Pack
If you have got the budget for it and have really done a thorough job of purging, employing professional movers is something to seriously consider. But if you are like most people and are on a bit of a budget and struggling with getting organized with everything to box, doing it yourself could be a possible option. Professional packers will pack everything in sight—they are not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the job completed. If something is in view, it will get wrapped and placed in a box. However, if you plan to pack yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and begin packing as you purge.
This is an approach that performs well for quite a few folks, as you can go ahead and put the items you're keeping in a box and be done with it, and simultaneously you are tossing things out and creating your donate/sell piles. If you begin well ahead of moving day and dedicate about two hours every day for decluttering and packing, you should progress enough that you're able to manage the last few days fairly stress-free.
Begin with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that is where most people collect the items they do not even know that they have. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you have got all hands on-deck--let it be known that old hockey sticks and baseball bats only get packed if the owner is there to justify why they need to move. Apportion a corner of the garage for things that you are going to give to charity; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your donations and if it is all together that helps the pick up to go quickly.
If you're completely overwhelmed at the notion of sorting through everything in your home, ponder hiring an estate liquidation company. They'll come in, help you sort, and then, they can auction furniture, appliances, toys, whatever you want them to. Items that don’t make the sale cut are donated or thrown away. If you are packing for your move yourself, there are companies you can employ that will come to your house and haul away your trash for a charge, or by the truckload, if you've got a lot of stuff.
Pay
Paying for move is one item that most folks forget to factor into the costs of the new home, although it might be as expensive as your closing costs. Unless you've got an employer who is coordinating your move for you, you should have a good idea of what costs you are going to face with a move.
Have a discussion with several professional movers to get an estimate 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 moving van. If you opt to do your own packing, check out the cost of materials--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets for starters. When you are calculating the cost, remember the time it will require to do your own packing and loading, and the equipment and knowledge you'll need for big or bulky furniture. If you have antiques, a grandfather clock, or a large safe, can you maneuver them without issue--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 fall down the stairs while carrying something heavy than you.
Moving to a new house and creating a new life is exciting,exhilarating and can be a good experience for your entire family. Managing the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you only the things you actually use and love – allotting time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will assist in making those high expectations a reality.
