Pack
If you've got the money for it and have really done a comprehensive job of purging, engaging professionals is something to seriously consider. But if you are similar to most folks and are following a bit of a budget and struggling with corralling everything to box, packing yourself could be a practical option. Professional packers will pack everything in sight—they're not there to organize your stuff or to judge, packers go in and get the job finished. If something is in view, it will get wrapped and put in a box. However, if you foresee packing yourself, get your moving supplies together – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and begin packing as you purge.
This is an approach that works well for quite a few people, as you can knock two tasks at a time by putting the stuff you are keeping in a 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 allot a couple of hours every day for organizing and boxing, you should make enough progress that you are able to manage the last few days fairly stress-free.
Begin with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where most folks store the stuff they don't even remember that they have. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you have got more time to sort thought things--let it be known that old basketballs and car parts only get boxed up if the owner is present to justify why they need to move. Apportion a space in the garage for donations; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your donated items and if it's all in one area that helps the pick up to go quickly.
If you're absolutely anxiety-ridden at the notion of sorting through everything in your residence, consider employing an estate liquidation company. They will come in, help you purge, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, whatever you want them to. Belongings 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 hire that will come to your house and haul away your trash for a charge, or by the truckload, if you have got tons of stuff.
Pay
Paying for move is one item that a few people do not take into consideration in the costs of the new residence, although it might be as costly as your closing costs. Unless you have got a relocation package, you should be aware what costs you are going to face with a move.
Have a discussion with several professional movers to get an idea of what you'll be looking at 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 fully do it yourself and just rent a moving van. If you decide to do your own packing, factor in the cost of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets for starters. When you are adding everything up, don't forget the time it will take to do your own boxing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you'll need for big or bulky furniture. If you have antiques, a piano, or a large safe, can you maneuver them without incident--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you break an antique clock? Movers are more costly, but they are insured, have the proper equipment and knowledge, and are less likely to fall down the stairs while carrying something heavy than you.
Moving to a new residence and creating a new life is exciting,exhilarating and can be a good experience for your entire family. Watching the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you only the stuff you actually use and love – setting aside time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will go a long way towards making those great expectations a reality.
