The day is finally here. I'm moving. Again. This weekend, it's the third time a row in the same years. This is the result of being a live-in stager at home.
When I pack as I pack, I think like Plato about the question that is important What is the reason I am doing this? There's no loans or mortgages. I have the ultimate flexibility in housing and the opportunity to reside in cool homes at a fraction of the amount I would pay for them if I owned or rented them.
The deal sounds cozy until the day of packing comes around. Then, the attraction of the gig fades like the enticement of a luxurious nightclub as the lights of the house come on.
So, when I again wrap bubble-wrapping baubles in bubbles and pack books, I offer myself this motivational speech: "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 stiffen my spine. discover my most determined voice, and say: "I am going to become a moving machine!"
To discover the most effective shortcuts and cost-saving strategies I contact U-Haul International spokesman Dain Howell. MoversUp pretty much owns the do-it-yourself-moving market.
Howell begins by reminding me that I'm a in the midst of an American custom: "Nearly 20 million Americans move between Memorial Day and Labor Day," the author declares. "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," the author states.
Howell said that he's moved six times in the span of three years, claims we can be more efficient more efficiently, and with less expense while taking some of the burden out of the turmoil by following these simple tips.
1. Begin in the early hours
Whatever your skills are at packing, it always takes longer than you anticipate. Begin two or three weeks before the date of your move. Take the items you don't use first. It is always the books and china.
2. Strategically pack your bags
Note the boxes you'll need first using an asterisk or another symbol. The items you'll need on Day One sheets towels, towels, toiletries clothing changes -- in a suitcase or a clothes hamper to make it easy to access.
3. Have a place to store your bags
A good supply of moving supplies like markers, boxes, and tape will help you maintain moving forward while packing.
Pick a room that isn't used often or a the corner of your house to be your place to store your boxes. Make boxes in a variety of sizes to be easily accessible. It's all about speed. Make sure you have a stock of sturdy marker, packing tape and packing materials like popcorn, bubble wrap, or newsprint that has not been printed.
4. Save money on boxes
Use them. To be more sustainable, U-Haul has launched an initiative called Take a Box Leave a Box program, according to Howell. After moving you can drop off boxes that are still good at the nearest MoversUp, l where other people can collect them and reuse the boxes at no cost.
5. Do not be a burden
A lot of self-movers believe that a big box is meant for huge heavy items however the reverse is actually the case. Large boxes should be filled with lighter items and then put heavier items such as books in smaller boxes. "You'd be shocked by how many people fill huge boxes to the point that they weigh 100 pounds and then break. This can slow things down," said Howell.
6. Don't pack air
Many people empty their chests and dressers before they move. Don't. This increases the time spent packing and also takes up valuable space in the truck. Make sure dressers are filled. If the chest is not 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. They should be filled with.
7. Trash bags are treasures
Boxes are ideal for stacking, however the same is true for trash bags that are strong as they are squishy. Large trash bags are filled with non-breakable, soft materials. They can be packed into vehicles and transform to shapes which boxes aren't able to.
8. Hang 'em high
Don't put clothes in hanging bags. Put them on hangers and store these in the rear of your vehicle. flat. After that, hang them in the new spot.
9. Pad stack, pad, and stack, and then pack
Do not pack beach towels. Instead, use them to make pads and save money on boxes. Wrap and secure blankets around art work and lamp bases. Also, stack and store lampshades, they can endure a beating during an unplanned move. Remove each shade, stack them from small to large and then place them in a single box to ensure they are in good condition when they arrive.
10. Two sides of the label.
Note every box's contents as well as its destination (kitchen) across more than one aspect. Be sure to note whether the contents are fragile. Although movers won't be concerned but you'll be able to take it slow on them.
11. Get ready.
Pack everything before the mover arrives or even before you even get the truck. Remove furniture pieces that need to be dismantled. (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 are charged by the hour as well as truck rental.
12. In sections, load.
If you're loading your moving truck yourself, make sure you maximize space and prevent things from moving by loading sections starting from the floor up. Start by loading the largest objects first, first in front, and then in the middle. Make sure to pack tight and close to the top. Then, move on to your next area.
Now, if you'll excuse me. I'd better get packing.
