According to the experts, the process of moving to a new home is on the top 10 list of life’s most stressful situations. Contributing to the anxiety are the many facets of the moving process: determining what you want to take to a new home and what’s best discarded; how to pack what you have decided to take, when to pack (let’s not box up all the bath towels just yet!); how to pack (all books into one box that will weigh 100 pounds?); and the biggest stressor of all, hiring the moving company.
The first and smartest step you can make in this process is to hire a moving manager who can help with every detail of the process from old house to new home. What does a moving manager do? Below we’ve outlined what can be the onerous steps of moving, and explained how a manager can handle these while you spend your valuable time on more important chores, like decorating your new living room.
- Plan a moving time-line: Whether the move-in date is 3 months away or 2 weeks, determining what needs to be done and when can be tricky. A moving manager has the experience to map out when to start packing, request moving company quotes, alert utility companies and schedule the moving day. A manager will do the time-consuming homework to find a reputable moving company that matches any budget. No need for you to spend time on Craigslist or Yelp!
- Downsizing and space planning: The easiest way to clear clutter is to move! Like a professional organizer, a moving manager can realistically guide decisions on which current items should move to, and fit into, a new home. They can also evaluate the best option for selling items or arrange for donation drop off and trash pickup.
- Packing: We’ve all been there – the night before the movers show up, we are up well after midnight throwing books, towels, dishes and steno pads into a well worn box we pulled out of a dumpster at the mall. When the time comes to unpack, there are dozens of boxes with items that belong in a variety of rooms. A moving
manager will properly categorize items, pack accordingly, and label in a way that makes unpacking a breeze. - Moving day arrangements: The day is finally here and the first person to arrive is the moving manager, the person you’ve come to depend upon. She will not only troubleshoot any last minute challenges in the old house but also oversee the moving company as they load your belongings. In the new home, the manager again oversees the work of the movers, ensures furniture and boxes land in the proper rooms, and unpacks items that will be needed immediately.
- Unpacking and organizing: Remember all those neatly packed boxes? The moving manager can help unpack and organize their contents to maximize space and personalize a house into a home. He can also arrange furniture, shop for proper storage solutions, and stock an empty pantry.
When you are hiring someone you will spend a significant time with, it is important to find the right person who who fits your needs and lifestyle. Prepare to interview a few people before settling on the perfect person to fit your moving needs. Many moving managers are also professional organizers, so to find a directory of moving managers in your area, visit the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Another great resource for moving managers specific to the senior community, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).
