The idea of moving is a mixed bag for most people. The idea should be full of excited anticipation and hope. Yet we often are overcome stress as we face the daunting project of actually moving. The packing up of your life, the physical labor, the pleading of help from friends, the confusion, the broken and lost possessions, the money, the unpacking… it’s a lot. Here’s a few tips that we hope make it a little easier.
1. Consider selling or bartering some of your furniture and possessions. Chances are, the couch is going to cost a lot to move. If you aren’t in love with it, it may cost you a lot less to sell the couch and simply buy a new one when you get to your new place. Particularly if you are moving further than across town. You also may be able to get help from handymen, movers, trash companies, and more in exchange for appliances or furniture if you are willing to part from them. Small business operations are more likely to engage in a bartering system, but simply mention it in your first conversation with a potential service giver.
2. Catalog the possessions you intend to keep. Take a photo of each room, then each bookshelf, closet, or other small portion of the room. Keep these photos on your computer or hard drive and print out the photos. This will help you protect your possessions during a move if you are using a moving company. The photos will give evidence to what you had before the move in case you might need to report something missing or contact your insurance on the matter. It will also make organization during moving easier as you follow the next step.
3. Pack up possessions by photo. If you took a photo of a bookshelf, then the items in that bookshelf would go together in one or two boxes. Attach the correlating photo to the outside of the box with clear packing tape. Then you will have an exact idea of what is in a box without having to write a lengthy explanation in sharpie. This will also make it easier if you are fortunate enough to have others helping you pack. How often have you gotten to the next place with boxes labeled something like “misc. living room” or “kitchen stuff”? You have no idea what’s in those boxes, or if they are fragile. The photo method is easy to follow and takes all of the guesswork out of moving.
4. If you’re hiring a moving company, do your homework. Before hiring, you need to research the credentials on a moving company and look for complaints. The Better Business Bureau and Google are good places to look for this information. Also, having the photo catalog of your possessions and a “full value protection” plan or other insurance will help keep you from losing anything in the move.
5. Pack yourself a “carry-on” bag. Pick out clothes, medications, bathroom essentials, etc. that you will need over the next week. If you’re hiring a moving company, they may get behind schedule and show up at your new place late. If you’re moving yourself, you may not be able to get to some items right away. It’s important that you have access to the things you need most if moving doesn’t go exactly “according to plan.” Simply pack a bag with those essentials to keep with you during the move.