Moving Mania

From hiring the right moving men to surviving moving day, there’s a method to the madness…

By Laura Meyer
Published: Dec 01, 2007

The summer is buzzing with people on the move – anxious to get settled into their new abodes before Labor Day. How we long for the days when all that was needed for that move was a few strong friends, a dolly and a rented U-Haul. Let go of that nostalgia the same way you did your satin disco pants and cinderblock bookcases, because you are most likely at the stage when you’ll need a lot more than that. Here are pointers to make moving a little less backbreaking.

Break Up With Some Of Your Things: There’s some baggage you just don’t need like that box of who-knows-what that no doubt will end up in the back of some closet. Think about those things that, realistically, you’ll never use again. Help them find their way to a local charity.

Check Them Out: Hiring movers is just like hiring a contractor – there are good ones and bad ones out there. Ask people you know for referrals and talk to them about their experiences. See if there have been any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Get estimates from a few different companies and compare prices. It’s important to make sure the company has adequate insurance. That must include liability insurance in case property is damaged and workman’s compensation insurance in case anyone gets hurt. Ask to see copies of insurance certificates and make sure the contract sets forth in writing the mover’s responsibilities for damage to your stuff. Book your movers well in advance.

Outsource: Pack It Yourself or Hire Packers? When you are packing up and moving an entire household, consider having professional movers pack up your stuff. Sure, you’ll have to pay them but it can be very worth the cost. You won’t want them to pack up everything, but there is so much they can do that will take a load off you. They can almost certainly pack breakables and unplug and pack electronic devices much better than you. They’ll also pack things up a lot faster because they won’t linger over every last photo album or sentimental object reliving all those memories the way you would!

Inventory: Your Money and Memories are at Stake. Accompany movers as they inventory your stuff, take one last look around your old place before the truck leaves to make sure nothing has been left behind and go through the list at your new place to make sure you have everything before the movers take off.

Kid and Doggy Daycare: Consider Leaving Small Kids and Pets With Family or Friends on Moving Day. Trying to calm or entertain bored kids can add to the stress. Dogs and cats can get lost in the chaos of everyone going in and out. If you can leave small kids and pets somewhere else for the day, you’ll probably have a much easier time.

The Overnight Bag: Pack First Day/Night Essentials for Your New Place: Think about all the basic provisions -- toilet paper, a carton of milk, pajamas, bed linens, toothpaste or whatever else you may need and pack them separately. The last thing you’ll want to have to do after an exhausting day of moving is search through a sea of boxes to find something or, worse yet, have to go to the store when you're about to collapse!

Laura Meyer is a real estate expert and the author of Remodel This! A Woman’s Guide to Planning and Surviving the Madness of a Home Renovation. Laura is a sought-after expert in the field of home improvement, appearing as a frequent television and radio talk show guest.