Pack
If you have got the finances for it and have really done a thorough job of purging, hiring professionals is something to seriously consider. But if you're like some folks and are on a bit of a budget and struggling with getting organized with everything to pack, doing it yourself can be a sensible option. Professional packers will pack everything—they're not there to clean or to judge, packers go in and get the job accomplished. If something is in their range of vision, it gets wrapped and put in a box. However, if you are planning to pack yourself, get your moving supplies ready – boxes, tape guns and newsprint and start packing as you purge.
This is an approach that performs well for most folks, as you can multitask by putting the things you're keeping in one box and be done with it, and concurrently you are tossing things out and creating your donate/sell piles. If you begin well ahead of moving day and allocate a couple of hours every day for organizing and packing, you should make enough progress that you are able to manage the last few days without a complete breakdown.
Begin with closets, chests, and cabinets, since that's where a lot of people amass the stuff they don't even remember that they have. Save the attic, basement, and garage for weekends when you have got all hands on-deck--let it be known that old hockey sticks and car parts only get saved if the owner is there to justify why they need to move. Dedicate a corner of the garage for things that you are going to give to charity; some non-profits will send a truck to pick up your giveaways and if it's all together that is an easy win.
If you are completely stressed out at the idea of going through everything in your home, ponder employing an estate liquidation company. They will come in, help you organize, and then, they can auction furniture, appliances, toys, and other stuff, too. Things that don’t make the sale cut are donated or pitched. If you are packing for your move yourself, there are companies that will come to your house and haul away your trash for a charge, or by the truckload, if you have got tons of stuff.
Pay
Paying for moving is one thing that some people do not take into consideration in the expense of the new house, although it can be as costly as your closing costs. Unless you've got a relocation package, you must be aware what costs you're going to face with a move.
Have a discussion with several movers to get an estimate of what you will be looking at for a full-service move versus one where you pack yourself and have the trucks come load, drive, and unload, and compare that to what it would be to completely do it yourself and just rent a truck. If you opt to do your own packing, factor in the cost of supplies--boxes, tape, padding, and moving blankets are just the beginning. When you are doing the math, don't forget the time it will take to do your own boxing and loading, and the equipment and expertise you'll require for hefty or awkward furniture. If you have antiques, a pool table, or a large safe, can you maneuver them without incident--what will your homeowner’s insurance cover in case you drop an antique clock? Movers are more costly, but they are insured, have the proper equipment and knowledge, and are less likely to fall down the stairs while carrying something heavy than you.
Moving to a new home and creating a new life is appealing and can be a good experience for your whole family. Watching the three P’s of your move – purge, pack and pay -- by bringing with you only the items you actually use and love – allotting time for packing for your move -- and budgeting for the process -- will go a long way towards making those high expectations a reality.
