Moving is not usually a joy. No matter whether you're moving across town or across the country, it's reckoning time--what to do with all the prized possessions (and not-so-dear-to-you possessions) you've accumulated? Everything you own has to move (thus, moving) and somebody is going to have to comb over it, box it, and load on a moving van. And then repeat the process in reverse once you're at your new residence. Are you going to handle it by yourself, or will you hire movers? And will you have the pros for a turn key move, or pack yourself and have the movers come with a truck or two on moving day?
It's a lot to ponder, and your budget is a fundamental consideration in deciding the amount of your move you want to hire out. But regardless of your budget, your time frame or other factors, you want to actually pack and move as little as feasible. As soon as you realize you might be moving, begin thinking about the purge.
When you stroll through your residence and really look at all your possessions, the prospect of packing it all up is crushing. That is why you should begin clearing, de-cluttering, donating, and dumping as soon as you start looking at new homes. If you're selling your house, your realtor will be all over you regarding the de-cluttering and de-personalizing before it goes up for sale, so you might as well get boxes and trash bags and get started. Cleaning house is an sensitive challenge, especially if you've been in the house several years, so follow this Protocol for Purging for a hassle-free clearing out.
The One-Year Rule
The unwritten rule is, if you haven't got it out of the closet in a year, get rid of it. This makes a lot of sense for children and current fashion, but you don't need to toss that Hermes scarf if you didn't get around to wearing it last winter. Practically speaking, why haven't you worn it? if it doesn't fit, is out of date, or your lifestyle has changed (if you're no longer in the corporate world and have a closet full of suits in various shades of navy blue), feel free to consign or donate. If you are undecided, ask yourself is it worth the time and money to box and move? Three weeks into boxing things up, you'll be completely merciless, whereas in the beginning you'll have a sad box of things to donate with a sweater, two pairs of maternity jeans and ratty tennis shoes, so grant yourself plenty of time to purge closets, dressers, and cabinets.
If you don't have a shredder, invest in a cross-cut one that can even shred CDs. As you are purging and shredding old paperwork, save the shredded mulch in big trash bags as you empty the shredder’s bin and then use it as packing material to fill boxes so the innards don't shift in transport.
Who's Doing the Heavy Lifting in Little Rock?
When you're taking time away from purging is a perfect time to look for moving companies; you'll want to decide how much help you need and get on their schedule as early as possible. If you are having the movers box your belongings for you, you'll still need to sort through all your stuff for purging. The packers job is to pack, not to decide what to keep. If you have a dirty ashtray on the coffee table, count on seeing it again when you unpack. There are some items a moving company can't transport, and some things that they won't move. Anything flammable or toxic (gasoline, propane tanks, ammunition, nail polish and remover (seriously), and chemistry sets are a few of the things that can't be commercially moved. Click here for further information on items that cannot go on the moving truck.
Planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time to purge and pack are very important for a smooth move. Remember, everything you decide to take with you must be packed and moved, so be sure you're taking only what you cannot live without to your new abode.
