You have finally sold your house- Yippee! Now comes the time to move. Here are some points to make the moving process a lot easier whether you are doing yourself or having someone else doing the packing and moving.
Getting Ready to Move and Pack
- When picking up boxes to pack consider getting smaller boxes, people tend to overload them and then they become to heavy to lift. You should keep the load well under 50 pounds per box.
- Purchase more supplies than what you think you might need, you can always return what you don’t use. Buying supplies the day of moving from the moving company will cost you far more.
- To save even more try going to U-Haul they will give you used boxes at no cost, yup $0. After you move into your new place bring them back to U-Haul so someone else can save and you are recycling. You might also be able to get inexpensive boxes from BoxCycle in your area. Of course you can visit your grocery and liquor stores too.
- Bubble wrap is good, but can cost a lot. Instead wrap breakables individually with six to eight sheets of newsprint paper wrapped around the piece. Don’t overload the box and have it marked clearly with “breakable.” If you have objects like a jewelry board consider wrapping with press and seal to prevent everything from tangling.
- If you are doing some of the packing I always tell clients this is a great time to start de-cluttering. Yes if you pick up an item ask yourself how often do you use the item, if not at all get rid of it now so you are not packing, wrapping, carrying, unwrapping and trying to decide where to place it in your next new home.
- Who to use for your move? Call a few moving companies to get quotes, make sure it is in person so they can see the entire house contents including the garage and attic. When comparing quotes evaluate each one looking for similarities to be able to attain which is the best value. You can also check protectyourmove.gov for reputable companies.
- Ask for a list of items movers will not pack and move for you. If you need to move them realize it will fall on your shoulders to do the packing and carrying of those items so maybe you really don’t need them as much as you thought.
The actual moving day
- Day of the move you may want to see if a neighbor or family member can watch pets and little ones while the packing/moving is taking place. It will make it a little less stressful for them and yourself.
- Make sure you have lots of water available for everyone helping with the move and some high energy snacks for your self so you can keep you stamina up.
- Create a box that is the last to be loaded on the truck, and the first to be unloaded when you get to your new home. It should contain items that you know you will need as soon as you start unpacking.
Once you have everything removed from your house and before the driver leaves your home, do one last check for anything that might have been left behind. Be sure to check attics, storage sheds, and basements. Make sure you go through and also turn off all lights, your furnace, and your air conditioner. Lock your windows and doors, and leave behind your keys and garage door openers for the new occupants. Enjoy you new home!!
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