Moving? Whatcha Gotta Know?

We all have to do it some time or another, and it is a huge P.I.T.A.  I always feel like it is never going to end, and I always do it by myself (at least with no professional help).  However, after this last move, attempting to get my fiance to lift a sofa with me (she cried) - I will become a customer of “Professional Movers.”

Here is one good thing about moving, there are a lot of options.  If you are a do-it-yourself (like I was…) there are multiple resources for moving materials, storage, and even transportation.  Here are some of the things I learned along the way:

Moving Materials, i.e. Boxes.  I still have yet to pay for a box.  Go to Office Max/Depot, a U-Haul dealer, etc. and you will find that boxes are a unnecessary expense.  And a VERY expensive unnecessary expense at that!  Here are a few ideas - check your work.  There is no telling what is in the basement or out back, or who just recently moved!  I had two people in my office that had some extra boxes of all sizes laying around and I have passed them on since I have moved.  Another resource is behind Wal-Marts, Kroger’s, Home Depots, etc.  However, you may find that a lot of them have been compressed and bound together.  So, take some time, find an employee and ask if they will hold some boxes for you.  I had a guy at the local Wal-Mart throw some out back after they did inventory on night and all it took was a $5 tip up front.  Granted I could have not found any boxes outside, but the cheapest box at Office Max is more than $5!!

Tape is another story.  While packing you may find some around the house, but if not, your local retailer carries it.  I do recommend a “brand name” product and some fashion of dispensing the tape as well.  If you lose the end on the clear plastic tape, its gone.

If you are using a Pick-up truck, or even a trailer, U-Haul, etc. you may want to consider an all-purpose tap, some bungee cords, duct tape, ratchet straps and even nylon zip ties (my favorite!).  Of course all of these are optional, but you may find them handy.  Along those lines, some cut up cardboard (from all of the extra boxes you have acquired) can be placed over/around furniture to keep it from getting scratched.

I’ll keep this going if y’all have some other ideas and/or suggestions.  I’ll also be touching on other moving resources down the road…