Moving Aficionado
Having moved twice in the last year and 13 times since the age of 18, I'm becoming something of an authority on the ins and outs of moving a household. After the first couple moves, I discovered that saving boxes from one's previous move saves quite a lot of money when it comes time to pack things up again. And, while borrowing a truck and/or relying on friends for stuff-transportation is less expensive, it's a helluva lot more work than paying a couple hundred dollars to a moving company. Writing a check is taxing - for both the bank account and the thumb and forefinger - but hauling crap in and out of homes and up and down stairs is insufferable.
My discoveries from the last two - and this - move involve the mechanics of downsizing. Selling, throwing or giving stuff away is an amazingly lightening feeling. So much so that I've challenged myself to get rid of as much stuff as I can prior to this move.
Of course, the added incentive for this is that I have only my car's trunk and a 4'x4'x8' trailer with which to haul my belongings back to Oregon. (That's Ory-gun for you east-coasters! ;-)
So, with the exception of a desk and my grandmother's wooden collapsable rocking chair, I am bringing NO furniture with me. But what to do with the stuff I can't - or won't - leave behind?? The answer is to pack them in as few (and as small) boxes as possible.
Which leads me to my latest discovery:
Of course, I've known for some time that 'wardrobe' boxes existed but I was completely unaware that you can buy special dish and glassware boxes, complete with kits of cardboard separators and foam packing material designed to keep your precious china from harm. They also have specially sized boxes for TVs (both 19" and 27"!), computer monitors and microwaves, wine/alcohol bottles, and lamps.
Who knew?
Ordinarily, I'd just suck it up and use the boxes I have and make do, but after multiple moves - some of these boxes have seen 5 or more! - a few of them are just falling apart. And, seeing as they are brand-spanking new, I would really prefer to make 100% sure my dishes and crystal are packed as well as they can be. So when I head to U-Haul next Monday to have the hitch installed on my car, I'll be doing some shopping while I wait.
Comments
Movng is horrible - having done it almost as many times as you have, I can say this for certain:
I have no PLANS to move for at least ten years.
If I should move again, I'm selling everything and buying all new.
Nothing is better than sticking a FREE table on your front lawn (I don't have the patience for garage sales.)
Posted by: MissMeliss | July 31, 2005 09:33 PM
Yeah, Freecycle and I are becoming quite good friends these days. And after my first move with movers, I resolved never to do it any other way. Those guys are incredible.
Posted by: pjm | August 1, 2005 08:55 AM