Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move 1/5
Relocation always makes the list of the most stressful events in our lives. Whether the move is triggered by positive or negative events, moving means tearing up roots and plunging into the unfamiliar. So, while no move is painless, the pain can be minimized. Here are some excellent suggestions, with my own notes added...
Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move
by: Maria Gracia
Worried because you're moving soon? Relocation really doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.
part 1 of 5
1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST. Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.
NOTE: The key here is in the singular "checklist." Do not make the mistake of using multiple lists. I guarantee at least one will be lost. One good option is to use one of those spiral-bound school notebooks that covers three subjects.
Label the subjects "Before Move", "During Move" and "After Move." Put each checklist item in the appropriate section, along with recording things like confirmation and orders numbers, phone numbers, contact names, etc.
Having this information in one location at your fingertips will save you a lot of worry and hassle.
2. LEAVE IT BEHIND. Avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won't be using. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later.
NOTE: In addition to leaving behind things you don't use now, think about your destination. If you are moving from Fargo to Malibu, will you still need those snowshoes? Will that surfboard you use every week in Malibu really find a home in Fargo?
3. GET RID OF CLUTTER. Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.
NOTE: An alternative to a garage sale is a consignment house or auction service. You can bring usable items to the auction house. About once a week, the collected goods from you and several others are sold at public auction. You get the sale price less the auctioneer's commission. With typical household goods, you sure won't get rich, but you will get a little extra for the moving kitty.
4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE. Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.
NOTE: This also applies if you plan to transport one or more vehicles rather than driving. On a recent move, we tried to save some money by using a transport company recommended by our moving agent. The company scheduled a pickup for a certain day, and the independent driver they contracted missed the pickup. The driver claimed he was overweight, and simply kept going without letting anyone know. It took almost a month to get another transport in that part of the country. A month of car rentals more than wiped out the savings we anticipated.
5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET. You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.
About The AuthorWant to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site. http://www.getorganizednow.com
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