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We all know that moving is a lot of work,even if you hire the professionals to do it for you. If you start your moving process early and plan well, you will find that a dreaded experience turns into a positive one very quickly.
Here are several tips that can save you time and headaches.
The What,When and Where Decisions:
Decide who you'll use if you hire professionals. Decide how to dispose of items that you know will be of no use in your new home , or are just plain old and worn out that they need to be hauled away. Look over your home and decide what furnishings will not be right to haul with you. Maybe they just will not fit into the style or decor of your new home, maybe they have been an albatross for many years. Has your family outgrown items that may be of value to others?
When all else fails and family or friends do not want the items remember charities, and do not forget to get your reciepts for your donations. When you decide the WHO of who will move you ask yourself some valid questions. Do you have the physical endurance to make a large move? Would it be in your benefit to hire a professional? Do you have at least two helpers who are as strong , if not stronger than you? Can you get the time off work?
Sometimes the cost of hiring a professional outweighs and actually works in your best interest. A professional mover will be sure to do a professional pack so you do not have to worry about Aunt Millies China getting broken. Also they are insured, so if an accident happens you can be reimbursed for your losses in a matter of days. Also you do not have to worry about loss of wages if you need to take unpaid time off and also the best part, you can save your back and possibly some major friendships because sometimes friends will say "YES I'LL HELP", but in their hearts they are screaming "OH NO,WHY DID I SAY YES!"
Packing for your move:
If you are the do-it yourself type and do take on the undertaking make sure to invest in strong durable boxes. U-Haul has many to choose from and the investment is well worth the investment. Clearly mark all the boxes by room so that once the boxes have arrived at the new destination, they can be sorted quickly and easily.
Your Pets , Plants and Perishables:
Moving can be tough on pets. Have pets groomed the day before you move and make sure to transport them to your new home yourself if driving to your destnation.If flying always ask the vet for tranquilizers for your pet because flying can be more nerve wracking for your pet than it can be for the most skiddish human.
Your Plants:
Some states do not allow plants or fruit across the state lines. California for one has its' own border check and if you are traveling with such it will be confiscated. Save yourself the hassle and give away all plants and trees before you make the move across any state line. About four weeks prior to your move begin giving away all contents of your freezer that will not be used. You can even donate this to area food banks and do not forget to get a receipt for your donations.
Records:
Gather all your personal records and children's shot and doctor records along with personal memoribilia and plan on moving them seperately in your vehicle, or a separate transport if by plane.If you do fly take on your carry on all personal records that you may need immediately such as shot records, birth certificates and other valuables.
Do not forget to notify your local utility companires and set it up so that your utilities and phone will be cut off the day of your move. Many excess bills have been generated because the people who have moved in behind you have assumed that the utilities that they are using are their own. Do you really need the aditional expense of paying for someone elses long distance calls?
Moving ideas for your children:
Moving can be stressful, but for children it can be frightening! Always be open and realistic with children concerning a move. Be honest and be there to listen to their feedback.Tell them what is happening and include them in the process. If a child feels included in the decision making and taking ownership process it allieveates alot of the stress associated with moving. Let them see pictues of the new home and the new school they will be atending.Give them some background on the neighborhood and be sure to tell them that Yes, other children do live there.
Let them help pack. Make sure they are totally involved and never dispose of a childs item without their permission. Remember they feel as if they are being ripped away from what is familiar to them and their friends so never take away what can be deemed more in their minds by throwing away anything. Allow them to make the decisions, you make the suggestions. Have them bring a special symbolic item to their new home from the old neighborhood or house. Something familiar they can relate to will make them feel more at home in their new environment. Be sure to share the excitement and responsibility with the entire family. If every family member takes responsibility for an age appropriate part of the move your move can go off without a hitch.
The keys are careful planning, organization,and implementation and then your on your way to a happy and safe, and no stress moving day.
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