Ideas Designed to Gain Maximum Efficiency from Your Labor, Layout, and Rental Truck
When faced with a do-it-yourself move, many movers are stressed and overwhelmed just thinking about the huge project ahead of them. However, with careful planning and research, movers can cut their time and effort levels in half; thus alleviating stress. By following a few simple guidelines, do-it-yourself movers can enjoy a stress free move.
Know your new layout – Are you going from a smaller number of bedrooms to a larger number of bedrooms or vice versa? How about the same situation with going from either a garage to no garage? Knowing the layout of your new residence can help eliminate the need to move unnecessary objects around. A great idea is to map out the layout of your new residence and fill in the rooms with the furnishings that you would like to go in each room. If you are going up or down in rooms, make sure you label boxes appropriately for your new living arrangement.
Take inventory – A week or two before you move, be sure to take an inventory of your present belongings. Anything you do not want to move with, have a yard sale or donate the items to charity. This way you do not have to pack any extra items, and if you do not want to move with a lot of belongings, this may help to reduce the size of the moving truck needed. Also, yard sales are great ideas because you can apply the fast cash you make towards the price of the moving truck, thus eliminating some of the financial stress associated with many moves.
Plan for the future – If you are planning on moving again in the near future (college students, military families, people in temporary housing) and space allows, break down all of your boxes and save bubble wrap. Be sure you store all of your boxes in a cool, dry place that is free from any bugs or moisture.
Buy insurance – When picking up your vehicle, go ahead and purchase the extra insurance that is offered with your rental contract to cover any accidents. Even if you car insurance says that you are covered, paying an extra $100 is safer than having to replace an entire moving truck.
Load smart – When loading your rental truck or other moving vehicle, load the lightest and smallest boxes first, and then the heavier ones. This way when you unpack the truck, you will carry the heaviest items out first and leave the lightest ones for last. This is especially important if you plan on moving all day, as by the end of the day most people are tired and are not as vigorous as they were earlier in the day.
By following these easy tips, any move can be accomplished in stages, and help to reduce any stress or anxiety you may have about moving. When in doubt, ask for help with boxing, selling, or carrying. The more hands you can have help you, the faster you moving day will be completed.
Worried because you’re moving soon? This really doesn’t have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.
1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST.
Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6. BOX IT.
Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they’re clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.–but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.
7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM.
Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won’t need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.
8. WRAP IT.
You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock- resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material.
9. MARK IT.
Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.
10. LABEL IT.
As you’re packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different color for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you’ll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding colored sticker on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to.
11. LIGHTEN UP.
Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you’re packing.
12. ROOM BY ROOM.
Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you’re unpacking.
13. PACK EARLY.
Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.
14. ORDER ADDRESS LABELS.
Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.
15. MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT.
Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it’s too late to unpack or the movers didn’t show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.
16. HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS.
If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won’t be interrupting your progress and you’ll accomplish more.
17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE.
Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you’ll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.
18. MAKE IT PET SAFE.
If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don’t leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.
19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL.
Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.
20. DEVISE A PLAN.
Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly.
21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND.
One of the most important things to have on hand when you’re setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.
22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM.
It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.
23. GET READY FOR BED.
As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You’ll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you’re really tired.
24. LET EVERYONE KNOW.
Inform everyone that you’ve moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.
25. GET ACQUAINTED.
Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering. Want 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!
How To Plan Your Move in New York and or from New York
You know you have a lot ahead of you, so why wait until the last minute to throw things together? Plan well in advance and start taking steps now to make your move more manageable.
Be an Informed Mover
Start by creating a “move file.” You’ll need a place to keep important information and receipts for moving related expenses. Contact the IRS or visit their Web Site to determine what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Research your new community. Start by visiting your new city and state’s Web Site or contact their chambers of commerce for relocation packets. Check out local entertainment, shopping and restaurants.
This can be lots of fun and will give you much to look forward to. You’ll also want to order a phone book and city map for your new location. This will allow you to start researching new schools and service providers and is a must for your “essentials” box. Finally, consider ordering a local newspaper. Most news providers will send a complimentary issue to prospective customers.
Start Paring Down Moving is tough, but it can also be an opportunity. This is the perfect time to get rid of the extra “stuff” you’ve accumulated. Take it one room at a time and prepare to make tough decisions.
Survey each room and ask yourself:
• Does this have sentimental or monetary value?
• Does anyone really use it?
• Is it worth lugging around?
• Is there room for it in our new home?
If the item in question doesn’t make the cut, ditch it! Plan a yard sale, post an online auction or simply donate anything that does not meet your criteria. This is a great way to earn a little extra cash or another tax deduction.
Start using up items that can’t be moved to your new home. Properly dispose of flammable or potentially hazardous chemicals. This would include anything in an aerosol can, cleaning and lighting fluids, paint, matches and ammunition. Eat foods that are frozen or stored in glass jars and don’t plan on replacing these items until you are in your new home. Finally, be aware that live plants cannot be shipped with your other household goods. Plan on taking these in your car or find new homes for them.
