more dependent on you financially.

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Is it time to downsize now that your nest is empty?

Maybe you’re struggling to help support your child even though they’ve flown the coop. Or maybe they’re wonderfully independent and you don’t have to worry about them at all. Either way, as an empty nester, now may be a great time to downsize.

Downsizing your living situation can help you save money and make your life easier in general. Now that you don’t have a house full of kids, there’s no reason to pay for the upkeep of a huge house (unless you want to, of course).

Some signs that it might be time to downside include:

  • Empty or unused rooms: If you have multiple rooms in your house that are rarely or never used, it might be a sign that you have more space than you need. 
  • Maintenance challenges: If keeping up with cleaning, repairs, yard work, or other home maintenance tasks becomes too challenging or time-consuming, a smaller home might be easier to manage.
  • Financial pressure: If you’re feeling stressed about your current financial situation—whether it’s due to mortgage payments, property taxes, or the cost of upkeep—it might be beneficial to move to a smaller, more affordable home.
  • Location: If you’re far from family, friends, or amenities you regularly use, it may make sense to move to a more convenient location, which could also involve downsizing. 
  • Health concerns: Mobility can become an issue as you age. A smaller home or a one-level property can be easier to navigate.

On the other hand, you might decide you’d rather “age in place.” Aging in place means you’ve decided to stay in your current home as you get older. Maybe you have a lot of fond memories in your home and you don’t want to move somewhere that feels cold or foreign in comparison. Maybe your home is already the perfect size and location, and you really don’t see yourself anywhere else. 

 

“It’s common for adult children who’ve moved out to experience financial challenges that cause them to move back in with their parents.”

 

Of course, there’s always the option of moving to another country, which can mean a lower cost of living in comparison to that of the US depending on where you choose to settle.

It’s also possible to make modifications in your home to accommodate changing health and mobility needs as you age, such as replacing door knobs with more ergonomic options and adding ramps to stairways.

Choose Your Downsized Home Carefully

an elderly couple poses in front of a house with blue doors and eaves. The man is sitting in wheelchair.

If you do decide to downsize, it’s important to choose a home you’ll love that also offers the functionality and amenities you need.   

  • Start by assessing your top 2-3 needs. Think about the number of rooms you need, accessibility features, and any specific location requirements. Will you still have regular visitors requiring a guest room, or do you need a home office space?
  • Location, location, location. Consider the proximity to family, friends, healthcare facilities, and amenities like shops, restaurants, museums, and outdoor space. You may also want to think about the community in general and whether it’s a place where you can see yourself feeling at home.
  • Keep maintenance in mind. You’ll need to decide whether you’d prefer a standalone house, a condo, or an apartment. Each type of housing comes with different levels of required maintenance and responsibilities. Do you see yourself being hands-on, or would you prefer that a property management company handles leaky sinks and landscaping?
  • Don’t forget about your budget. Be realistic about your financial situation. Consider not only the cost of the house itself but also property taxes, homeowners insurance, and the cost of utilities and maintenance.
  • Imagine your future needs. Finding a home that suits you right now is important, but it’s also crucial to think about what you might want five or 10 years down the line, when moving again may not be so easy. Features like a single-level design, wide doorways, and a walk-in shower might become important.
  • Research community services. Look into what community services are available, like public transportation, senior centers, and community activities. You want to feel confident that there’s a support system in place for you. 
  • Consult a real estate agent: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities, a real estate agent familiar with your area can help guide you to homes that meet your criteria and are within your budget.

Moving a Home Full of Memories

an elderly couple pause in the middle of packing to look over old photographs

Moving as an empty nester can come with a range of challenges. While there may be excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead, there can also be significant emotional hurdles to overcome. Leaving a home where you’ve raised your children and accumulated years of memories can feel like a significant loss.

The good news is that having a solid downsizing strategy in place can help alleviate some of that stress.

  • Inventory your belongings: Start by taking an inventory of what you have. This will help you figure out what to keep, what to sell or donate, and what to discard.
  • Prioritize your possessions: Decide what items are essential to you and which ones you can let go of. Try to be realistic about what will fit and work well in your new space, and avoid getting hung up on sentimental items
  • Start small: Begin the downsizing process with less emotionally-charged areas of your home, like the garage or a storage closet. This can help you build momentum and get used to the process before tackling more meaningful areas like the bedroom or living room.
  • Consider your new space: Keep in mind the size and storage space of your new home. This will guide your decisions on what to keep. If possible, get a floor plan of your new home to help visualize where everything will go.
  • Involve your children: If possible, involve your adult children in the process. They may want to keep certain items or help make decisions about family heirlooms or keepsakes. Plus, it’s a way to spend time together as a family even if they’re living on their own.
  • Digitize memories: If you have boxes of photos, consider digitizing them to save space. The same can be done with important papers or documents.
  • Hire professionals if needed: If the process becomes too overwhelming, consider hiring professional organizers, a senior move manager who specializes in helping older adults downsize, or professional movers to help with the heavy lifting.  
  • Embrace the process: Downsizing can be an emotional journey. Take your time to say goodbye to your old home and make peace with the move.

