Moving…
Not always the most pleasant experience, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. The exercise involves going through all your stuff, making choices, and getting it packed up. Often, we find missing treasures, though more commonly we find ourselves asking why we bought or accumulated so much.
The important fact is that you know a move is in your future. The time you decide to put your home on the market is a best time to get started packing. Pack away the clutter that your Realtor will guide you to clear out anyway. Clear out the kitchen of all non-essential plates, pans, and appliances. We suggest you create a pile of boxes in your garage, or better yet rent a portable storage container to your driveway. Your neighbors may have boxes to share, and neighborhood networks (Nextdoor, Craigslist) are a great place to ask. You might also check with major retailers, who typically get truck shipments weekly. Often the distribution centers use a similar sized box to package product. Another solution is to purchase clear plastic hard sided tubs, which can then be used/stacked at your new destination.
Establish a system to catalogue your stuff before you get started: by room, family member, content, and priority. Use colored labels on each box to reference your catalogue, and label more than one side. Plan for your first days at your new home by packing one box with cleaning and bathroom supplies. Remember that the last thing loaded on a truck will be the first thing off. There’s plenty of organizing and packing supplies available in your cabinets: zip lock bags, towels, masking tape, large trash bags, plastic grocery bags (raid the ‘used bin’ at the store too); and at the store: heavy duty plastic film, boxes, tubs.
When disconnecting computers and other electronic equipment, take a picture of the cables before unplugging to make it easier to re-install later. There’ll be some things you will not be able to take with you on a longer move; such as propane tanks, your booze, and other unwieldy stuff. Share these with your friends who help you move, or use those neighborhood networks to share with your neighbors.
While you might be able to pack many of your smaller items, you might consider professional services to assist with large and heavy items; safes, pianos, large furniture and appliances, etc. Many professional movers also offer packing services, where their team comes in and properly packs your specified items (or whole house). Professional movers can also supply you with boxes, packing supplies, crates, and even storage for your packed goods.
Some weblinks to helpful guides: GoodHousekeeping, TheSpruce, LifeHacker
We are pleased to enjoy a strong relationship with Exodus Moving and Storage in the Denver/Front Range area. They make a special offer for our clients, based on our longstanding relationship. And yes, we’ve used Exodus for our moves!