Take Inventory
Sorting through your home gives you the opportunity to take inventory of your belongings. Make a list of everything you decide to keep and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note of items that are difficult to replace.
Either carry these items with you or ship them by insured or certified mail. Such items might include:
• Photos and home videos
• Birth certificates, wills and other legal documentation
• Jewelry, rare coins and special collections
• Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records
• Computer diskettes with backups of important files.
Know what you will need upon arrival to your new home. Plan ahead and make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an “essentials” box. Allow for extra clothing and be sure to make room for treasures, toys and snacks for the kids. Your essentials box should include things you’ll be scrambling for upon arrival.
• Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener
• Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives
• Dish soap, trash bags, towels
• Instant coffee, tea, beverages
• Toilet paper, toiletries
• Prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers
• Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer
• Phone books, pencils and paper, your “move file”
• Telephone, radio, batteries
Plan on keeping your essentials box and luggage handy, preferably in your automobile.
A few general things you need to know about packing:
Moving Tips in New York City 1-888-467-6143
Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.
Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes, so they’re not too heavy.
Buy clean newsprint to wrap items, and bubble wrap for padding.
Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.
Rent furniture pads.
Mark your boxes by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number system works great (i.e., red stickers for bedroom or 1 for bathroom.)
Write “FRAGILE” on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top.
Packing the big things
Beds:Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they’re easy to reassemble. Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely. Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop. Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie. Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.
Packing the small (but still important) things
Small appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and cushion with wadded paper. Books: Pack them flat in small cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs. Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers. Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely. CDs: Pack upright and cushion with newspaper. Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the “open first” box. Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.
Packing the awkward things
Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection. Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items. Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror boxes. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the truck’s sides or inside wardrobe boxes. Lawn furniture: If heavy or bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together. Rugs: Roll up and secure with rope or tape. Plants: Put in plastic bags with air holes, then in boxes. Water before you leave. Power and garden tools: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long-handled tools together and place small ones in boxes. Lawn mowers/yard edgers: Empty gasoline from all tanks, and check for oil leaks. Garage & attic stuff: Use medium-sized boxes for spray paints, brushes, car waxes, etc. Throw away oily rags or anything combustible. Pets: Always keep them in a pet carrier up front with you. Ask your vet how to make their, and your, move less traumatic.
THE MOVER’S LIABILITY FOR LOSS AND DAMAGE All moving companies are required to assume some liability for the value of the goods which they are transporting. Some responsibility is implied by law; the customer may also purchase additional protection. There are different levels of liability under the terms of their tariffs and pursuant to […]
Packing Supplies, Labeling & Packing Tips Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue Tape and scissors Tape measure Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items. Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. […]
If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family
to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and
downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make
your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life,
and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one
box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of
numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for
the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on
your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing
Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and
other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is
better than "files", and "Tulip dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
Have plenty of supplies.
Don't make me say this twice-- you'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes
than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy
your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a
refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have
about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as
bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing
tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can
stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household
good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the
packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters,
pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your
mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure
the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe
boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes,
and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of
someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off
the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the
ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to
rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if
you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few
days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet
items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom
of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging
clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of
hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works
well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and
closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to
retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for
kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the
box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room.
The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the
destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where
you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and
traffic areas.
Keep things together.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep
bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with
appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with
tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf
brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep
larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in Ziplock bags, and tape
these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open
on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets,
or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you,
or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located
on move-in day.
Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer,
get your winter clothes out of the way. You don't really need 5 radios or TV's
around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra
toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare
down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can
also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery
bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic
cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of
kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room
as movers empty it.
Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods.
Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding
your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.
It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections,
or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the
items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your
homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you
need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork
(receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of
loss.
Keep important papers with you.
Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school
records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank
records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and
more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family
member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set
of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address
book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you've ever had, but planning ahead will go a
long way toward making the process bearable.
What to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives
When reminiscing, few people rarely describe their experience moving their
entire household as "fun."
It totally consumes you for a long time: planning, packing, moving,
cleaning.
When you arrive in your new home, you're faced with even more challenges.
It may seem a small thing to decide where to put the best china or everyday
dishes, but after all the work moving out of the old home, the last thing
you need is another big decision or another major project.
But doing some work to your new home right away will make moving in feel
great.
If you're moving into a new house, you may not need to do anything
at all. Lucky you!
But if you've bought a home with carpet you hate, you're probably
thinking that it has to go. Should you wait until you're moved in, or
tackle the job now?
You may decide that it's too much to think about right now, that you
should leave the decision about replacement for later after you've settled
in.
You may not have the budget or time to do anything but move. But be sure to
weigh in the "cost" to you in both hassle and time if you wait to do a
necessary project at a later date.
