|
Planning For A Smooth Move
Especially if you’re planning on moving yourself, there are a number of things you should do in advance to save yourself time, money and aggravation. Here are some of them.
Beginning a month or so before you move….
|
Throw It Out Or Give It Away
We’re all collectors….of clothes, books, knick-knacks and a host of other things that take up space. After a while, we don’t even realize they’re there, until it’s time to pack up and move.
So, at least a month before moving day start going through the house or apartment, picking out things you don’t need or want any more. Create two piles, or fill boxes; one for things you’re going to throw away, and another for things you’re going to give away… to friends, your church, the Purple Heart, etc. Plants should definitely be on the “give away” list, as they probably won’t survive the move.
Or, if you think you can make a little cash for moving expenses, have a yard sale. But don’t price things with the idea of making a bundle. The idea is to get rid of them so you don’t have to pack and haul them.
|
Get Packing
Don’t wait until the last minute to start to pack. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to combine giving or throwing away the things you don’t want with starting to pack the ones you do intend to keep.
Professional moving containers are best. They’re double-walled for strength, whereas the boxes you can get at your local grocery or liquor store aren’t as strong. Any mover will sell you containers and packing tape. Sometimes they have used ones that you can have for nothing. A mover can supply a roll or two of the paper that newspapers are printed on, too. Of course, you can use your discarded newspapers, but remember that newsprint rubs off.
Just don’t pack anything you’re going to need before you move, which leads me to…
|
Make a List of Travel Necessities
Start making a list of things you’re going to want to have on hand after everything is packed and while you’re on the road: toiletries, towels, non-perishable food items, drinking water, flashlights, important papers, etc. You don’t want to have to start burrowing through already packed containers looking for things!
Start Using Up the Groceries
Obviously, perishables can’t be moved, and if there are any left on moving day you’re going to have to throw them out. But you should use up the non-perishables, too. Why pack them when you can easily replace them at destination?
|
Reserve a Rental Truck
If you’re planning on renting from a rental truck company, especially if you’re planning on moving during the peak late spring and summer months, it’s a good idea to reserve it ahead of time. You’ll probably have to give them a deposit (make sure you get a written acknowledgement of the reservation) but you don’t want to find that there’s no van to be had on moving day! It is best to call your local truck rental dealer a week before your move to make sure your truck is reserved locally.
Use one of the better-known companies, such as Budget or Penske. They’ll be more expensive, probably, but more reliable as well. Make sure the agreement specifies that pads and straps are included with the truck.
|
Prepare Your Pets
Pets, especially cats, are sensitive to change of any kind. So, it’s a good idea to give them extra attention once you’ve started preparing for the move. If you have a carrier, dig it out and leave it where your pet can see it. That way, it will be less traumatic when you actually have to put your cat or dog into it on moving day.
Prepare the Kids
Like pets, children can be easily upset by the idea of moving. They’ll be leaving friends, favorite places, schools and a generally familiar environment, and it can be scary for some children. Talk to them about the move, listen to their fears, explain why the move is necessary. Involve them in the move by letting them sort out which of their own belongings they want to throw or give away.
|
|
Two to Three Weeks Before the Move…
|
Take an Inventory of Your More “Stealable” Items
Create a list of your electronic equipment…computers, printers, fax machines, TVs, stereo equipment….indicating brand, model, and serial number. If you’re going to be staying somewhere overnight in transit, there’s always the possibility that the van will be broken into, and these are the kinds of things that thieves will take. This information will help if you have to file a police report.
Arrange For Utility Shutoffs
You don’t want to be paying for heat, electricity and phone service that you’re not using once you’ve departed, so make sure the utility companies know when to turn them off.
|
File A Forwarding Address
The Post Office has forms for this purpose. By indicating what you do and don’t want forwarded, you can see to it that a lot of junk mail doesn’t follow you to your new home!
http://www.usps.com
Ship high-value and irreplaceable Items Separately
Unless your homeowner’s insurance provides a transit rider, you won’t be covered if something happens to your collections, jewelry or other items of high value during the trip. These things should be sent ahead, insured, by UPS or FedEx. This is also a good idea for things of no great intrinsic value but are irreplaceable, such as family photos, genealogical data, etc.
|
Ship Firearms Separately As Well
If you have handguns, rifles or other firearms, it’s not a good idea to carry them with you. Ship them by UPS or FedEx also. Make sure the shipping label does NOT indicate the contents, as that would be an open invitation to steal.
Have Your Going Away Party
Don’t wait until you’re in the throes of last-minute packing to invite your friends over for a farewell party. Do it at least two weeks before the move, and then shut down your social life until you’re in your new home.
|
|
One Week Before The Move…
|
Finish Packing
By now, your packing should be just about done. You’ve labeled the containers to indicate contents and what room each one is going to. To the extent that space permits, stack them all in one room, or at least one general area. This will save you having to go room to room when loading the truck. It will also help to avoid leaving things behind in other rooms, since they will be, or should be, empty.
As you’re stacking them, think about which ones you want to come off the truck first…..kitchen equipment and bedding, for example.
|
Prepare Your Container of Travel Necessities
Using the list you prepared earlier, pack a container of things on that list. Make sure it goes on the van last, or at least within easy reach at destination.
Arrange For Utilities To be Turned on At Destination
You’ll arrive tired. You don’t want to have to stumble around a cold, dark, unfamiliar house!
|
Get Some Rest!
Under the best of circumstances, moving is a draining experience. You’ll
handle the inevitable snags and frustrations better if you’re well-rested!
|
|
