Here are five ways to smooth out the moving process, whether you’re moving down the street or across the country.
Organize and Clean
A couple months before the big day, begin the process of deciding what will be making the move. (We assume you’ve already decided on the who). Moving a home is not a sale at a closeout store. In fact, it’s really the opposite. Everything does not have to go (with you)!
The more you can get rid of, the less you’ll have to pack and the easier it will be to unpack on the other end. Take time to go through each room, and get rid of the things that haven’t been used in a while.
Anything that doesn’t make the cut should get the boot long before you get to your new place — and preferably placed into a Bin There Dump That dumpster!
Research
There are a number of variables that lead you to figuring out whether this is a move you can make on your own or if you should hire professionals. It might be helpful to have a “Moving Folder”, a binder that keeps track of the various stages of your move.
If you do choose to hire professionals, know what you’re getting from your moving company. Will they do packing for you? Do they charge by the amount they’re carrying or the distance they’re carrying it?
Remember, it never hurts to check with the Better Business Bureau or Yelp to learn about a potential mover.
Order Supplies
A couple of weeks from your move, order your supplies. Get the boxes, packing tape, cushioning materials you’ll need to get everything safely from your old home to the new one.
If you prefer, you can visit local grocery stores after delivery day and pick up old produce boxes. Of course, you run the risk of having your dishes and towels smell like cucumbers or passion fruit.
Use It Or Lose It
About a week out it’s time to start weeding down the materials. Yes, you’ve already gone through the house once and cleared out the obvious junk — but it’s now time for a closer look. Walk through again and ask yourself if you really need the item. If you haven’t touched it in the last couple months, it might be better for a dumpster.
Begin Packing
The key to packing is labeling. The goal is to make the unpacking as simple as possible. As you go from room to room make sure each box indicates the room in which its contents will eventually reside. This is a good time to make final decisions on all those things you debated getting rid of but decided to wait on. If it’s not vital or valuable, get rid of it.
Consider packing valuables separately and moving them yourself.
And finally, make sure you have a survival kit. In addition to the valuables keep import items, like medicines, out of boxes. After all it could be days before you see some of those things again.
Bonus Idea: Clean Up After Your Move!
It’s been a month from the time the truck was unloaded. And there are a few boxes that sit unopened in the basement or the garage. If it’s been that long and they remain unopened, it might be time to dump them.
Put them in the Bin There Dump That dumpster along with all the trash from the remodeling of your new home.
For tips on clearing the clutter from you home, subscribe to Bin There Dump That’s blog. And to find the Bin There Dump That franchise operator nearest you, visit our website.
Photo credit: Moving boxes
