Pack
If you have got the budget for it and have tried to do a comprehensive job of purging, engaging movers is something to seriously consider. But if you're similar to most mortals and are following a bit of a budget and fighting with getting organized with everything to box, packing yourself can be a possible option. Professional packers will box up everything in sight—they are not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the task finished. If something is in view, it gets wrapped and put in a box. However, if you foresee packing yourself, get your moving supplies together – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and commence packing as you purge.
This is an approach that works well for most people, as you can multitask by putting the stuff you are moving in a box and be done with it, and concurrently you're tossing things out and making your donate/sell piles. If you start well ahead of moving day and dedicate about two hours every day for organizing and boxing, you should chip away enough that you're able to manage the last few days without an anxiety attack.
Commence with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that is where many folks amass the things they do not even recollect that they own. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you have got the rest of the family to lend a hand--let it be known that old hockey sticks and baseball bats only get saved if the owner is present to justify why they need to move. Assign 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 giveaways and if it's all together that helps the pick up to go quickly.
If you are absolutely overwhelmed at the idea of going through everything in your home, consider hiring an estate liquidation company. They'll come in, help you purge, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, and other stuff, too. 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 employ that will come to your residence and haul away your junk for a charge, or by the truckload, if you've got tons of stuff.
Pay
Paying for moving costs is one thing that most folks don't take into consideration in the expense of the new home, although it can be as expensive as your closing costs. Unless you have got an employer who is coordinating your move for you, you must be aware what costs you are going to take on with a move.
Call and talk with several movers to get an idea of what you'll 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 be to completely do it yourself and just rent a truck. If you decide to do your own packing, factor in the cost of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets are just the beginning. When you are calculating the cost, remember the time it will take to do your own packing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you will need for hefty or awkward furniture. If you have antiques, a piano, or a large safe, can you maneuver them safely--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you break an antique clock? Movers are more costly, but they're insured, have the proper equipment and knowledge, and are less likely to fall down the stairs while carrying something heavy than you.
Moving to a new residence and creating a new life is appealing and can be an awesome experience for your entire family. Watching the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by moving only the things you really use and love – allotting time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will help make those high expectations a reality.
