Sunday, March 15, 2009

Moving The Keys To A Successful Move

Every single year, the moving industry charges into action (usually during the summer months) as millions of people move from one place to another.

There are always war stories shared by those that have lived through a move, usually detailing experiences that could have been avoided.

Here we investigate the process of actually performing the move, and doing it safely and successfully. Afterall, so many take real care in the financial aspects of buying or selling a home. Why then, is there so much less concern with moving your home from one place to another? Aren't the things inside your home as important as the home itself?

Step 1: Take inventory of the items in your home!

Very often, there is little to no time to actually determine what items are really worth taking to the new home. Therefore, the typical approach is to PACK EVERYTHING! This is a safety mechanism that can add serious dollars to your cost of moving. To move those items you no longer want or need may require a larger vehicle, or more moving supplies.

Some items you may offer to the buyer to help increase the sale price. Other items you may be able to sell on eBay or at a garage sale. Did you ever consider that the money made from a garage sale could actually pay for your move?

Step 2: Organize and Pack your valuables wisely!

The most organized person I have ever met was my sister, who sorted all items into boxes by room, even if it was the attic or garage for storage. She had separated everything based on which room they were going into, not where they came from, packed them into boxes and used marker to write the contents and designated room.

Step 3: Buy the right moving supplies!

The one thing everyone needs, but no one wants to buy are moving boxes, moving supplies and packing materials. Consider how much your valuables are worth, and then consider whether or not it is worth spending some money to ensure that your valuables are kept safe during the move. Whether you have your big buddy helping you or a professional moving company, you are still much safer if your valuables are packed securely. DON'T use your friend's recycled boxes as they may no longer be sturdy.

You can find moving boxes, moving supplies and packing materials you need online at wholesalers like www.promovingboxes.com. Sites like these are all over and offer fast free shipping. Imagine, that old bike or furniture set you sold on eBay may even pay for your order!

Step 4: Hire a Moving Company!

Bluto the large may be a close personal friend, but very often should not be relied on to supplant a professional moving company. For one thing, favors are always repaid with other favors, which involve some manner of costs. Also, either your stuff, or worse your friends could get hurt in the process. Professional movers are insured, and so are your valuables. If a mover drops grandma's china set that was given to you as an heirloom, you may remember it forever, but you'll probably never see that person again. Your friend may not be so lucky. They could wind up with a permanent black mark when all they were trying to do was help you out.

Step 5: Take time Off before and after!

Don't leave a deadline of a weekend to move your home. It is never long enough. True, that most people take vacation to simply go on vacation. But here, you have 1 opportunity to get it all right! From start to finish, you have the opportunity to do everything right! Ever hear of someone who wanted to paint their new home first but couldn't because they had to get their stuff out of the moving truck?

Leave yourself plenty of time to perform all of the steps in your move. You will feel much better for it in the end. Those who take off often find that they have accomplished so much more. Either by organizing their new home, or cleaning their things as they unpack them. Most importantly though, those who take off can take time to enjoy their new home, and begin to plan for their future there.

We wish you the best on your move, and hope that you learn from the experiences of the many who have gone through it already

Robin Campbell - EzineArticles.com Author

This author writes articles that are typically published at www.promovingboxes.com. Directives and objectives for the near term include becoming an authority on the moving industry. His main website is 'promovingboxes' -- offering wholesale moving boxes and supplies with free shipping and next day delivery.