Movin' On

I haven't had to move in quite a few years, and since then, I've acquired even more junk. Yesterday, I had the "big move". This is where you get a bunch of friends to help you out. However, there are several keys to making this all work.

First, although you are getting lots of friends, you want to minimize the time overall, and the amount of idle time they have. They are doing a lot of heavy lifting, and that's what they should be used for. Thus, you want to avoid having them pack for you. Almost anyone you meet who moves will see this is "obvious". First time movers and folks who hate to plan ahead don't like this. They see a bunch of people, and would like friends to help pack.

Packing is laborious and slow. It simply is. You have to have several weeks to plan a move, unless you have next to nothing, which is ideal.

Next, when you pack, try to label stuff. Put a big number and/or letter, like A1, A2, etc. Maybe "B" for bedroom or books.

Also, I prefer many smaller boxes over few large ones. Depending on how strong everyone is (or the boxes are), big boxes with heavy items are bad. The box can't hold them, and the people can't lift them.

If you can, decide where you want everything to go. You can choose to label where you plan to put it, e.g. dining room, bedroom, living room. That's for those moving.

Although I had a reasonable amount packed, it was still not enough. Also, move things to a location where it's easy to get the stuff, which usually means you need a clear spot where to get things.

Also, if you have stairs, you may want to do a "fire brigade". Having people walk all the way up several flights of steps is tiring. If they only go one flight, then pass it to someone, this will be ultimately less tiring.

Have refreshments. I suggest doughnuts, water, Gatorade. If you can help it, have a large fan somewhere, that someone can stand in front of to cool down (unless you move during cold weather).

If you have good movers, they will move faster than you can manage. This is why it pays to be organized.

If I had to do my move again, I would do that. I would also tear apart items like bookshelves and box them or label them separately.

I tend to avoid awkward items. Large items like bookshelves, sofas, beds, and drawers are where the hard work is. If they need to be disassembled, do so ahead of time. Figure out somewhere you can place parts because you'll be hard pressed to find them again. If necessary, have large bright colors on the really important boxes, so you can access them quickly at the other end.

The best moves are people with nothing. The idea nothing person has the following items. Small table, small couch and chairs, clothes, a TV, a coffee table. I have plenty of books, and that's a big issue.

Also, if you have a chance, move awkward stuff ahead of time. I moved probably 40 containers ahead of time, and still that only put a small dent into things.

Oh yeah, it's good to get lots of people, if you can help it. Too few, and you will tire them out. And if you can, start on time. I had budgeted four hours for the move. It took two, because I had lots of people (plus half hour to drive over).

If it's hot, turn the AC way up on both ends. The money you expend will lead to happier movers.

And, typically, no matter what happens, there's still crap leftover, so the first move may not be the last. Ideally, you take EVERYTHING, and dispose on the other end. It may not work out that way, but it's helpful.

Finally, if you can, get rid of stuff. Some people are too attached to everything they have. Ideally, they would be told, everytime they move, get rid of half your stuff which will be tossed out.

Oh yeah.

Rental moving trucks totally suck.