Pack
If you've got the money for it and have made an attempt to do a comprehensive job of purging, employing professionals is not a bad way to go. But if you are similar to a lot of folks and are following a bit of a budget and wreslting with sorting through everything to pack, doing it yourself could be a sensible option. Professional packers will box up everything in sight—they're not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the task done. If something is in their field of vision, it will get wrapped and put in a box. However, if you plan to pack yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and begin boxing as you purge.
This is an approach that functions well for most folks, as you can multitask by putting the items you are keeping in one box and be done with it, and simultaneously you are tossing things out and creating your donate/sell piles. If you start well ahead of moving day and allocate a couple of hours every day for decluttering and packing, you should make enough progress that you are able to manage the last few days without an anxiety attack.
Commence with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that is where a lot of folks amass the things they do not 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 basketballs and tubs of mystery cables only get saved if the owner is there to plead for their survival. Apportion a space in 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 makes the pickup much easier.
If you're utterly stressed out at the idea of going through everything in your house, consider hiring an estate liquidation company. They will come in, help you sort, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, whatever you want them to. Things that don’t make the sale cut are donated or trashed. If you're packing for your move yourself, there are companies that will come and haul away your junk for a charge, or by the truckload, if you've got a bunch of stuff.
Pay
Paying for moving costs is one item that a few folks don't account for in the expense of the new home, although it can be as expensive as your closing costs. Unless you've got an employer who is coordinating your move for you, you need to have a good idea of what costs you're going to incur with a move.
Call and talk with several professional movers 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 contrast that to what it would cost to totally do it yourself and just rent a moving van. If you choose to do your own packing, include the cost of materials--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets are just the beginning. When you're adding everything up, do not forget the time it will require to do your own packing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you'll need for heavy or awkward furniture. If you have antiques, a piano, or a large swing set, can you move them safely--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you drop an antique clock? Movers are more expensive, 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 exciting,exhilarating and can be a wonderful experience for your whole family. Managing the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by moving only the stuff you actually use and love – setting aside time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will help make those great expectations a reality.
