A couple bought a new house only two blocks from their old one. Moving two blocks might look like a piece of cake, but think again. Both houses needed cleaning, paint touching up, and everything—EVERYTHING—needed to be picked up, transported, carried into the new house, and set back up. While they saved a bundle on rental truck mileage, their move was just as stressful as a Seattle-to-New York move.
Moral of the story: No matter how far you're moving, it's a bigger project than you might think.
Number 1 – If you don't use it, leave it
Packing time is a blessing in disguise. It's the perfect time to get rid of items that have somehow accumulated in your home. Look at each item and think to yourself: "Do I use this? Do I need it?" Be honest. If you don't use or need an item:
Give it away. Check with local schools, libraries, and charities to see who will pick up your donations. Be sure to get a receipt. Sell it. Have a yard sale. Or check into selling items using an online auction Web site.
Throw it away. Start gleaning early if you're limited to a certain amount of trash each week. In some cities you can purchase tags for extra containers beyond your weekly allotment. For volume, take a load to the city dump (usually for a fee).
Number 2 – Consider hiring help
Sometimes it's best to leave the job to those who do it best: a professional moving company. If you can afford it, hire someone for both ends of your move. Start with a cleaning service. This will save you several hours' work.
If you don't feel comfortable driving a rental van, hire a moving company. Be sure to interview and get bids from several moving companies. But your best bet is to get recommendations from friends.
Number 3 – Call in friends and family
Over the years, how many friends have you helped move? How many times did you watch your brother's kids for free? How many times did you help your neighbor trim branches or mow the lawn? It's time to call in a few favors:
- Ask a few people over one evening to help pack boxes.
- Bribe them with dinner.
- Call a few friends to help retouch paint one Saturday.
- On the day of the big move, call lots of people to help. Remember, "many hands make light work."
- Ask someone to watch the kids and/or pets during moving day.
Number 4 – Order plenty of packing supplies
Remember not to hold back on packing materials. Be sure to have plenty of moving boxes, tape guns, tape, marking pens, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts available. Your volunteers will be glad to take what you don't use.
Number 5 – Plan ahead for food, drink, and other essentials
Now that you've got your volunteers (and professionals) lined up, keep them happy and well-fueled.
Earlier in the week, buy plenty of paper cups and plates, plastic utensils, soft drinks, and hearty hand-sized snacks (such as granola bars or oatmeal cookies, cherries or plums, and party mix).
Breakfast. If ten people are showing up at your house first thing in the morning, coordinate with a local bakery or deli to pick up a tray of food.
Easy lunch or dinner. Think of food that is fast, filling, and easy to eat when all the tables and tableware are packed away (such as submarine sandwiches, fried chicken, or pizza).