Pack
If you have got the finances for it and have tried to do a complete job of purging, employing professionals is not a bad way to go. But if you're similar to most mortals and are following a bit of a budget and fighting with sorting through everything to pack, doing it yourself might be a possible choice. Professional packers will box up everything—they're not there to organize your stuff or to judge, packers go in and get the job accomplished. If something is in view, it gets wrapped and placed in a box. However, if you are planning to pack yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and start boxing as you purge.
This is an approach that performs well for a lot of folks, as you can multitask by putting the items you're keeping in one 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 a couple of hours every day for organizing and packing, you should make enough progress that you are able to manage the last few days fairly stress-free.
Start with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where a lot of folks collect the stuff they do not even remember that they have. 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 frisbees and baseball bats only get saved if the owner is there to plead for their survival. Dedicate a corner of the garage for things you are going to donate; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your donated items and if it is all together that helps the pick up to go quickly.
If you are completely anxiety-ridden at the idea of going through everything in your residence, think about employing an estate liquidation company. They'll come in, help you sort, and then, they can auction 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 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 something that some people forget to factor into the expense of the new residence, although it can be as costly as your closing costs. Unless you've got a relocation package, you must know what costs you are going to incur with a move.
Call and talk with several moving companies to get an estimate of what you will be looking at 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 fully do it yourself and just rent a truck. If you opt to do your own packing, check out the cost of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets are just the beginning. When you are adding everything up, do not forget the time it will take to do your own boxing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you will need for big or awkward furniture. If you have antiques, a grandfather clock, or a large swing set, can you maneuver them without issue--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you dent an antique clock? Movers are more costly, but they are 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 entire family. Watching the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you 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.
