Make Moving Easier Complete Guide for a Long-distance Move | Page 3

We may come into the world naked, but we don't stay that way for long. From the moment we
arrive, we start accumulating possessions. Some of them stay with us a lifetime, while others
don't. One sure way to make your long-distance move a strategic disaster is to misjudge which
items are keepers and which ones aren't. From packing smart to knowing what to pitch, let's take
a look at a few strategies for implementing a long-haul move that won't make you wish you'd
stayed put where life was dull but predictable. Don't cringe -- yet. Moving is an adventure. All
you need is a reliable plan.
Planning a Long Distance Move
If you haven't cleaned your closets in a decade, don't panic. Perspective is everything. Think of
those stacked and crammed artifacts as archaeological finds that will help reveal, and sometimes
exorcise, your past. It probably isn't the labor that's making you apprehensive anyway, it's the
time crunch. Start laying the groundwork today to make the actual moving part of your relocation
go smoothly. These tips will help:
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Know where you're going - If you're moving to a loft in the city, that extra bedroom set
will just get in your way, and you can probably lose the cross-country skis, too. Taking
your new digs into account will give you important information about what's sensible to
take with you and what isn't. The available space, your new lifestyle and the weather will
give you clues, too. If you have pets, you'll want to find out about state and city ordinances
regarding inoculations, leash laws, and limits on the number or types of pets you can
keep. Start gathering important details about schools, vehicle laws, the vagaries of
insurance and even the bylaws for your housing complex.
Develop a system - You'll likely have items you want to keep, items you want to sell, stuff
you want to give away and junk you want to trash. As you go through your belongings,
organize them into these four categories. If you're packing your belongings yourself, you
should also consider taking a hint from the professionals who pack for a living. They pack
items a room at a time. That way, the unpacking will go easier on the other end. If you're
looking for a frying pan when you get to your destination, at least you'll know it's in one
of the kitchen boxes.
Apply the one-year rule - If you haven't used an item in a year, consider donating it to
someone who will use it. Carting around those skinny jeans and the apple corer your aunt
gave you last Christmas might seem like a good idea, but the truth is that you may never
revisit either of those items, and paying to transport and store them is just wasteful.
Get help - You might have to mount a big move on your own, but getting professional
help is the best way to go by far. Professional movers know how to pack and transport a
houseful of belongings with a minimum of breakage and fuss. Make sure you understand
the details, though. Knowing when your new residence will be available and getting your
belongings there at the right time is important. Misjudging the delivery date could be an
expensive mistake if you have to ask a mover to hold your items for a few days. Insist on
written agreements with your new landlord and your mover; ask lots of questions, and