Moving Made Simple
Beginning the Moving Process
The first thing that needs to be done can easily take place from your couch, or recliner. Simply pick up the phone and contact your utility companies. Let them know when you need your power turned off. The best advice is to have your electricity, phone and other utilities cut off at least a day or two after your move. No one wants to be caught without power if a move is running behind. After that task, call up your new utility companies and make sure your new residence will have your services turned on at least a day or two prior to your arrival. Who knows, you may be ahead of schedule. During this time, you should also pop into your local post office and fill out the forms needed to have your mail forwarded. You can do this weeks in advance, just list the date of the move and all your mail will be redirected.
Moving Companies or Truck Rental?
The next decision that has to be made is to decide if you are going to employ a moving company or if you are going to rent a moving truck and do it yourself. Moving companies can do everything from packing you up to placing your furniture at your new home. You should explore all of your options to see what works best for you and your family. The extra dollars for a moving company may be wisely spent if you have it to spare.
Moving Boxes and Moving Supplies
The next time you are stopping off at your local grocer, speak to the manager and set up a few dates when you can come pick up boxes. Boxes can be hard to come by if you wait until the last minute. Your grocer can let you know when the best dates for the pick up will be, and he can put you on the list for pickup. It’s better to have too many boxes than not enough. Be sure to purchase packing tape and a tape gun. Also, a nice set of colored markers will work for labeling your boxes. You can use a certain color for each room of your new home. It will be easier to sort, once you have arrived. Start collecting newspapers from your neighbors and friends. They will come in handy for packing, and you can never have too many.
Sorting, Donating and Throwing Away
You may start looking around your home and be very overwhelmed at the thought of packing everything you see. When that feeling of doom hits you, that is when you should start doing a very thorough going over of every room in your home. Sort the items into keepers, donations, and throw away’s. If it doesn’t have any sentimental value and is not useful, ask yourself if that item is truly worth moving. Remember you have to pack it, unpack it, and find a new spot for it at your new home. Throw out what you want, and donate the rest.
Let Packing Commence
It is time to get with it, now. Start packing up the things that you know you won’t be using until you reach your new home. This process can start a few weeks prior to your move. Go ahead and pack up the china, off season clothes and shoes, holiday decorations, books, As the move approaches, pack everything such as lines, towels, kitchen items, clothing etc. You can live off sandwiches and paper plates for a few days. It is easier to toss a load of laundry into the washer then leave all the towels, linens and clothing out for a last minute packing free for all. Don’t forget to leave out the pet supplies and hygiene items that will be needed until moving day. Each person can have their own personal tote bag, or shaving kit for these items.
Moving Pictures and Electronics
It is very important that you have strong boxes for high end items such as electronics and pictures. You should also consider getting bubble wrap to wrap them in. Box up all electronic equipment, and items such as compact discs and movies. When you are wrapping your pictures or mirrors, simply put a big X over them with masking tape, wrap them in a bubble wrap, secure the wrap with tape and place the smaller pieces in boxes. Larger pictures may need to be carried out to the moving truck as single items.
The Day Has Arrived
Moving day starts early. Everyone should wake up before the sun. Pack the bedding, sleep ware, pet supplies and other items such as the coffee pot, paper plates, cups, sodas, etc., that are still lingering in your home. These boxes should be marked, and will be the first ones opened upon arrival at your new home. Everyone should be ready to go. You will either be watching the road for the moving company to arrive, or you will start loading boxes yourself in a moving rental truck yourself. Hopefully you have enlisted the help of friends or family. If the troops do arrive to clear you out and haul you away, please be courteous to them. I’m sure many of them would much prefer to be somewhere else. You should provide all meals on moving day to your helpers, and a little extra gift such as a favorite wine, or CD can go a long way in saying thanks to your workers.
