I just moved in to my new home three days ago.  I’ve been itching to write an article for my blog and I just realized that writing an article on “Moving” would be perfect for me since I’ve done it so many times!  I’ve moved dozens of times and there are little tips and tricks you pick-up when you move that I’m sure will help someone out.  Here’s some moving tips for anyone NOT using a moving service:

(1)  When selecting your slaves helpers for moving, give them enough notice.  Don’t call them the night before to tell them you need help moving.  People will appreciate it (and maybe even show up!) if you give them notice, so as soon as you know you’ll need someone’s help, let them know.  Don’t procrastinate asking!  Be warned that whoever you ask for help will probably ask you to help too when they move. 
(2) If at all possible, try to stagger your move-in day and your move-out day at least 1 week apart.  It’s easier if you can go back to your old place and finish up moving / cleaning any leftover little stuff for a few more days after you move.

(3)  Books are heavy.  Magazines are even heavier.  Many SMALL boxes with 6-10 books are better than 1 big box with 60 books in it.

(4) Do NOT buy/use cheap packing tape to seal your boxes, unless you enjoy having your pinkie toe smashed by a book that fell out the bottom of box sealed with cheap packing tape.  This is not the place to save money.  Buy good quality packing tape.  Invest in a tape gun or two if you don’t have one.

(5) Label your boxes with a permanent marker.  Some things you may want to write are: (a) Box #, (b) Where the Box is Going (ie. Bedroom, Office, etc.), (c) Contents (ie. Books, Office Supplies, Cables, etc. ), Special Handling Instructions (ie. FRAGILE GLASSWARE, DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN, etc.)

(6) It’s better to rent a moving truck (1 tonne for example) and make one or two trips than to try moving using your buddies pickup truck and making 68 trips.  The gas savings alone will pay for the truck rental.  Of course if everything you own fits in a suitcase, that’s a different story.

(7) Loading a moving truck usually takes 3-4 times as long as unloading it.  Keep that in mind when planning your day, lunch for your slaves helpers etc.

(8)  Have water and pop available at both places in the fridge for your thirsty helpers.  People who are dying of thirst make very poor helpers.

(9)  Pack BEFORE moving day, not the moring of.  On moving day focus your energy on MOVING not unpacking at the new place.  Get everyhing moved over first and then unpack.  Unless you are physically unable to move things for health reasons, get your butt in there and help move things.  Don’t stand around supervising.  If you don’t want to lift a finger, hire a moving company.

 (10)  If you do solicit help packing your stuff, the fewer people that help you the better.  The more people that help out packing, the harder it will be to find something later on.  For moving, the more helpers you have the better, but for packing you don’t want too much help or you’ll go insane trying to find things after the move.  Pick a helper with a good memory that’s packed/moved/unpacked before.

(11)  Get an early start.  8-9am is a good time to start, not noon.  It’s MUCH better to move the majority of your big things in one day.

(12) Here’s a quick mental reminder of moving related things that might jog your memory:  You’ll need boxes, packing tape, permanent markers, fragile stickers, packing paper for dishes, and some blankets.  You’ll need to call the utility companies (cable, telephone, hydro, etc.), house alarm, change your drivers license address, notify post office to forward your mail, address changes on all your accounts and with your employer.  You’ll probably forget where you packed your toothbrush, toilet paper, tools, batteries, cell phone charger, extension cords, coffee filters or deoderant.  At least ONE helper will call in sick, and at least ONE item you value will get scratched, damaged or broken; that’s just the cost of moving.  If there’s something very valuable and specific you don’t want scratched or broken, move it yourself seperately from the rest of the stuff you’re throwing in the moving truck.

Happy moving!

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