America is always on
move—literally. Experts estimate that one out of five households move to a new residence each year. If you do math, that amounts to a whopping 1.5 million moves every month. Those are some amazing stats, especially if you consider how trying and stressful such moves can be. It’s a wonder that one household—let alone millions!—can pull it off.If you’re part of this statistic and on verge of a big move, though, don’t be daunted by whole process of packing up your stuff, loading it, and dragging it to your new home. There is a way to move without losing any valuables, too much money, or your mind, whether you’re moving across town, or across continent. With some common sense, some help from professionals, friends, and loved ones, and essential “Do’s and Don’ts” list in this article, you can be successful and avoid all of mishaps and stress that usually come with moving.
We’ll start with positive—the Do’s on our list. Make sure to check off all of these before you even start stuffing boxes with your stuff. Do:
•Line up help for packing and moving your stuff. It depends on your budget whether you hire professional movers or call in volunteer brigade (your friends and family). Either way, round up somebody.
•Have a chat with your post office, making sure they know to forward your mail to your new address. In many cases, you will need to fill out a mail-forwarding form.
•Purchase brand-new moving boxes from your moving company or truck-renting company. They’re worth money. Bugs and vermin can stow away in old boxes. No need to give them a free ride to your new digs.
•Sort through your stuff for old valuables you don’t need anymore to sell. Be honest with yourself, and you may be able to pay for your move with money you make—especially if you sell them at convenient and easy marketplaces like online classified sites.
•Drop off old valuables that aren’t worth selling at a Goodwill or other charity thrift shop.
