Pack
If you have got the budget for it and have really done a super job of purging, employing movers is a great option. But if you are similar to most people and are on a bit of a budget and wreslting with sorting through everything to move, doing it yourself can be a viable choice. Professional packers will pack all of your things—they're not there to go through your thinks or to judge, packers go in and get the job done. If something is in view, it will get wrapped and put in a box. However, if you foresee packing yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and begin packing as you purge.
This is a method that performs well for quite a few people, as you can knock two tasks at a time by putting the items you are keeping in one box and be done with it, and concurrently you're tossing things out and creating your donate/sell piles. If you start well ahead of moving day and dedicate about two hours every day for purging 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 is where a lot of folks store the stuff they do not even recollect that they own. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you've got the rest of the family to lend a hand--let it be known that old hockey sticks and tubs of mystery cables only get packed if the owner is present to justify why they need to move. Assign a corner of the garage for donations; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your giveaways and if it's all in one area that makes the pickup much easier.
If you are completely overwhelmed at the idea of going through everything in your residence, consider appointing an estate liquidation company. They will come in, help you sort, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, whatever you want them to. Items 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 charge, or by the truckload, if you've got tons of stuff.
Pay
Paying for moving costs is something that a few people do not take into consideration in the expense of the new house, 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 incur with a move.
Have a discussion with several professional movers to get an idea of what you'll 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 be to totally do it yourself and just rent a moving truck. If you opt to do your own packing, factor in the cost of materials--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets among other things. When you are calculating the cost, remember the time it will require to do your own packing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you'll need for hefty or bulky furniture. If you have antiques, a piano, or a large safe, can you maneuver them without issue--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you drop an antique clock? Movers are more expensive, but they're insured, have the proper equipment and expertise, and are less likely to run into the wall while maneuvering the couch out the door than you.
Moving to a new home 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 bringing with you only the stuff 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.
