Moving... just the thought of it brings a sense of dread.  

Address changes, arranging services to be connected, deciding whether you're going to hire a company or do it yourself, acquiring boxes and all that packing!  If you're like me and have a full time job... how do you fit in the time to do it all?

Having just completed a move myself, I came up with a few ideas to help with my move.  Sure some of them kept me in boxes for a while, but hey, it was better than a mad rush (even though it always seems to be a bit of a mad rush at the end). PLUS, I took it as an opportunity to assess my belongings.

First decision... when do I start packing?  For my last move, I started packing small decor items about 3 months in advance.  This included items such as trinkets, mementos from special moments in the past, photo albums, small pictures, candles, seasonal clothes and accessories.  Tip for pictures and framed artwork: If you have a piece that you are concerned about during the move, use painters tape on the glass to make a big X (I always do excessive taping on the glass).  The reason for this, is that if the glass is to break, it will help hold the glass in place to prevent cutting your print/image.  Now on a big move, I take it many steps past this, probably to the point of Overkill!  So here's what I do...  I wrap the print in moving paper,  I place a piece of cardboard the size of the frame on the front and tape it in place.  I then make protectors for all 4 corners of the print and tape them in place.  THEN, I bubble wrap it completely!  Like I said... OVERKILL!  But hey, I haven't had a print damaged in any of my moves and I moved to Mexico and back! (I'll do another blog on International Moving tips later).

Next decision... do you sort through everything and get rid of stuff or take it with you?  This one isn't so cut and dry.  There is the possibility that even if you had it in storage all this time, you might need it at your new house.  If you get rid of it before you move, will you end up needing to replace it after you move?  But do you really want to pack everything up and have to get rid of it later?  This is a tough decision.  Ultimately, if you plan on having a garage sale, it's recommended to do it before you move.  Decluttering is a great thing to do before your move, it makes moving easier and you'll have less to deal with after your move.  If you end up bringing items with you that you don't have room for in your new home, they will end up in storage and maybe live there forever.  Tip for decluttering: When struggling with decluttering decisions, the 20/20 rule says you should consider letting go of an item if you can replace it for less than $20 and you can replace it in less than 20 minutes.  However, if the item holds strong sentimental value, don't get rid of it hastily.  This decision could end up being a major regret.

Moving is a monumental task, no matter how you look at it or who is doing the "heavy lifting".  But it's also a chance for a fresh start.  

If you feel overwhelmed by your belongings, use this opportunity to sort and declutter.  If you have children, get them involved with the decluttering by getting them excited to donate to less fortunate children who don't have toys. If you explain it right, they will be excited to help those in need and it'll help keep a positive spin on the whole process.  If they struggle with it, explain the difference between "having something that brings them joy to play with/look at" and just "having things".  Helping a child learn the difference between those two things could mold them and how they view belongings in their adult life.

Boxes... where to get them and deciding on whether or not you are paying for them.  Myself, I prefer to just buy them and consider it a cost with moving. I've purchased boxes from many different sources and by far my favourite is U-Line because their boxes are strong and tough. My next option is storage companies.  But for some, that just isn't an option. I've heard many people say they get boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores and restaurants.  I've never sourced them myself that way, but I hear people have good luck with that.

Changing your address/services.  I've attached a small basic list of companies you will need to change your address with and/or arrange services for.  It's not a complete list because everyone has different needs.

Are you going to move yourself or hire someone to Move you.  This is the BIG question.  There are pros and cons to both.  Hiring a company will bring added costs but having someone do the heavy lifting will prevent physical exhaustion.  Doing it yourself will bring physical exhaustion, but save you money.  I've done it both ways and because of an unforeseen insurance claim, I decided to do the move myself this time.  It was physically exhausting.  I was covered in bruises from head to toe and the recovery took longer because I'm not a spring chicken anymore! But I didn't have anything break so for me that was a WIN!  Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, take into consideration your age, your physical ability and your financial position and then decide which is the best route for you.

Look at your move as an exciting new chapter!  You have the opportunity to make changes with every move.  Don't waste any and embrace the unknown!

Best of luck with your move!

Delia