Moving will never be fun, but you can reduce the cost and eliminate much of the stress by following Barbara Hemphill’s advice. She’s president of the National Association of Professional Organizers and spokeswoman for Allied Van Lines.
– Get organized before you move. Keep only what you love, find useful or beautiful. Go through everything before the move to make sure it fits one of these criteria.
– Weigh the cost of moving it in relation to the cost of buying it new when you get there. Moving firewood, potting soil and decorative bricks doesn’t make sense. Plan so that you run out of liquid cleaning and kitchen supplies just before the move. Moving open containers increases the likelihood of spills and damage.
– Pack some things yourself. Packing linens and clothes not only reduces the cost, it makes it easier to get organized at your new home.
– Get bids from more than one mover. But don’t think cheapest is best. Look at what services you get for your money.
– Reduce stress by developing a moving checklist and timetable. Allied offers a free 27-page booklet to step you through the process. For a copy of The Guide to a Good Move write to P.O. Box 11759, Chicago, IIl. 60611.
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– You can also reduce stress by developing a filebox of important information and a family “survival box” to take with you. Include important moving information. Also include medicines, toiletries and favorite toys as well as tools, silverware-anything you’ll need in the first 48 hours.
– When you arrive, unpack and organize the kitchen and bedrooms first. Having a comfortable place to eat and sleep makes it feel more like home.