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Moving Made Easy - Top Tips
for an Easier Relocation
by Brandon Cornett
Homeowners in the
United States sell their homes
and move, on average, every five
to seven years. That's a lot of
moving, and it can be a stressful
time for anyone. But by preparing
for your next move, you can greatly
reduce the stress involved and
simplify the entire process.
Here are some tips
on how to do that:
1. Get the Right
Materials
Some moving companies
will come and pack up your belongings,
if you pay for that service. But
if you'll be doing your own packing,
you will need to obtain the following
supplies:
- Boxes *
- Packing tape
- Black markers
for labeling
- Scissors
- Newspaper or newsprint
for cushioning
- Moving blankets
(for high-value furniture items,
mirrors, etc.)
- A pocketknife
(they always come in "handy")
- Some plastic storage
bins (Rubbermaid, Sterilite,
etc.)
* You may be able
to get some boxes from your local
supermarket, if you go in and ask
the manager on duty. This works
90% of the time. You can also buy
boxes (include specialty items
like wardrobe boxes) from your
nearest U-haul rental place.
2. Get Rid of
Items You Aren't Taking
A garage sale is
one of the best things you can
do before moving. It's a way to
purge your home of unwanted items
you don't plan to move with you.
You can also donate unwanted items
to your local Goodwill drop-off.
The sooner you do this step, the
easier your packing will be.
3. Label Boxes
Appropriately
Many people think
they can remember which items are
in which boxes after they reach
their move destination. But this
rarely works. On the outside, a
box is a box. So you should label
each box with its contents, being
as specific and thorough as possible.
It's also a good idea to put the
room in big letters at the top
(kitchen, master bedroom, etc.).
That way, you or your movers will
know where to put things on move-in
day.
4. Back Up Computer
Files
Before shutting down
and packing up your computer, it's
a good idea to back up your files.
In the unfortunate event that your
computer was damaged during transit,
you would at least have all of
your important files.
Make back-ups of
computer files and determine how
you will move this delicate equipment.
5. Make Use of
Luggage Items
Don't just throw
those suitcases in your car empty.
Pack them with as many clothes
as you possibly can. The same goes
for duffel bags and other luggage
items you might have. It will save
space and reduce the number of
trips when loading and unloading.
6. Segment Your
Most Needed Items
Make a list of things
you'll need during your move --
clothes, toiletries, medications,
pet foods, etc. Pack these items
separately into an "Open First" box
(if you're only moving locally).
If you're moving long distance,
keep these items with you (as opposed
to putting them onto the moving
truck).
7. Choose a Reputable
Mover
When researching
moving companies, ask friends or
family if they can refer a mover
they have used. Check to see if
the mover is a member of the Better
Business Bureau (BBB). Ask the
moving company if they have any
complaints filed against them,
or just check their BBB record
online.
8. Conduct a Room-by-Room
Check
Before your final
departure from the home you've
leaving, give each room a final
once-over for forgotten items.
This is especially important for
out-of-the-way areas like basements,
tool sheds, attics, etc.
9. Unpack in Room-by-Room
Fashion
Before you begin
unpacking in your new home, be
sure to move all of the boxes to
their destination rooms (kitchen,
master bedroom, etc.). You did
label those boxes, right? Properly
positioning boxes prior to unpacking
will reduce confusion as well as
clutter.
About the
Author: Brandon Cornett
writes for M&M Moving, an Austin
moving company that does
both local and interstate moves
from their headquarters in Austin,
Texas. Learn more by visiting http://www.mmmoving.com