MOVING IS HARD. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT EASIER
It’s an exhilarating moment when it hits you that you own a brand-new house — with empty closets, unmarked walls and gleaming floors. Now all you have to do is move your stuff. Depending on how long you’ve lived in your last home, that could be daunting. But a little preparation and a lot of organization can help you. Some tips: Start early: If you wait until the last minute, you’ll just start throwing stuff in boxes and take items you don’t need. Then you won’t be able to find things you need once you’re moved. Start at least three weeks before your move. With all the other details from the sale plus your daily needs, packing will take longer than you think. Don’t need it? Don’t take it: Sell, donate or toss anything you haven’t used for a while and isn’t essential to your life. Start with loose clutter, then work your way through the closets. Sort items into piles to keep, sell, donate or throw away. The less stuff you have, the less you need to pack and unpack. It will save you time and money, and keep the new house from immediately looking jammed. What to put where: Place only lighter items in bigger boxes and save heavier items for smaller boxes. Use trash bags for soft, unbreakable items such as linens and clothing, which will save money and space, and leave items in furniture drawers, if they’re not too heavy. Label all your containers, preferably on more than one side. Also, pack a suitcase with items you’ll need immediately. Go pro or do-it-yourself: Although a professional mover will cost more than hiring a truck yourself, keep in mind all the costs of moving on your own and decide whether the price difference is worth the pain. If you plan to do it yourself, remember to budget for gas, dolly rentals and the meals you’ll have to pay your helpers. Most moves of less than 160 kilometres are considered local and are charged by the hour, and some charge less during the week or midmonth. If your belongings are organized and ready to go, the cost will be lower. Get a written, binding estimate from a company that will come and look at the inventory. Stay organized: Get a calendar, make lists (apps such as Wunderlist or the wunderlist.com website can help) and put down everything you need to do, such as changing the mailing address and disconnecting the utilities, for which you should call a week ahead of the move. Settling in: Have a set of clean sheets handy. Even if you have to leave your mattress on the floor the first night, it’ll feel great crawling into a fresh bed and getting a good night’s sleep in your new home.