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Tip
1.
Label moving boxes on all four sides and top so they can be
read regardless of how boxes are stacked.
2. Luggage, sports bags, totes, etc. can be utilized as
packing containers to save money, but be sure
to label and inventory them like any other
box.
3. Labels should include the name of the room or area in
your new home where you would like that box to be placed. |
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Article -
On the Move (May is
National Moving Month)
Do you have a household move in your near future? Moving
ranks as the third most stressful life event (behind the
death of a loved one and divorce). Whatever your reason for
moving might be, (job change, bigger house or apartment,
downsizing, etc.), you can reduce your stress and minimize
problems by planning ahead.
Start by thinking about your prior moving experiences. Jot
down what went well, what you said ("I'll never do it
again"), and what is different about this move.
Moving team
There are several options for engaging a moving team. Simple
solutions for students can be friends with a car or truck
who you pay with pizza and beer. You can also use the
vehicles you have and make multiple trips or rent a truck to
make the move in one trip. If you decide from past
experience that none of these options are for you and you
opt to hire a professional moving company here are some
questions to ask and guidelines to follow.
1.
Contact companies four to six weeks before the move
date--sooner if you have a summer move or an end of the
month move. These
are the busiest times for moving companies.
2.
Schedule at least two onsite estimates. These should
be free.
3.
During the estimate be sure to show the movers
everything that is going to be moved. Don't forget the
basement,
attic, or extra storage
facility.
4.
Ask about "valuation" options. This provides
protection from loss or damage to your possessions. The
valuation
option you choose
determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted
and the maximum liability of the mover.
5.
Discuss move dates and expectations.
6.
Ask for references and call them.
Once you have
at least two estimates, compare services, costs, gut
feelings, and references. Choose the mover that you are most
comfortable with and has a reasonable price. If there is a
low-ball estimate, this should raise a red flag.
Temporary storage
There are some items you may not want the movers to handle.
These items may include: computer equipment, irreplaceable
photographs, family heirlooms, keepsakes, or extremely
breakable items. Consider transporting these items
personally in your car.
In many instances, you may need to store items temporarily
before, during, and after the move. To reduce storage
expense consider holding a garage sale (warning--this take
extra time and work!) and/or donating items to a local
charity. Storage options may include your neighbor's garage,
a friend's basement, or a rented storage locker. In any of
these cases, be aware that items could be damaged.
Task
list
Create a list of all of the tasks that need to be completed
for the move, assign tasks to various members of your moving
team (friends or family members), and schedule completion
dates on your calendar.
Overestimate
the
time needed per task! Break big tasks into small realistic
bites and share your expectations with that team member.
Example: "Pack your bedroom closet Saturday morning" may
mean a 10-minute box dump to one person and a 2-hour
cleaning marathon to another. Your list and completion dates
will change as reality catches up with your estimates! Also,
you will need to update your task list more frequently as
the actual move date approaches. Your professional moving
company may provide you with a task list or check list as a
courtesy. You can also find one at
www.SOSorganize.net/lists.html.
Inventory list
Number and label boxes as they are filled. Write them on an
inventory list and include a box number and some brief notes
regarding the contents. This makes finding items at your new
space much easier; it also ensures that you end up with the
same number of boxes you started with! Remember to include
furniture, appliances, and other items that are too large to
be boxed -- these items should still be numbered and
inventoried.
Note:
boxes that are similar in size are easier to stack. Put
heavy items in smaller boxes and light items in larger
boxes.
Finally, on moving day, don't forget special items and
arrangements that may be needed for children and/or pets
such as sitters, meals, kibble, water, and special toys.
Happy moving and don't forget where you packed the aspirin
bottle!
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