Contrary to popular belief, I actually do not like to move. However, since beginning college, multiple circumstances have caused me to pack up, find a truck, and move my stuff into new digs. My most recent change in housing last week is my ninth full move in eight years- not counting the semester abroad or the semester I stayed with my uncle. Which, if you do the math, or trust the math I’ve done here (although my math is always questionable at best), means I move an average of once every ten or eleven months.
Twenty-somethings, like me, seem to be a particularly transient population, from choosing a college to landing that first job to ditching that first job for an upgrade. Of course, the easiest way to move is to hire someone else to do it for you, but unfortunately most of us do not have that luxury. Whether you have a boxful or a truckload, here are some of my tricks to moving efficiently and cheaply.
1. Cull thy stuff. First of all, moving is a perfect opportunity to sort through possessions to see what is necessary and what is not. If it’s broken, hasn’t been used lately, or won’t be used in the new place, pitch it or give it away. This step is hardest for me, since I’m a natural packrat, but I’ve realized that there is no point in going through the hassle of moving things I don’t truly want. In with the new.
2. Sort thy stuff. Take a few minutes to think about your packing plan of action. What things will you not need right away (decorative, seasonal items, rarely used kitchenware, etc.)? What things will you need until the second you leave (toothbrush, laptop, medication, etc.)? Packing in order of necessity will help preserve that remaining little bit of sanity while in transition. Also, and this sounds obvious, keep like things together. Keep kitchen with kitchen, bedroom with bedroom, ad infinitum.
3. Gather thy packing resources. When it comes to the actual packing of the precious items, there are a few necessities: boxes, packing tape, permanent markers, garbage bags, packing material.
Boxes. Yes, one can go to a store and buy good quality boxes, but they are expensive. In all of my moves, I have never paid for boxes, so obviously there are other resources. (Although after moving so often, I have developed a great appreciation for good boxes and generally keep a few around for the next round. I understand this is normal behavior.) One great box resource is the local recycling center, because if there are separate bins for materials such as aluminum, glass, cardboard, etc., there are a ton of clean boxes available. If Dumpster diving in this fashion is too unsavory, or no cardboard-only bins can be found, the next step is the grocery store. Many stores are happy to give away empty boxes from their loading docks, which are often very sturdy and available in various sizes. (I do adore a good banana box.) This round I was lucky enough to have some friends give me a ton of their used boxes from their move, which they purchased. Score!
Packing tape and a permanent marker. Buy packing tape. There’s no way around this, but the fancy dispenser isn’t necessary if you have scissors (although it is kind of fun to use). There’s no need to go crazy with it, but make sure the boxes are secure. A marker is also necessary: generally one dark color for boxes, and one of the new silver-colored ones for marking black garbage bags (more on this later). Label everything. Unless you only have one box, you will forget which ones have which items, so save yourself the trouble and write the room where it belongs and a short description to remind yourself what’s in it later. For example, “kitchen-glasses” works just fine (and reminds anyone carrying it to be careful).
Garbage bags. Sophisticated luggage? No. Cheap and efficient? Yes. Big, cheap garbage bags are great for packing textiles (blankets, rugs, towels, stuffed animals, clothes) or larger items that aren’t particularly fragile (like plastic bowls and pitchers). They also work well for protecting larger items, like pictures, or as temporary garment bags for clothes on hangers (secure the hangers together with a rubber band and slip through a hole in the bag, then tie the bag at the bottom.)
Packing material. What to wrap those fragile items in once you have secured the necessary boxes? A popular choice is newspaper, which most people have lying around (or I easily gather by grabbing up a few of the free college editions.) However, newspapers leave their ink on items, which therefore will probably have to be washed when they’re unpacked. One alternative is plastic shopping bags. I always have way too many of these (due to the packrat tendencies), and they are great for wrapping around glassware or squishing into spaces in boxes without getting newsprint on Grandma’s china. For dishes, I also use kitchen and bath towels, folding them between the layers – one less box or bag of towels, and my dishes are cleanly protected.
4. Pack thy goods. Once you have a plan and the necessary materials are assembled, it’s time to let the fun begin. Basically, the farther the stuff has to travel, the more securely it will need to be packed. Another word of advice: the heavier the item, the smaller the box. During my second move I realized I could, in fact, fit all of my books into one box. Unfortunately, I couldn’t actually lift this box, which made it useless. Now I pack my books, or some of them anyway, into my suitcases which I can then roll to the new destination.
5. Move thyself. Once the items have been transferred to the new abode, don’t forget to transfer your identity! Make arrangements to transfer your mail, set up the new utilities, shut off the old, and change the address on all accounts (banks, student loans, insurance, credit cards, etc.) Most of these changes can easily be made online, including mail forwarding!
6. Throw thyself a housewarming party. Once successfully moved, celebrate the new place with friends and family.
After a whole week of moving, I’m covered in bruises and scrapes, but finished. It is hard work, but with some foresight and a few tricks, a completely manageable task. Now that I’ve unpacked, I look forward to rejoicing another victorious move at my housewarming luau this Saturday. Let the decorating begin…
