Moving Time

Moving is hard. As helpful as some tips are, there's no easy way around it. Moving is taxing. I thought I'd share what things I've learned so far, having helped dozens and dozens of families, individuals and small businesses move over the past twenty some years.

Many moves have access to the new home before fully moving out of the old home. They're not yet living there. That means, in the mean time, living out of a suitcase. Phase two will be when a large majority of the furniture and more belongings arrive. That will be the first night the bed is there, and thus, the first night staying in the new home.

Definitely a Good Idea: Go through everything while packing. I don't want to pack up, move or pay someone to move and then unpack anything I don't want or won't use. It's a waste of everyone's time, energy and money.

Consider donating any assorted items you wouldn't  need or want at the new place. A charity can make better use of these things than a dumpster would.

Some things can be offered to friends (like a tropical plant). Cooking tools you never used or had in duplicate will be loved by your foodie friends. Linens might also be scooped up pretty fast.

You may have some nice things that just aren't going to fit in the new place. Consider selling most of it on online. To help offset the cost and stress of moving, the cash in hand can make a difference! But, be aware that it also takes time to photograph, post and communicate and meet with buyers.

Definitely a Bad Idea: Waiting far too long to book a moving company. The last day of the month, on a holiday weekend is apparently the most busy time. Ever. The one company that may have a truck available could be twice as much as you're expecting to pay.

Use pre-used boxes. I like how green, and definitely inexpensive (free, even!) this is. But, used boxes can have layers and layers of tape on them. Multiple labels scratched out and rewritten. And, some of the larger boxes might be crumply and soft once filled. Having at least a few new or less-used boxes can come in handy.

In short:

• Label those boxes well

• Move them in to the right room just when it comes off the truck

• Don't move anything you don't really want in your new home

• Don't be surprised when moving seems exhausting!

I tell people all the time: Even when everything goes right, moving is HARD!