Packing for your Relocation
Should You Do It Yourself or Not, and Why?!
Video #8 (see below) in my Relocation Tips Video Series is about packing for your move, in particular issues related to packing yourself, or not. The complete list of articles and videos preceding this one are listed at the bottom of the article.
If you are considering the DIY approach to packing for your move, here are some things to consider:
1. Packing yourself, or some of your stuff, can save you some money. Check with your movers to find out more about packing costs if you prefer they do it all
2. Things that you pack (these are called PBO or “packed by owner” in the industry) will likely not be covered under the liability insurance provided by the carrier. Make sure you pack well, using bubble wrap and good packing paper (e.g., Home Depot). Don’t pack things that are better covered under the insurance, such as glassware. NOTE - Check with your homeowner's insurance to find out what is covered and what is not.
3. Ask the movers about boxes and paper for packing. They may deliver to your door. You will be charged for these just as you are for all moving supplies the movers use in their packing. Getting them earl on will help you get started.
4. Since you are moving anyhow, with your home on the market it’s a great time to pack personal items and other things to declutter your house, especially on table and counter tops and in closets.
5. Label your boxes carefully and thoroughly, including the room (or storage). You might make big blank labels on the computer with information such as ROOM, FLOOR, and CONTENTS, then tape a blank form on each box and fill in the information as you go.
6. Put the labels on the END of the boxes so when they are stacked you can see the labels (putting the label on top defeats the purpose). Mark fragile boxes on multiple sides using a dark magic marker or similar pen.
7. Allow movers to pack artwork - they have the appropriate boxes and these items will be insured (check on need for additional insurance depending on value).
8. Find out what items cannot be packed and moved (e.g., hazardous items such as paints, gasoline, certain cleaning products). Also check about plants - some states may prohibit bringing in agricultural products from other states (e.g., California) while others may require movers to check gardening equipment and outdoor furniture for Gypsy moths, larvae, etc. before packing.
9. Pack a special box for each family member that you carry yourself (e.g., toiletries, TP, tissues, bandaids, shampoo, medicines, special toys for kids) and one for the kitchen (coffee maker perhaps, coffee and filters, can opener, bottle opener, wine opener for the celebratory bottle when you arrive, and other things you may need right away). Pack pet supplies (food, dishes, leashes) in a separate box and carry with you too. Stuff you forget you can buy when you arrive if the movers are late arriving.
Need more relocation tips? Please reach out to me at (760) 840-1360 so we can discuss your personal relocation situation and needs. I am happy to help you from start to finish in your relocation here to SoCal, or with a move out of the area.
And if you are moving someplace other than my area in SoCal, I can still assist you. I know a great network of highly qualified agents around the country and can help refer you to the right person to help find your new home and/or sell your current one.
Here are the prior articles (with videos) in this series in case you missed them:
Video #7 – Making Your List and Checking it Twice: Your Relocation Checklist That Is
Video #6 – Questions to Ask Your Movers
Video #5 - Buying vs. Renting When Relocating to Your New Home
Video #4 – Finding the Right REALTOR® to Help in Your Relocation
Video #3 – Moving with a Relocation Package
Video #2 – Getting Pre-Approved
Video #1 – Relocation Expenses
Introduction to Relocation Tips Video Series
