Planning

Plan Your Move Carefully
...more straight talk from the moving advisor!

Moving from one home to another is considered one of the most stressful things people do in their lives. To move everything you own-much of it fragile and important to you-from one place to another involves careful planning, organization, good equipment and tools, the right moving materials and a heap of plain common sense.

The first thing to remember is to get started and plan ahead as much as possible. Having a written plan or checklist is a smart way to stay organized, as well as having plenty of moving boxes, tape and marking materials before you begin. Write down everything in each room and how you'll deal with moving it. You'll also want to decide whether you'll do the packing and loading or whether you want the mover to do those tasks.

Packing is an art form in itself. It takes careful organization ahead of the actual move. Most moving authorities say it's best to pack one room at a time and mark each box carefully so you know where things are. Heavier items go in the bottom, lighter things on top. Basic common sense helps: ie., don't pack your books or other heavy items in large boxes that will be clumsy and difficult to carry.

Are you moving appliances and furniture or extra vehicles? Something really large like a piano? Any of those will take special consideration that your mover will need to know about. Depending on the timing of the move, you might want to consider a storage space for some of your stuff that can't be immediately accommodated.

But there can't be too much stress put on good organization. Planning ahead will make a significant difference in the stress level and completion of your move.

Ted Erickson, is a moving advisor, is the owner of a moving consulting and professional packing company. You can contact Ted at tederickson@hotmail.com for free advice about a local, long distance or international move, or if you are interested in his consulting or packing services.