There’s an old Latin saying that sailing is necessary, living is not. Long ago people used to search for new territories and better life by being almost constantly on the move. Nowadays, the situation is at the same time similar and different.
It’s similar in a sense that we now move home when circumstances change, too. Getting a job in another city or country, starting a family and children leaving home are just some of the reasons good enough to move. On the other hand, we never pack our belongings without already knowing where we’re going, which is a big change from the past.
However, the act of moving home has remained stressful. There are so many things to consider and so many steps to be taken before the last box or bag is put on the floor of your new home. Here are some tips supposed to help you along the way.
Choosing a Mover
This is a decision which significantly influences the process. You can rent a truck and move yourself, you can pack and let somebody drive your stuff or you can hire a company that will do everything according to your instructions. Of course, the option you choose depends on your budget and the amount of free time at your disposal. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages and we’ll look at some of them.
DIY
You need to have a proper licence to drive a big truck and enough experience to do it on busy roads in densely populated areas or motorways. Also, you need friends and family strong and willing enough to give you a hand. If you have the right papers and help, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of the most economical method.
They drive what you load
This is an option that doesn’t include the risk of you driving a truck, but it’s still cheaper than hiring a full-service mover. Your job is to pack and load the stuff and a professional driver will take it to your new home. Whether you share the truck with another customer depends on the amount of load and so does the price. “You should correctly estimate the size and amount of your boxes, so that you can choose the right truck,” advise the guys at Instatruck.
Full-service
If you can afford it financially, this is the best option. Experienced movers know best how to protect your belongings and move them quickly. Whether they just load the boxes you’ve packed or even pack them for you depends on your agreement. Still, this is the most expensive option.
What not to forget
Equally important as choosing a mover are your packing supplies. Regular boxes (always better buy new ones) or specialised ones for your fragile and heavy items (also preferably new) should be accompanied by wardrobe boxes, featuring a bar for hanging clothes. Some movers are happy to include those for free and collect them once you’ve finished unpacking.
Also, you’re definitely going to need tape and tape guns. Yes, good old brown packing tape and enough guns will make packing much quicker. Movers also use packing paper and bubble wrap to protect the property moved. Try not to use newspapers, since they might leave stains. Instead, you can use them to additionally protect already wrapped items. Finally, don’t forget to label each box and bring box cutters to help you unpack. When it comes to the amount of packing material, it’s always much better to have more than you need than not enough, since running around and purchasing additional boxes or packing material when you’re supposed to be packing or loading a truck only adds to the stress.
If you hire a full-service mover, they’ll most likely provide all this and much more, but it will come at a price. You might check out the options of renting some equipment, such as dollies, hand carts and furniture slides, which are irreplaceable when it comes to carrying heavy items without damaging them or the floor.
As you can see, there are many options available, each with its own benefits and downsides. Depending on your financial resources and free time, you should choose the one that is most convenient to you. Also, the carefully planned purchase or renting of equipment will further assist the whole process and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home more quickly and with much less stress.