Replacing flooring is a major project, and if you have the money
and you can make just this one decision at moving time, you'll really be
doing yourself a favor. If you put it off, you'll be faced with moving all
your furniture out of the rooms. What a bother! Not just for you, but for
the flooring installers as well! There will be furniture all around the
place, and you'll have to move it back into the room when they're done. If
you can do it when you move, be sure to order the flooring well in advance
of your move. Make arrangements to have new flooring installed a day or two
before you move in. Cover the new flooring with mats, tarps, or area rugs so
the movers don't track in dirt or scratch the wood. Then, when they set your
sofa and coffee table in place -- you'll be home.
Below are some other pre-move-in projects that can save you time and
trouble.
Choose the projects that are the most pressing. If your budget won't
allow re-carpeting the entire house, just do one floor. If you can't face
paint decisions for every single room, then just do the rooms where the
decisions are easy.
Painting -
Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it, it's a lot
easier to paint an empty room. There will be no need to move furniture, take
down draperies, clear out the closets, or take every picture or mirror off
the walls. Allow several days to repaint before the movers show up,
especially if you'll be doing the work yourself. This type of work always
takes longer than you think. Or, hire a crew (professional painters or
friends) to come in and get it over with in a day or two. Painting even part
of the house before you move in can be a terrific time saver. If you can't
decide on colors, then just have everything painted a clean white, a pretty
light beige, or other background color you love -- depending on what works
best with your furniture and color schemes. Once the major patching,
priming, trim work, and base coats are in, adding another wall color at a
later date can be a snap.
Crown Molding -
Does anyone not love the look of crown molding? It's a wonderful luxury
to be able to install molding around the whole house all at once, before you
move into your new home. Be sure to prime and pre-paint the strips of
molding before installation, just before painting the interior walls. You
may need to do some touch up at the joints and nail holes, but that's a lot
easier than standing on a ladder for days trying to paint three coats fo
paint on the molding near the ceiling!
Here are some more great projects to do before the moving truck
arrives at your new home.
Re-Key - You'll never know how many keys are floating around for your
new home unless you get new locks or re-key the existing locks. The previous
owners may have given a key to neighbors, workmen, relatives, or cleaning
services, and you'll get some peace of mind if you get new ones. This is a
project to do just before or soon after you move in.
Closet Systems -
Having things organized, fitting into your new home, will really make you
feel great. You'll love wonderful closet systems with double hanging poles,
drawers, and shelves up to the ceiling. If you wait until later, you'll have to
take everything out, pile your clothes in stacks on your bed or floor (can you
visualize your clothes wrinkling in giant stacks), and live out of suitcases for
a day or two until the closet fittings can be installed.
No matter when you choose to do it, professional installers can be in and out in
a jiffy. Do-it-yourselfers may need a bit longer to figure out the instructions,
but once the process is down for the first closet, each additional closet should
be faster and easier. If you do some measuring in your new home before you move
in, you can plan ahead and choose and buy your closet components ahead of time.
Electrical Upgrades -
If you're moving into a new home, you may have all the electrical outlets you
need. But older homes could be a challenge. You can do the upgrades anytime, but
everything is easier to get to in an empty room. Remember, electricians are paid
by the hour and they'll be able to work faster if they have immediate access to
outlets and room for ladders and equipment. Older homes may need GFIs in
kitchens and baths, as well as additional outlets for TVs, phones, computers, or
lamps. This would be a great time to add a ceiling fan, and an electrician can
install a wall switch, brace the ceiling and install a specialized box for the
fan. You might want better work light in your kitchen or reading spotlights over
your bed. Lighten up a hallway with new track lighting or add lights in your new
closets. Two real luxuries that are easy to do are an outlet inside a vanity for
your hair dryer or an outlet on the mantle for holiday lights. How about a
motion-activated ceiling light in a basement or laundry room? All of these
projects can be easier to complete when your rooms are empty. The work can be
completed without your having to move furniture or cover room accessories to
protect them from drilling dust.
Will you be able to park your car in the garage, or will it become the
storage spot for everything from garden tools to holiday decorations? Yes, once
you move in, it's FULL of stuff. So, if you want to build storage shelves,
finish the floor with an epoxy coating, or install a workbench, it can be much
easier to do it before the garage is stacked to the ceiling. Another handy tip
-- if you have sturdy garage shelving from a previous home, arrange to have it
loaded on the truck last, then unloaded first, so boxes marked "Storage" can be
placed easily and quickly onto waiting shelves.
Using the tips and hints here, you'll find that moving into your house can
really be a pleasant experience. You'll feel right at home in a jiffy! Happy
moving!
Take inventory – A week or two before you move, be sure to take an inventory of your present belongings. Anything you do not want to move with, have a yard sale or donate the items to charity. This way you do not have to pack any extra items, and if you do not want to move with a lot of belongings, this may help to reduce the size of the moving truck needed. Also, yard sales are great ideas because you can apply the fast cash you make towards the price of the moving truck, thus eliminating some of the financial stress associated with many moves.
