The day that was promised has arrived. I'm moving. Again. The weekend following, and three times in a row in the same years. This is the result of being an in-home stager.
While packing as I pack, I think like Plato on the important question What is the reason I am doing this? Yes, I don't have a loan or mortgage. I have the ultimate flexibility in housing and the opportunity to live in some really nice houses at a fraction of the amount I would pay when I own or rent them.
The deal sounds cozy until the day of packing comes around. Then, the attraction of the gig fades like the enticement of a chic nightclub as the lights turn on.
So, when I again wrap bubbles with baubles and boxes of books, I offer myself this message: "Self," I declare, "as long as I've signed on to this vagabond life, I might as well embrace the process, find the Zen in packing and turn moving into a serious sport, where the goal is maximum speed and efficiency, and minimum inconvenience and cost."
I tighten my spine, locate my most determined voice, and declare: "I am going to become a moving machine!"
To discover the most effective shortcuts and tips to save money I contact U-Haul International spokesman Dain Howell. U-Haul pretty much owns the do-it-yourself-moving market.
Howell begins by reminding me that I'm one of the many people who are part of an American custom: "Nearly 20 million Americans move between Memorial Day and Labor Day," the author states. "Almost half of the nation's moves take place in these three months."
"Oh, I love a parade!" I tell you, "especially being in one!"
"That's not how most people see it," He states.
Howell said that he's relocated six times over the course of three years, believes that we can make our move quicker as well as smarter and more affordable and take some of the burden from the chaos with these simple steps.
1. Begin with a little bit of time
However good you are at packing, the process will always take longer than you anticipate. Begin two or three weeks before the date of your move. The things you are most likely to use first. I usually start with books and china.
2. Strategically pack your bags
Note the boxes that you'll require first with an asterisk or another symbol. Place the items you'll need on Day One sheets towels, toiletries, sheets, clothing changes -- in a suitcase or a clothes hamper for quick access.
3. Have a place to store your bags
A supply of moving supplies including boxes, tape and markers can help you maintain the momentum going when you're packing.
Pick a room that isn't used often or a part of your home for your place to store your boxes. Create boxes of various sizes to be available for grabs. The speed of your response is crucial. Have a supply of strong marker, packing tape and packing supplies like popcorn, bubble wrap or newsprint that is not printed there.
4. Save money on boxes
Find used ones. To help make the world greener, U-Haul launched an initiative called Take a Box Leave a Box program, explained Howell. After moving you can drop off boxes that are still good at the nearest UHaul which will allow others to collect them and reuse the boxes at no cost.
5. Do not be a burden
Many self-movers think that a huge box is meant for huge heavy things However, the opposite is actually the case. The large containers should be filled with lighter things and place heavy objects such as books in smaller boxes. "You'd be shocked by that people will fill huge boxes to the point that they weigh 100 pounds, and then break. This causes problems," said Howell.
6. Don't pack air
A lot of people empty their chests and dressers prior to their move. Don't. This can increase the amount of packing time and takes up space in the truck. Keep dressers filled. If a chest isn't full then fill it up with clean linens, according to Howell. Also, you will have less load shift. Don't forget to pack empty suitcases. Make sure you fill them.
7. Trash bags are treasures
Boxes are ideal for stacking, however they are also sturdy trash bags as they are squishy. The trash bags can be filled with soft , non-breakable materials. They can be put into vehicles and transform in shapes boxes cannot.
8. Hang 'em high
Don't take hanging clothes with you. Put them on hangers and store their clothes in your vehicle. flat. Then , hang them in the new location.
9. Pad stack, pad, and stack, and then pack
Do not pack beach towels. Use them to make pads to save on boxes. Wrap and tape blankets over the lamp bases and artwork. Also, stack and store lampshades. They can endure a beating during an unplanned move. Remove each shade, stack them from small to big and then place them in a single box so that they can remain intact.
10. Two sides of the label.
Label every box with its contents as well as its destination (kitchen) in more than one place. Be sure to note whether the contents are fragile. While movers may not notice however, you'll know to go slow on them.
11. Get ready.
Make sure everything is packed prior to when the moving company arrives or you can get your truck. Take apart furniture that needs to be removed. (Tape bolts and nuts securely to furniture pieces.) Then roll the area rugs tight and then tape them. The more organized you are, less time you'll have to be spending on movers who charge per hour, and rental trucks.
12. In sections, load.
If you're loading your moving truck yourself, you should maximize space and prevent things from moving by placing them in sections starting from the floor up. Start by loading the largest objects first, then in front and to the side. Make sure to pack tightly and up to the top. Then, proceed to another section.
Now, if you'll excuse me. I'd better get packing.
