H Mag - The Handy Mag for Home, Hardware and Home DIY Jun. 2014 | Page 12

12

10 Moving
Mistakes to
Avoid
By Roy Berendsohn

Move Smarter, Not Harder
1) Don’t let Someone Else Do the Grunt
Work

If you are prepared to do the grunt of the work
yourself and save money then consider these few
points to save you additional costs. Some companies
can drop the trailer off in front of your house, then
drive it to your destination and leave it for you to
off-load. It’s a nice solution if you don’t trust moving
guys to pack your fragile items. Even hire your own
labour if you cannot carry heavy items. Supervise your
labourers and co-ordinate your own packing.

2) Get rid of Junk

This is a fantastic oppotunity to get rid of old and
unwanted items. A simple rule is - If not used in a year,
turf it out, give it to someone who will use it, or even
sell it. It makes no sense in moving things which you
will later throw out or give away.

3) The Right Supplies

Recycling is great, but getting broken up boxes
with food stains from the supermarket is a bad idea.
They’re weak and sometimes quite dirty. Buy new,
clean boxes specifically sized for what you need
to move. Also buy lots of packing tape, bubble
wrap, moving blankets, packing supplies for dishes
and delicate items, sealable plastic bags to store
hardware for furniture or other items that require
disassembling, and 3-mil contractor bags for loose,
lightweight, but bulky items (chair cushions, stuffed
toys). Of course, when you’re done moving, you can
recycle the cardboard.

4) No Pressure

If moving day is in a couple weeks, then do a couple
boxes a day to help ease the pressure of packing.
Don’t make moving any harder than it already is and
try to pack everything the day or couple days before
moving day. Pack up your boxes, store them for easy
access on moving day, and leave them there.