Pack
If you've got the finances for it and have made an attempt to do a comprehensive job of purging, engaging professional movers is not a bad way to go. But if you are similar to a lot of people and are on a bit of a budget and fighting with getting organized with everything to pack, doing it yourself can be a viable option. Professional packers will pack everything in sight—they're not there to organize your stuff or to judge, packers go in and get the task completed. If something is in their field of vision, it will get wrapped and placed in a box. However, if you foresee packing yourself, get your moving supplies together – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and begin boxing as you purge.
This is a method that works well for a lot of people, as you can knock two tasks at a time by putting the things you're taking with you in one box and be done with it, at the same time you are tossing things out and creating your donate/sell piles. If you begin well ahead of moving day and allot about two hours every day for decluttering and packing, you should chip away enough that you're able to manage the last few days without a complete breakdown.
Commence with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where most folks accumulate the stuff they do not even recollect that they own. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you've got more time to sort thought things--let it be known that old basketballs and baseball bats only get packed if the owner is there to justify why they need to move. Devote a space in the garage for things that you are going to give to charity; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your donated items and if it's all together that makes the pickup much easier.
If you're absolutely stressed out at the notion of sorting through everything in your residence, ponder hiring an estate liquidation company. They will come in, help you purge, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, whatever you want them to. Things that don’t make the sale cut are donated or trashed. If you're packing for your move yourself, there are companies you can hire that will come to your residence and haul away your trash for a flat fee, or by the truckload, if you have got a lot of stuff.
Pay
Paying for move is one item that some folks don't take into consideration in the costs of the new residence, although it could be as expensive as your closing costs. Unless you've got a relocation package, you should know what costs you are going to face with a move.
Talk to several movers to get an estimate of what you will spend for a full-service move versus one where you pack yourself and have the trucks come load, drive, and unload, and weigh that to what it would cost to completely do it yourself and just rent a truck. If you decide to do your own packing, factor in the price of materials--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets among other things. When you're doing the math, remember the time it will take to do your own boxing and loading, and the equipment and knowledge you'll need for hefty or bulky furniture. If you have antiques, a grandfather clock, or a large swing set, can you move them without incident--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you break an antique clock? Movers are more expensive, but they're insured, have the proper equipment and expertise, and are less likely to run into the wall while maneuvering the couch out the door than you.
Moving to a new residence and creating a new life is exciting,exhilarating and can be a wonderful experience for your whole family. Paying attention to the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by moving only the items you actually use and love – setting aside time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will help make those great expectations a reality.
