Pack
If you've got the budget for it and have really done a super job of purging, hiring professionals is not a bad way to go. But if you're like most mortals and are on a bit of a budget and struggling with corralling everything to pack, packing for your move yourself can be a viable option. Professional packers will pack everything--they're not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the job done. If something is in view, it gets wrapped and put in a box. However, if you plan to pack yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and start packing as you purge.
This is a strategy that works well for a lot of people, as you can go ahead and put the things you're keeping in a box and be done with it, at the same time you're throwing things out and making your donate/sell piles. If you start well ahead of moving day and allot a couple of hours every day for decluttering and packing, you should chip away enough that you're able to manage the last few days without a complete breakdown.
Start with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where most people store the stuff they don't even know that they have. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you've got all hands on-deck--let it be known that old hockey sticks and baseball bats only get saved if the owner is there to plead for their survival. Dedicate a corner of the garage for donations; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your giveaways and if it's all in one spot that's an easy win.
If you're completely overwhelmed at the idea of going through everything in your house, consider hiring an estate liquidation company. They'll come in, help you sort, and then, they can sell furniture, appliances, toys, you name it. Anything that doesn't make the sale cut is donated or thrown away. If you're packing for your move yourself, there are companies that will come and haul away your junk for a flat fee, or by the truckload, if you've got a lot of stuff.
Pay
Paying for move is something that many people don't factor into the costs of the new house, although it can be as expensive as your closing costs. Unless you've got a relocation package, you need to know what costs you're going to incur with a move.
Talk to several moving companies to get an estimate of what you'll spend for a full-service move, one where you pack yourself and have the trucks come load, drive, and unload, and compare that to what it would cost to completely do it yourself and just rent a moving van. If you opt to do your own packing, check out the cost of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets are just the beginning. When you're doing the math, don't forget the time it will take to do your own packing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you'll need for heavy or bulky furniture. If you have antiques, a piano, or a large safe, can you move them safely--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you drop an antique clock? Movers are more expensive, but they're insured, have the proper equipment and expertise, and are less likely to slip a disc than you.
Moving to a new house and creating a new life is exciting, and can be a wonderful experience for your entire family. Managing the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you only the things you really use and love -- allow time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will go a long way towards making those great expectations a reality.
