When you begin on your Relocation journey, it often may seem as if it’s not going to be a large task to move you and/or your family. You may think that the movers will do all the work, and if you have a full-service mover, they may also be able to box, pack, wrap and get all of your household contents in order. Here is where the problems may start…
You need to consider all the contents of your home. Do you want to take everything that you currently have in your home? If you are a typical family, you have accumulated lots of unnecessary items or unuseful items that will most likely stay in your new garage in the same box that it was packed in. Why is this an issue? It is an issue because a full-service mover doesn’t know what you want or do not want. They are going to pack everything, whether you like it or not.
Before you anticipate your move, the key is to de-clutter and break-down everything that you actually WANT to take to your new home. This is extremely stressful, and it is hard to know where to start. As you go through your home, start room by room. My suggestion is to start in the kitchen. This is where you will have the most items that you realize you don’t actually use. Also, you won’t be technically bothering anyone when you start the de-clutter, donating process.
I usually get nervous that I “may need” that item someday. Moving is a time of letting go. You need to move into your new home without the clutter that not only cluttered your space, but also your mind.
When talking to your relocation company, they typically will not understand that your house is not “perfectly” ready to be packed. Take your time and remember that this is your life. Break down your areas, and although this may go against what you are provided, it is often easier to pack yourself. Before you start packing, let your relocation company/movers know that you want to pack on your own because they may want to un-box all of your hard work. They may say that they are not responsible for anything that they did not pack. Here, you are better off secluding the items that you want to be packed and begin disposing of the items you no longer want.
Moving is a difficult process. Thinking through these steps is critical and don’t move items that you no longer use – it will only cause you time and money, now and in the future!