Making a move can be so involving — just when you think you have everything done, something else comes up. If you’re a first time mover, you lack the experience to fall back on. Here’s what to keep in mind as you make your move.
1. Contact moving companies. Get your estimates from the moving companies early on advises the Allied Moving Companies. You’ll have a lot to go over, including comparing rates, checking references, and confirming licensing, insurance and other factors important to making a decision about a mover.
2. Accumulate your free boxes. You’ll need boxes and lots of them between now and the time of your move. You can find free boxes by visiting local retail shops and asking proprietors for what they have. Visit several shops over the course of many days and you should find nearly everything you want. Ask friends to contribute what they might have hiding in the attic, garage, or other storage places.
3. Start packing right away. As soon as you know you’re going to move, start packing. No, you don’t need to pack everything all at once, but you should begin to go through items you can pack now. This is also a good time to weed out those things you don’t need, set them to the side and call Goodwill to take the excess items off your hands.
4. Pack an essentials box. You’ll need to set aside an essential box, one filled with those items you need on day one. Mark it accordingly and instruct the movers to place it in a location in your new home that’s easy to find.
5. Pack efficiently. You don’t need to fill every box to the rim. At the same time, place heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in bigger boxes. That way, no box will strain you when you need to lift it.
6. Plan your grocery purchases carefully. One of the last things you want to move is groceries. Firstly, most moving companies don’t move food. Secondly, if they do, you’ll pay a mint to move them. Thus, plan your grocery purchases carefully to ensure that you run out or run low when you’re ready to move. Then, donate what is left over to neighbors, friends or family.
7. Move your plants carefully or donate them. So, what about your plants? Should you move them? Well, you won’t be sending them via the moving company, instead you can secure them in your car. Just don’t rest the leaves against the windows, otherwise you risk them getting burned by the sun-heated glass. Consider giving your plants away if moving them is too much of a hassle. You can always buy new plants when you arrive at your new home.
8. Visit the veterinarian. Make one last visit to the veterinarian before you move. That way, your pet will be checked on to ensure that all her shots are up to date. Your vet may also recommend tranquilizers to help keep your pet calm en route.
9. Discard low value items. Not everything you own and think you might need should be moved. Items that simply weigh too much such as an aged microwave may best be discarded. You can always buy a new one once you arrive at your destination.
10. What to donate. When it comes to keeping items or donating them, consider how often you use it. If an article of clothing hasn’t been worn in more than a year, then it should be donated. Do the same with all your furnishings and you’ll have a more manageable pile of goods to move.
11. Use a planner. Keep track of your many moving related projects to ensure everything gets done on time. A planner is an indispensable tool and is a guiding light for those who are making a significant life transition.
12. Put your kids to work. Children as young as five can handle much of their own packing. The key here is to provide them with a suitcase, boxes, instructions, and supervision as they get the work done. Younger children can help too, by picking up their stuffed animals and books, and placing these items in a box.
13. Consider not taking books. Do you have a library full of books? Moving them can be very expensive as the added poundage will increase your moving rate. Consider keeping only those books you must have and donating the rest. You might also save money by shipping the books separately via US Postal Service media rate.
14. Get in your good byes. More than likely, you have strong ties to the community you will soon bid farewell to. If that’s the case, parting will be difficult to do. Here, you’ll want to say your good byes by arranging play dates for your children, having dinners with your friends, and promising to stay connected down through the years.
Making Your Move
With your plan in place and followed carefully, you’ll make your move in short order. Getting and staying organized throughout the move will ensure that everything that needs to get done is accomplished.