It’s that time of year again when the holidays are behind us, the cold is upon us and the hope of something great to come is in the future. What do new years resolutions and moving have in common? You’d be surprised that many things we often resolve to do better come January also double as helpful tips when preparing for a move.
De-Clutter: Many of us long to live simpler, cleaner lives and this mission can get a jump start right in your home. Start by checking out what’s lurking in your cabinets. Why keep a waffle iron you use twice a year when you could just go out for waffles instead? Look through your stash of vitamins, make up, and bath and body products to see what is outdated, expired or in need of a major clear out. Also be honest about what clothes, shoes, coats and accessories you really wear when examining your closets. Do you have excess furniture or are you paying to keep pieces in storage you don’t really need? Most of us are guilty of having at least a few embarrassing boxes of shame that never even get unpacked in between moves with unknown contents inside. If you are not sure where to begin, do a little bit at a time, and see each mini-project you tackle all the way to fruition. And if you made the decision to part with some belongings but have no idea how to re-home your unwanted stuff, we often recommend A Wider Circle, the Habitat Restore, the Salvation Army or Freecyle as great options to explore. Many animal rescues and shelters like the Washington Humane Society will gladly accept your extra sheets and towels as donations, as well as other gently used pet items you no longer need such as outgrown crates, beds and harnesses. This is a great way to free up some space in your home and make your next move easier, while helping others at the same time.
Expand your Horizons: It’s not uncommon in the new year to resolve to volunteer with a nonprofit, learn a new skill, launch a hobby you’ve always been curious about or explore different places. And while you are tutoring kids at a local school, learning to cook Thai food, taking an art class or hiking the trails of DC, you are not only becoming a well-rounded and interesting person, you are actually setting yourself up to be more successful at moving too. We provide our customers with a lot of helpful pre-move information and tips that when read, absorbed and put into action takes a lot of the stress out of moving. The same way you conquered your fear and walked into that Soul Cycle studio for the first time, you can handle all the different challenges that come your way throughout the moving process. If you reserved a spot with Bookstore Movers, you’re already on a great track! But take it a step further by getting to know all the moving rules and regulations where you currently live and at your new residence. Reserve elevators and loading docks. Purchase street permits. Scope out important details like walking distances and narrow staircases and let us know in advance so we’re prepared. Think of us as partners in this life adventure and your move as a project to sink your teeth into. Feel inspired by the changes that are coming instead of overwhelmed. A positive attitude can go a long way to mastering new challenges successfully and makes the experience feel more enjoyable.
Manage Finances: We all know how expensive it is to live in the DC region, and it’s a constant balancing act to stick to a budget. Modest housing choices can free up cash flow for eating out, travel and the occasional shopping spree. If you are good at keeping spending splurges in check you might feel comfortable designating more money for luxuries at home. Who doesn’t want a strong financial plan in place for the new year? The key in all of this is making smart choices and recognizing the difference between what is necessary for you and what is a budget busting indulgence . When moving, a similar balance is key. Many people are tempted to go for the cheapest option out there. We may not be the most inexpensive option, but we offer a top quality service by being licensed and insured, hiring only the best movers and investing in their training, and providing an experienced support team that gives excellent customer service from start to finish. So if choosing a reputable company with a great track record seems worth the extra money but puts you at the top of your budget, where is it possible to save? See if you can find free boxes or borrow bins. Pack carefully and minimize the number of loose items which are notorious time wasters. Transport small items yourself. Be flexible with your moving date and be willing to move on a lower volume day such as in the middle of the week if it’s possible for your schedule. Avoid moves during peak summer months if possible. And for those of you that just don’t have the time, and determine it to be worth every penny to have extra help, there are also some great optional services to give you the support you need. We offer a reusable plastic bin rental program that includes delivery and pick up. You might choose to schedule one of our packing crews if you need help getting your belongings wrapped and packed into boxes before the move. This can be everything, or to keep costs down you can opt to handle some packing yourself and hire professionals to tackle just a portion that you find especially daunting such as the kitchen, your huge book collection or all the fragile items. An excellent moving experience with real professionals can be affordable if you plan. Consider the days of enlisting your friends to lug heavy furniture up the stairs with nothing but pizza to thank them officially over.
Whether you just moved, want to move, need to move or never want to move again, you can resolve to kick 2016 off in a way that will make you feel prepared for any change that might come your way!