Moving 101: Six to Eight Weeks Before The Big Day

So you’ve pulled the for sale sign out of the yard…du-du-dun! What comes to mind when you realize it’s that time? That time to organize not just a room or two but every single compartment that you posses? Stress? Anxiety? Excitement? Personally when I get to move I feel a good amount of excitement stress. Okay yes, as much as I would like to say I’m the type of person that meets that kind of big change head on, I’m not. I hate moving, but hopefully after a little research, the next time this comes around I’ll handle it with a little more grace.

So begins our countdown: 6-8 weeks before moving

1. Research moving vans or moving companies

Some things to consider:

Are you A) doing the packing and hauling of the boxes yourself? B) Just doing the packing and hiring people to load furniture and boxes? C) Packing, loading the boxes and having someone move just the furniture. D) Are you an overachiever who wants to do it all, pack, move boxes and haul the furniture? Most moving companies these days have such a variety of options for you to choose from that you can find one to fit your budget and your moving style. Here are some typical costs for in-state close range moves.

A typical in-state move with a company like Budget or U-haul where you rent just the truck or trailer and do the move yourself can cost anywhere from $19.95 – $39.95 + mileage. Plus a little blood, sweat, and tears.

Most of the time moving companies offer these services: load/unload, pack/unpack, rental truck driving, maid services, and some even offer a piano moving service! Sorry, I thought that was funny as I do not have a piano.

For an additional cost in the range of $105 – $245 you can hire movers to assist you for 3 hours. I think on my next move I’ll be hiring people.

Check out U-haul Moving Services for a list of local moving companies. Or, if you want to support a good cause and move your stuff at the same time I suggest you check out Starving Students, who service a large area of the country.

But if you do decide to go the DIY route, and believe me, it is completely do-able, start thinking ahead of who’s going to be there against their will to help you. Think about your friends with large cars and trucks that might be willing to lend their vehicles to your cause. Also consider a bribe, yes I’m serious, even something small like pizza and beer for your helpers. A little goes a long way.

2. Consider booking a cleaning company for after you move

I mean I know I have some neat freaks out there who enjoy this part of moving, but let’s be honest. Do you really want to spend 2 days cleaning after you’ve busted your butt moving? So look into a local cleaning company. Ask around your circle of friends for who they use for their cleaning crew. Once you have a plan for how you’re going to get your space shiny and sparkling you’ll feel a whole lot better. When I clean, I try to use eco-friendly products that are not going to be harsh on my skin and household. The same holds true for hiring a cleaning service, I always try to go green first.

Here’s a few suggestions (sorry if you’re not in the DFW area):

EcoMaids

Jolly Green Cleaning

Entrust One

AHI Facility Services, Inc

Find Green 411 – This is a great website for Texans who are looking for green services in their area.

3. Begin collecting boxes

I did this for months before my last move. If there is one thing I don’t want to spend money on its boxes. So again, ask around your friends and family and see who has a hoard of cardboard boxes stashed in their garage. When I was collecting boxes, I would go to my local grocery store at the end of day when they restocking their shelves and ask for their empty boxes. Especially if you hit up a place like Costco or Sam’s who buy products in massive amounts, they are sure to have large boxes that they will just be recycling.

Check back next week for the next installment of our complete moving checklist to get all of your “compartments” in order.