Let’s face it. Moving is about as much fun as a root canal and often just as painful.
Even if your reason for moving is a positive one — bigger house, better job or warmer climate — moving is still considered one of life’s most stressful events.
Whether you’re planning a move across town or across the Continental Divide, moving is indeed a major undertaking and one that requires careful planning. Being organized, however, will go a long way in helping you save time, money and hassle.
If you don’t have a lot of heavy furniture and are moving locally, the do-it-yourself move may be your best option. Not only is it usually less expensive, but you have more control over your belongings.
However, keep in mind that it is also a lot of work. You will be responsible for all the packing, loading and unpacking, as well as driving the rental truck or trailer.
If possible, try to enlist your friends to help load and unload some of the heavier and more awkward items. (It’s always a nice gesture to buy them lunch or dinner in exchange for their hard work.)
Your first step should be to take inventory of what you own so that you know how many boxes you’ll need and what size truck or trailer to rent. Most people underestimate the amount of personal belongings they have and are often shocked at how quickly they fill up a rental truck.
Normally, a 14-foot rental truck will accommodate a two-bedroom apartment, while an 18-foot truck will accommodate a three-bedroom household.
Experts suggest getting price quotes from several different truck rental companies before making your final decision since rates can vary. Also, ask if rates are cheaper during the week than on the weekend.
With a do-it-yourself move, you are responsible for procuring all your own moving supplies, including boxes, tape, rope, packing peanuts and bubble wrap — all of which can add up quickly.
However, you may be able to save some money by acquiring boxes from supermarkets, liquor stores and discount chains or by purchasing used moving boxes from moving companies.
One moving tool that will make the job considerably easier is a dolly, which you can usually rent at the same place you rent your truck. A dolly is handy not only for moving major appliances and pieces of furniture, but provides an easier way to stack and load boxes.
When packing boxes, make sure they are sealed tightly and are not too heavy to carry. Be sure to label each box with the contents and indicate which room it should be unloaded into. Always place the heaviest items in the bottom of the box and fill any empty space with peanuts, newspaper or other packing material.
If you’re going to be moving a computer, stereo, TV, VCR or other electronic equipment, it is best if you pack the item in its original carton with the original packing material. If the wiring is complicated, take a photo before disconnecting the unit so you know how to set up the equipment once you’re in your new home.
Dishes and glasses are best protected when they are packed in special dish packs available at moving and storage companies. Always mark these boxes “fragile.”
If you own valuable antiques, consider hiring a professional packer to make specially designed crates to hold your pieces. And make sure these items are adequately insured.
When moving furniture, always disassemble any removable parts such as the legs, base, frame or drawers to make the job easier. And be sure to tape together all the loose hardware so that it isn’t lost during the move.
Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring professional movers, there are certain items you should never pack and transport. These include flammables such as ammunition, gasoline, propane, kerosene, lighter fluid and oxygen tanks. Also, do not transport paints, turpentine, cleaning products or aerosol cans.
Hiring a professional moving company can make the task of moving much easier and a lot less daunting.
The downside, however, is the expense, but you may be able to reduce the cost by packing some or all of your belongings yourself. Many moving companies now offer their services à la carte so you can pick and choose the option that best meets your needs and budget.
For example, you can hire a company that will load, drive and unload your belongings, but you are responsible for doing the packing. Another option is the pack-and-stack service in which experts will pack up your belongings, but you handle the transport.
Make sure you talk to three or four different moving companies before making your final selection. Check out both the big names as well as some of the lesser-known companies.
Find out if the moving company is licensed and registered, and check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any negative claims have been filed against the company.
Most reputable companies are willing to come out to your home or apartment to assess what you have and provide a free estimate of what it will cost to pack and move your belongings. Although some moving companies will provide estimates over the phone, it’s in your best interest to have a representative come to your home.
When reviewing moving estimates, make sure you understand what’s included in the price so that there are no surprises.
To protect yourself from any unforeseen costs, it’s best to get a binding estimate that holds the shipper to the figure you’re given. (With a nonbinding estimate, there is no guarantee that the final cost will not exceed the estimate.)
By law, all movers are required to prepare a “bill of lading” for every shipment they transport. This is a formal contract between you and the moving company and serves as both your contract and your receipt for your belongings. Be careful not to lose or misplace this document as you will need it if any disputes arise about your shipment.
Read the bill of lading carefully before signing it and make sure you receive a copy of the inventory listing your belongings. Review the inventory sheet thoroughly and make sure all entries are correct.
Especially in long-distance moves, it’s not unheard of for expensive items to mysteriously disappear. If you don’t carefully check the list before the movers leave and then you discover your heirloom silverware is missing, you might be out of luck trying to recover the item or receive compensation.