Think back to the last time you moved. Do you remember how hot it was, or how frustrating it was to wait for the extra keys to arrive, or how sad it was to find your box of crystal was broken? Moving day is a misnomer; moving pretty much takes up parts of weeks of your life, both before and after the “big day.”
The only things I’ve found which can alleviate some of the frustration and stress of moving are careful organization and money.
Organization is a mandatory; your lists must have lists. There’s a sequence you should follow for packing and loading your items, arranging for transportation and acceptance of keys, turning on and turning off utilities as well as changing addresses. One of the last things you need to worry about is something preventable – like breakage. That’s where money becomes really useful.
Even with a modest budget, you can protect your hard-earned or inherited belongings from scratches, dents, punctures and breakage. You’ll find your best tools are moving blankets and moving boxes.
Moving blankets are thick, durable, and heavy. Unlike any cover you may have ever had on your bed, moving blankets are manufactured to withstand the abuses of moving while protecting the items they cover. Constructed from heavy cotton or cotton/polyester blends, they’re filled with recycled cotton threads compressed into thick bats. The exterior surface prevents most scratches from reaching your furniture or artwork; the interior batting provides a cushion that resists dents and other mars.
Buy your moving blankets online or from a local truck rental facility. Be sure to cover everything you don’t have the heart or funds to replace; it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
And as for the other frustrating things that happen during a move? Well, plan ahead and have the best pizza place in town deliver on your first night in your new place. Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep!
