So, Let’s consider: Some thoughts on planning your move….
I’ve moved more than enough times in my life and I gave up count after the number hit 25. You don’t have to have moved over 25 times to know that any move is a royal pain in the ass. So, here’s a few thoughts that may help make your next (or perhaps current) move a little easier…
Talk with your insurance agent about your move.
I’m putting this at the top of to-do’s intentionally. It’s an item that is very frequently overlooked or just ignored…until something goes wrong and you find out you’re not covered. A quick call to your insurance agent telling them that you’re moving, where from, to, how and a quick review of your move’s plans can save you a lot of potential pain and loss later. Make sure where you’re going is covered properly as well as your goods in transit and any intermediary storage facilities and processes. Caveat: CYA is the order of the day.
Plan, plan and plan some more…
There are times when your moving time window is lengthy and there are times when you gotta move next week. In either case, it’s well worth the time to just sit down with pad and pen and do a little thinking on paper. Write down things like: Where am I going from and to? How do I plan to get from here to there? How much stuff am I taking? Where am I going to put it when I get there? Do I need a hotel, etc., while there and moving in? Do I need any help and if so who and what?
Plan how to handle your stuff.
Walk through your current abode with your pad and pen. Make a notation of what you have and how you think you should pack it. Does something need special packaging, handling or treatment? Is it something that is fragile or valuable to the point you want to move it yourself vs the movers?
Don’t feel you have to BUY boxes.
A little simple planning and a few drives past your local liquor stores when they have their empty boxes outside or just call them and you’ll have more boxes than you’ll need and they’re happy to get rid of them. If you keep the subdividers in them they’ll also work for things like vases, etc., provided you don’t play soccor with the boxes while moving. And, saving a couple weeks newspapers for packing $ave$ on padding expenses as well…
LABEL your boxes as to what’s in them and where they should end up at in the target venue. This will help you, your movers and save you alot of “where the heck is that box with the…” frustrations. I’m not talking detailed inventory, per se. Just grab a black sharpie and make notes on the outside of the box. I would also suggest that if you have boxes of valueables that you NOT write things like “gold bricks” or “firearms” on the outside. Rather use a codeword that works for you: “Wally’s rock collection” or “Special plumbing parts” should work. You’ll know what’s inside and nobody else needs to… And, PLEASE UNLOAD ALL FIREARMS BEFORE YOU PACK THEM.
Access to your stuff during transition and after landing.
There’s going to be stuff that you’re going to need during the move and immediately after the move. Identifying these items should also be part of your pen and pad walk around planning. Label these items clearly during packing and perhaps place them in a special and different area for special handling versus the bigger piles. Also, think about what you will need during the transition: PC, laptop, small table(s), chair(s), cooking items, items/toys for kids, etc…
What’s hanging on your walls…
The old addage of “what goes up, must come down…” applies to anything you’ve put on your walls. Pictures, posters, etc., need to be part of your packing and planning process as they may require special handing and packing.
Change of address notifications.
Frankly this is a very simple but important function of your move. The poney express office has a simple form for you to fill out for their forwarding purposes and you can write a simple “effective today, my new address is: xxxxx” letter to drop off at your bank, put in your credit card payments, etc. Frankly, I prefer getting a post office box as it makes my relocation easier and my mail delivery smoother and more secure. Further, if I take a weekend away, nobody knows it from the pile of junk that is cluttering my mailbox on the street or in the apartment complex.
Finally, good luck with your move. Keep some non-alcoholic drinks handy during the process and be safe.
I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.
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