Moving pretty much checks all of the emotional boxes. You’re excited, a little sad, nervous, and don’t forget stress. You’ve contacted the movers in Fort Collins, so that’s all set. You’ve even taken care of the little chores like alerting the utility companies and setting up a change of address.
You can always sit back and wait for moving day. You can pay extra for your move and let the professionals literally handle everything. However, if the thought of waiting for the movers isn’t something you can handle. You can take a few steps to make moving day a little easier and less stressful, and you may even save some money.
Go Room by Room
Regardless of whether you live in a tiny efficiency or a spacious house, walk through every room and take inventory. You don’t need to take a detailed inventory of everything you own. You’re not creating a list of valuables for the insurance company. You’re only giving yourself an idea of what you have. Don’t be surprised when you come across stuff you forgot you had. This is why you’re going room by room.
If you run across anything that doesn’t belong in a room, put it back in the original space. This makes it a little easier to stay organized when you move on to the next step.
Make Some Piles
Yep, your home is going to look pretty messy for a day or so. Don’t stress over the mess. Remember, you’re getting ready to move. Besides, the mess is only going to be around for a bit. How long depends on your level of motivation.
In each room, make two piles. You’re going to put stuff you’re taking with you in one pile. Anything you don’t want to bring to your new place, toss in another pile. We’ll get to what you’re doing with this pile in the next step. Go back through the piles of stuff you’re planning on packing for the move. Double-check to make sure you really want to take it with you.
Advertise Your Yard Sale
Remember the piles of stuff you don’t want to pack for the move? Guess what, this same stuff can help finance your move. Grab some folding tables. If you can’t borrow any, folding tables are relatively inexpensive to rent. You might want to check with your church if you’re a member. Your church may have some tables you can borrow.
Get everything outside and start selling. Even if your stuff is only marked at a dollar or less, you may be surprised at what you can make selling your unwanted belongings. At least you may make enough to cover pizza at your new address.
Chances are, you’re not going to be able to sell everything. You have a couple of options on what to do with what doesn’t sell. You can always toss everything in a dumpster. This is the easiest option. A better idea is to donate your gently used items to charity. You’re doing something good for your community and your donation is also a tax write-off.
Start Gathering Moving Supplies
Most Fort Collins moving companies offer packing and unboxing services for a fee. There’s nothing wrong with sitting back and letting the professionals box up and unpack your stuff. You’ll probably even enjoy watching someone else tackle the chore. However, if the cost of this service isn’t in your budget, you need some packing supplies.
Moving companies and shipping stores both sell every type of packing supply you can possibly think of. Yep, these supplies also come at a price. You can easily save some money by hitting up grocery and liquor stores for their old boxes. You shouldn’t have a problem finding more boxes than you need.
You’re also going to need some protective padding. What about using your bedding and towels for cushioning? Old newsprint also works great, and it’s an eco-friendly packing material. If you’re moving large pieces of furniture like a bed frame or couch, you may need to wait for the professionals. You can build a packing crate. It’s not too difficult, but it does take some time and effort.
Go Nuts Labeling the Boxes
Grab a permanent marker, preferably in a dark color. You want the ink to be easily visible. Label every box with the room it belongs in. Go ahead and label all four sides. If the items are fragile, make a note on the box. This makes unpacking so much easier after your move.