Pack
If you've got the finances for it and have tried to do a complete job of purging, employing movers is something to seriously consider. But if you are similar to a lot of people and are following a bit of a budget and struggling with sorting through everything to move, packing yourself could be a possible option. Professional packers will pack everything—they're not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the job completed. If something is in their field of vision, it gets wrapped and put in a box. However, if you plan to pack yourself, get your moving supplies together – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and begin packing as you purge.
This is an approach that functions well for quite a few people, as you can knock two tasks at a time by putting the stuff you're moving in a box and be done with it, and concurrently you're throwing things out and creating your donate/sell piles. If you start well ahead of moving day and dedicate a couple of hours every day for organizing and packing, you should chip away enough that you are able to manage the last few days without an anxiety attack.
Begin with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where many folks amass 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 car parts only get packed if the owner is present to justify why they need to move. 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's all in one spot that is an easy win.
If you're completely overwhelmed at the thought of going through everything in your home, ponder appointing an estate liquidation company. They'll come in, help you organize, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, and other stuff, too. Belongings that don’t make the sale cut are donated or thrown away. If you're packing for your move yourself, there are companies you can hire that will come and haul away your trash for a flat fee, or by the truckload, if you've got tons of stuff.
Pay
Paying for moving is one thing that most people do not factor into the costs of the new home, although it could be as costly as your closing costs. Unless you have got a relocation package, you need to know what costs you are going to take on with a move.
Have a discussion with several movers to get an idea of what you will spend 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 be to fully do it yourself and just rent a moving truck. If you opt to do your own packing, check out the cost of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets for starters. When you're adding everything up, don't forget the time it will require to do your own boxing and loading, and the equipment and knowledge you will need for hefty or awkward furniture. If you have antiques, a piano, or a large safe, can you move 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 appealing and can be a good experience for your whole family. Managing the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you only the stuff you actually use and love – allowing time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will help make those high expectations a reality.
