LOIS' MOVING TIPS
Moving can be fun, when you have the facts.
Here we are again, spring! We've just moved the clocks ahead, the days will be longer and lighter, and the moving season begins. If you are one of those people who will be moving locally, long distance, or internationally, this spring or summer, you are already regretting what that entails. Let's face it, moving is no fun, but it can be when you have the facts. Statistically, it ranks up there with death, divorce and renovation as one of the most stressful and frustrating events in one's life.
Having owned and managed a moving and storage company for the last 30 years, and having made some major moves myself, (both local and international), i emapathize with the excrutiating thought of gathering all of one's possessions and moving them from one place to another.
So as an experienced hand at this, here are some major tips to make that over the top moving experience, manageable, if not pleasureable.
1. Throw it out.
It sounds simple, i've tried it a million times, but it's the key, if you haven't worn it, used it, or played with it in the last three years, throw it out. If you're moving locally it's bad to keep it, if your'e moving long distance it's disaster. Don't shlep it with you, it will take you time to wrap it, pack it and pay for the mover to move it. If you don't need it and know you'll never need it, be tough with yourself and throw it out. Of course, when i say throw it out,you can donate clothing, and furniture to various organizations that will be delighted to take your unwanted belongings.
2. start packing early
If you know you'll be moving, start packing things daily. Pack a box a day, it will keep the doctor away! You'll feel less stressed, and won't be overwhelmed two days before move day that you haven't done it all. Pack the things that are easy to pack, like books, cd's, linens, and things you don't use on a daily basis. And remember, don't panic, every professional moving company can pack up what you didn't finish.
3. let the professional movers pack the breakables
You probably don't know this, but when professional movers pack breakables they're insured for their work, you're not. If any damage occurs that the movers did and they packed the box, it's insured. Besides, it's tough packing glassware and china. Your choices are many - " do i use bubble, or paper, do i use bubble and paper," who knows? The mover knows. And in new york the moving company is not allowed to charge you for bubble wrap or paper when they are packing your boxes!
4. buy insurance. Don't let the movers sell you insurance.
In New York State, the law requires moving companies to be licensed by the department of transportation. When a company is licensed, they offer liability valuation, which in real terms means that if something is damaged during the move, you will receive either 30 cents per pound per article (an antique plate of your grandmother's that weighs one pound will get you 30 cents) or $2500.00 for the entire shipment. In either case, it won't protect your valuables. Don't be stingy with yourself. You've spent a life time collecting , you're paying to shlep your things, so take insurance and protect them. Moving companies are often "self insured." That means they offer you "valuation liability" usually at five dollars per thousand dollars for local moves, and ten dollars per thousand for long distance. This means that they are "insuring" you for their damages. This can be a conflict of interest. A reputable moving company should be able to recommend reliable insurance brokers, or check with your home owners insurance policy for coverage.
5. if you can afford it, get the movers to unpack
Get the movers to un pack your breakables, place them in the closet and get rid of the debris. And if you really can afford it, get them to unpack everything and put your things in place. It will save you days of work that no doubt you can spend in more pleasureable ways.
6. have a bottle of wine on hand
To make moving fun on move day, be sure to have a bottle of wine or champagne on hand, and a few glasses ready-- to celelbrate your new home, and that you're done with the move!
Good luck and enjoy!
For more information on moving - view our General Moving Tips
