Smooth Moves, Part I: Planning the Move to Your New Home
By Scott Stonebreaker
Studies show that moving to a new home can be one of life’s most stressful events. Leaving one home for another can produce mixed feelings. In addition to the anticipation of moving into your new home, you may feel sad to say goodbye to friends and family, and the many details involved in a move can become overwhelming. However, moving to your new home is an adventure, and with the right preparation and planning you can turn your move into an exciting and fulfilling experience.
Plan Ahead
Whether you plan to hire professional movers or are renting a truck to transport your belongings yourself, remember that summer is the busiest time of the year for moves, since kids are out of school and work schedules are more flexible. The beginning and end of each month are traditionally busier than mid-month, regardless of the season. If you are planning to move during one of these times, plan well in advance since waiting until the last minute may limit your options when it comes to securing the services you need.
If you are searching for a mover, check with friends and neighbors who have moved recently and ask them about their experiences. Additionally, you can visit the American Moving and Storage Association online at www.moving.org; the site includes a Web-based referral service of professional movers in your area along with numerous tips on managing your move.
When contacting movers for an estimate, inform them of your destination and the timing of your move. A legitimate mover will send a trained and experienced estimator to your home; help the movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to include items in the attic, basement, garage and closets.
Ask for estimates in writing, and have the movers explain the services listed in detail. Local moves are usually priced by the hourly cost of labor needed to accomplish the move, while the cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and on the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require. Carefully compare each estimate to see which company best suits your needs and budget.
Packing for Your Move
When you move, you have the option of packing your own belongings or hiring trained packers from your moving company. Packing items yourself can save money; however, be aware that movers often will not accept liability for damage to items packed by owners.
If you choose to pack yourself, it pays to invest in the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts can be purchased at office supply stores and truck-rental firms; you can supplement these materials with crumpled paper, blankets, pillows or even clothing.
Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and destination (e.g., kitchen). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier. Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable; pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger ones. Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning. Plates and record albums should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked. Don’t apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes, since removing the tape could ruin the surface.
Make sure to pack a single box or a suitcase with the items you will need in the first few days in your new home, and carry it with you. Include a change of clothes, a towel, prescription drugs, a toothbrush and other personal items. Also pack disposable utensils, plates and cups; paper towels and toilet paper; trash bags; a flashlight; a first aid kit including pain relievers; pencils and paper; and snacks and beverages. You may want to include a small tool kit for reassembling items that cannot be moved whole, along with a shower curtain—unpacking boxes can be sweaty work.
If you hire packers, schedule packing a day or two before the moving van is loaded and ensure that you are present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be taken when the packing is complete; resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory.
Once your items are packed, it may seem like the complicated part is over—all that remains is to get your items loaded, taken to your new home, and unpacked. However, the day of your move likely will be a challenge too.
