Pack
If you have got the money for it and have really done a super job of purging, hiring professional movers is not a bad way to go. But if you are like most people and are on a bit of a budget and struggling with corralling everything to pack, doing it yourself could be a possible choice. Professional packers will box up everything in sight—they are not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the task completed. If something is in view, it gets wrapped and put in a box. However, if you foresee packing yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and commence boxing as you purge.
This is an approach that works well for most folks, as you can go ahead and put the things you are keeping in one box and be done with it, and concurrently you are tossing things out and making your donate/sell piles. If you start well ahead of moving day and dedicate a couple of hours every day for organizing and packing, you should chip away enough that you are able to manage the last few days without a complete breakdown.
Begin with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where most people amass the stuff they don't even recollect that they own. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you have got more time to sort thought things--let it be known that old frisbees and tubs of mystery cables only get packed 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 is all in one spot that helps the pick up to go quickly.
If you're utterly anxiety-ridden at the thought of going through everything in your home, consider employing an estate liquidation company. They will come in, help you purge, and then, they can auction furniture, appliances, toys, and other stuff, too. Items that don’t make the sale cut are donated or pitched. If you're packing for your move yourself, there are companies you can hire that will come and haul away your junk for a flat fee, or by the truckload, if you have got a bunch of stuff.
Pay
Paying for moving is one item that some people do not take into consideration in the costs of the new house, although it might be as expensive as your closing costs. Unless you have got an employer who is coordinating your move for you, you should know what costs you're going to take on with a move.
Call and talk with several moving companies to get an estimate of what you will pay for a full-service move versus one where you pack yourself and have the trucks come load, drive, and unload, and compare that to what it would cost to totally do it yourself and just rent a moving van. If you decide to do your own packing, factor in the price of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets among other things. When you're calculating the cost, remember the time it will require to do your own boxing and loading, and the equipment and knowledge you'll need for big or awkward furniture. If you have antiques, a pool table, or a large swing set, can you maneuver them safely--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 slip a disc than you.
Moving to a new residence and creating a new life is appealing and can be a wonderful experience for your whole family. Managing the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you only the stuff you really use and love – setting aside time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will help make those great expectations a reality.
