Tip # 2 :

Moving For Less, With Friends and Less Stress
Moving day... dreaded by many, feared by some, but necessary if one wants to change addresses. My change of address officially happens tomorrow. Thankfully, our move only finds us about a hundred steps from our current residence. So, God willing this move will be pretty painless compared to our last move half way across the country. So, here is our game plan to make our moving day less stressful, more fun, and as easy and quick as possible.


1. Start decluttering your home as soon as you find out you will be moving. For directions on how to declutter, visit www.flylady.net. Getting rid of junk, trash, and clutter before you ever start packing boxes will only reduce your stress level when the inevitable unpacking day arrives.
Decluttering doesn't have to be painful. Take decluttering in small steps, such as fifteen minute increments (as flylady suggests).

2. After deciding what you will keep, estimate the amount of boxes you will need. About one month before you are planning to move start asking around at your local grocery stores, hardware stores, big box store and pharmacy stores for boxes. If you ask politely what day and time the store is stocked you can get a good idea of the approximate time the store will have available boxes. Many stores crush, or bail their boxes (which are of no use when moving) immediately after stocking. So, arrive while the store is being stocked, ask a manager if it's okay to collect some boxes and voila you have as many boxes as you may need to move for free!

3. Start collecting moving supplies, such as box tape, markers, bubble wrap, foam, trash bags etc. You can post search ads for these items on www.freecycle.org or www.craigslist.com to try to get them for free. Also start scouring the store ads for deals on water, sodas, food, paper plates, paper cups, utensils, napkins, and other party supplies to prepare for your moving party.


4. Let your friends and family know you will be moving in the near future. Start planning a moving party and invite friends and family to help you move. The idea of a moving party (my husbands' idea) revolves around the obvious, the move; but anyone that's ever moved before can attest that a move is no party. So, choose to make the move fun and as stress free as possible by setting a time limit for the moving part (such as three hours), then plan on relaxing with your guests with food, drinks, and entertainment for a couple of hours. If you can get enough party guests to help out with your move, the experience of lugging boxes from the truck to the house will not only go faster but will also be a lot more enjoyable.

- Three options for enlisting help at your party:
- plan for your guests to help you pack
- plan for your guests to help you unpack
- or if your move is short, plan for your guests to help you move boxes from the old residence to the new residence.

P.S. I think the easiest dinner option is ordering pizza. There are many coupons at several pizza places for five dollar pizzas (when you buy 3 or more).

5. Label, Label, Label! Label all boxes clearly and once on the top and once on the side. In your label, include the room the box belongs in and a short description of the contents.


Miscellaneous moving tips:

1. Use socks to hold small breakables, such as candles, light bulbs, and knick knacks.
2. Use clothes, such as t-shirts to place in between breakable dishes, pictures, or glasses.
3. Use your give away pile (from decluttering) as party favors for your guests. Let them have first pick of anything you don't plan on keeping as a thank you for helping you move. Remember one man's junk is another man's treasure :o )