5 Inexpensive Ways to Organize and Simplify Your Big Move
Packing, unpacking, transportation, cost, safety and security of items are all challenging aspects of moving to a new house. As bothersome as re-locating may be due to the work and expenses involved, it can be done with less hassle. The important thing is to figure out a few easy tricks your family can use to save time, money and energy and reduce moving stress. Here are five inexpensive ways to organize and simplify your big move.
1. Pack and Drive Yourself
Instead of hiring a moving company that involves paying for the move from start to finish, rent a truck and load it yourself with family and friends. If you are responsible for packing and unpacking, there will be less pressure on moving day because you can do both at your own pace. This requires teamwork and planning to avoid last-minute rush to get out of your old home on time, but it’s well worth the money your family can save.
When you drive yourself, make sure you make preparations for the whole family, including pets and kids, to be comfortable and entertained during the move if it is a long trip to get to your new home.
2. Collect Free Boxes
Purchasing boxes from moving companies could be costly. Places like recycling centers, restaurants, grocery stores and other facilities that receive special shipments always have boxes available. The sturdy, double-walled ones can be used instead of regular moving boxes. Upon requests, operators of the facilities are usually happy to assist and give you free boxes.
You can also check online for free boxes. Friends and family might have unused boxes, so ask them over social media. Also try finding free boxes on sites like Craigslist. People are often giving them away for free, so make sure you look around and do some research to find some free boxes.
3. Move Some and Store the Rest
Moving does not mean that you must take every single thing you own in your home. Instead, this is a great time to downsize. Items that have been sitting for a while more than likely will not be needed for immediate use. Putting them in a storage unit until needed could be a space and money saver, especially with moving companies that charge by the weight.
Before you move, look at your new house and try to estimate and plan for how much storage space you will have at your new house. From there you can decide what to keep and what to put in a storage unit. Be sure you make preparations before hand, so you don’t end up with too much stuff at your new place with nowhere to store it.
4. Use Homemade Protecting Materials
Packing materials are a must because it is crucial that items be protected. Fragile items in particular, need special attention to avoid scratches and breakage. As opposed to buying packing materials, improvise with newspapers, towels, linen and clothing that you will already be packing and moving anyway.
5. Save with Used Packing Materials
Before paying for brand new moving items, check out advertisements in local sellers’ lists. People who have moved recently post their used items like boxes, tapes, butcher papers and other packing material for sale. They cost far less than at moving companies, so find some free packing materials before you go buying them at stores or from moving companies.
Moving from one house to another can be a daunting experience. With planning and organizing, however, the task can be simplified to save time, effort and money. Using strategic ways of working as a team will ensure that the move to a new location is enriching and enjoyable.
This article was written by Dixie Somers. Dixie is a proud mother of three wonderful girls. She enjoys writing for the home, family, and business niches in her free time.
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