Remember, your kids aren’t the only ones embarking on the next chapter of their lives. This is your moment to grow, too. Maybe you and your spouse can finally reconnect, or perhaps you have the time and money to travel abroad and meet new friends. Whatever the ideal empty-nest life looks like for you, there you have the power to make it happen. 

The Year-Long Home Maintenance Checklist: When To Do Big Chores?

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Every year you aim to start good habits with your health, your career, your relationships. But what about your home? The space you spend time in every.single.day should receive some TLC and attention, too.

Instead of vowing to get your body in shape, let’s get your home in shape! In 2018, you may have neglected your home and we’re not judging. (I mean, who really knows the last time they changed their air filter?)

Your 2022 Home Checklist

We’ve curated a handy-dandy checklist to map out the year ahead. If you accomplish each task every month, your home is going to be a well-oiled machine. Now let’s get to it!

Note: Tasks marked with * are recurring tasks you’ll complete multiple times over the course of the year.

Winter Tasks

When you’re stuck inside due to the cold, you might as well put your downtime to good use. We both love starting the year with a nice purge. And if you haven’t seen the new Marie Kondo show on Netflix (seriously, where have you been??), then it just may give you the kick in the pants to part with all of your stuff.

While there will always be recurring tasks to complete on the checklist, the winter time is all about purging and organizing every nook and cranny in your home.

Split it up over the next 3 months and it won’t be quite as overwhelming!

January

February

  • Compile tax documents; set up a time to complete taxes
  • Purge and donate kitchen gadgets
  • Purge and donate pantry foods
  • Wipe down fridge*
  • Clean garbage disposal*
  • Change furnace filter*

March

  • Purge and organize toiletries
  • Purge and organize the linen closet
  • Check caulking around bathtubs and showers
  • Clean car inside and out*

Spring Tasks

No duh: the springtime is all about spring cleaning! You spent the past few months purging and organizing spaces in your home, but now it’s time to give everything a nice deep clean. (And don’t forget to clean these 6 overlooked areas.)

Not to mention, the springtime is the start of all your big outdoor projects. Get your lawn and garden cleaned, manicured, and ready for new life to grow. These are especially crucial because you really can’t do anything about it once you miss your window!

April

  • Get air conditioner serviced
  • Aerate lawn
  • Wash drapes, rugs, upholstery
  • Launder shower curtain and liner
  • Wash windows and screens*
  • Clear your gutters*
  • Dust light fixtures*
  • Wipe down baseboards*

May

  • Setup outdoor patio furniture
  • Inspect home’s exterior and roof for necessary repairs
  • Prune overgrown bushes
  • Clear dead plants and shrubs (early May)
  • Plant flowers (late May)
  • Change furnace filter*
  • Change batteries in smoke & CO2 detectors*

June

  • Replace outdoor lights that have burned out
  • Clean grill and check propane tank
  • Clean deck and make necessary repairs
  • Power wash sidewalks and walkways
  • Clean car inside and out*

Summer Tasks

Oh, the sweet summertime. It can be easy to let your household chores slide during the summer months. We get it, summer is about vacations and relaxing. But these are worthwhile tasks to accomplish when the temps are warmer and you’re spending more time outside (hopefully).

Also, as you near Labor Day, school will be on the mind. That’s when you’ll want to make sure your home is still organized from your hard work earlier this year. Purge paper clutter and books so you can start the school year fresh!

July

  • Fix broken screen doors
  • Add fresh mulch to landscaping
  • Organize and sweep out the garage
  • Dust light fixtures*
  • Wipe down baseboards*

August

  • Hose down garbage cans
  • Purge office and organize paperwork for the upcoming school year
  • Purge and donate books
  • Clean faucet and shower heads
  • Wipe down fridge*
  • Change furnace filter*

September

  • Service chimney
  • Empty out planters
  • Store lawn furniture
  • Clean car inside and out*
  • Wash windows and screens*

Fall Tasks

Keep that momentum going into the fall season! Fall is the time to prepare for the cold months ahead. Focus on prepping the exterior of your home to protect it against the snow and ice that will soon be here.

With the holidays approaching, this is also a time when you’re the most likely to host guests. Luckily, your home should be running smoothly with all of the work you’ve put in this year. We also encourage you to keep December a little light on the home projects, since you will most likely have limited free time.

October

  • Plant spring-blooming plants, shrubs, tall grasses, etc.
  • Remove hoses from water spickets
  • Fertilize lawn
  • Check your sump pump
  • Clear your gutters*
  • Dust light fixtures*
  • Wipe down baseboards*

November

  • Check weatherstripping on doors and windows
  • Have heating systems serviced
  • Rake and gather leaves
  • Purge pantry and donate (good timing for the holidays!)
  • Change furnace filter*
  • Change batteries in smoke & CO2 detectors*

December

  • Purge toys and books (good timing for the holidays!)
  • Purge and donate extra holiday decorations
  • Clean car inside and out*

Free Printable – Home Checklist

If you’re ready to make 2022 the best year yet for your home, then we encourage you to download or screenshot this free printable. That way, you can print it out and check things off as you go. (Trust us, there is no better feeling than checking off those little boxes!)


Illustrations by M. Dean

4 Cases Where You Really Should Move to Save Money

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It’s true what they say: there’s never a “perfect” time to move. But sometimes making that decision is the best thing for you and your family.

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