Into Motivation

Have you made the decision to move home on your own? Here we are going to look at the steps of moving yourself.

Anxiety is one of the main issues when moving house.

As moving house is such a massive undertaking, many people become stressed. You could be one of the charmed ones who handle stress with a smile. Although it’s not just about personality and disposition

Simple steps to help make the move less exasperating:

1. Items need to be carefully packed, so either buy or borrow moving supplies such as boxes well in advance. When you have established a moving date, pick up boxes, paper (printed paper makes a mess, so try to avoid), plastic boxes, bubble wrap and maybe some old blankets.

2. Packing up your personal items takes a lot of time, start the packing early. Last minute packing is only going to multiply the stress levels. It’s a brilliant idea to make sure all the packing is done at least 24 hours before you move house, this allows you time to pack all those last minute belongings. The sooner you start the better, pack things like CDs or DVDs ahead of time since you won’t want to use them till you get to your new house. As the day you move house gets nearer, the more you have packed early on the less you have to get concerned about.

3. Be harsh and dispose of items that never get used and just fill up the cupboards. Throw away all those belongings that haven’t used since the day you moved in, the items you thought you may use but never did. You can either throw these belongings away or simply gift them to someone.

4 Lists, Lists, Lists. This just may be the most critical action you will be doing when preparing for a home move. Lists help you keep track of what you are supposed to be accomplishing – make sure the lists include things like items to purchase, to sell, to move, to dispose of. The day you move home will be less anxious for having some lists.

Getting ready for Moving Day

Friends, family, colleagues can be asked to help you fill your vehicle at your old house and unload it when you get to your new property. By having all this help, the job of moving will be a lot faster and swifter. For those that are pleased to help, laying on food and drinks goes a long way to saying thank you. Keeping supporters relaxed and well fed, means they will be happier and more willing to put in that extra work. Another problem of yours should be your kids. On moving day, find a babysitter neighbour or a family member they can stay with during the day. To stop your children getting stressed, let them watch their bedroom being packed, that way they know you are not throwing away their favourite toys. If you have a family animal, make sure they have someplace to go on moving day as well. Lots of animals can get travel sick, so make sure you take preventative measures when transporting them. Also, pack your pet’s items separately so it can be unpacked right away at your new house. When you are moving make sure your pet is never left by itself. If you have

to stop, restrain your pet or take him/her with you.

Searching for A Great Moving Truck Hire Company

To transport all your items, you will probably need to hire a truck, as most of us will find our cars are just not big enough. The experience you have with your moving truck rental is largely dependent on you. When leasing a van make sure you take note of the next couple of pointers:

1. Mass is the most important factor when choosing a van to rent. Make sure you give yourself a margin of up to 15% more room than you think you want. This is called ‘playing it safe and sound’ and allows for space for those last minute belongings you forgot about. If you don’t have enough room then your stress levels are going to be high while you scrabble around trying to find extra transport.

2. Don’t be mislead into thinking all costs are the same, with so many hire companies out there you would think they would be, wouldn’t you? Regardless of the hundreds of firms, this is just not the case. Look on the internet for the best rates, make a few phone calls and compare prices from different firms

3. If you have leased a car before then you won’t find much contrast when renting a large vehicle. Rather than ending up with a truck that doesn’t suit your demands, makes sure you book the truck in plenty of time. The truck will be ready for your house move if you organize ahead of time.

4. Another item to think about is insurance, it is a great idea to purchase your own insurance. Driving a big transport vehicle is quite dissimilar than the one you’re used to. Cost of repairing a van if you make a miscalculation could be very costly. By spending a little time searching for a large truck insurance policy ensures that you have a less stressful move.

5. When renting a truck for a day or two make sure you give yourself plenty of time to load, drive to your new house and unload it before it needs to be returned. There is nothing more stressful than not having enough time and having to hand the truck back late. The fees for doing so are exorbitantly high.

Moving a Car

If you are one of the lucky families fortunate to have a second family car, then you need to look at how you are going to transport it. If you can’t find someone to drive it for you then think about the choices – shipping, towing or taking it on a trailer. Think about the cost of moving it – if its not worth it then think about giving it to a relative or disposing of it. Make sure you know how to tow the vehicle safely if that is your option, and make sure the vehicle that is doing the towing is capable. Boats, trailers, motor scooters, four wheelers, etc. may need specialized provisions to be towed. Contact the dealer who sold you the vehicle if you are unsure on the correct procedures or search the net.

Prepared by Jay Banks, Vancouver realtor and Vancouver Moving Handbook publisher