One of the biggest
hassles of moving to a new apartment is packing, and unpacking-- your belongings.
While it's tempting to just throw everything in any box, packing isn't that
straight-forward. Breakables and odd-sized items need to be protected, boxes
need to be light enough to lift and carry and items that are housed in various
rooms need to travel together.
One terrific
way to make packing and unpacking much easier (and save money on your moving
costs) is to clean house and clear out the clutter before you even begin to
pack. There's simply no reason to go on storing things you'll really never
use, especially when you're investing the time and money to move those things
to your new home.
Disposal options
are many and include giving things to family, friends and neighbors, donating
things to charitable organizations and selling things at a yard or garage
sale. The garage sale is a popular choice because it brings in some extra
cash for any unanticipated moving expenses.
Place an classified
ad announcing the garage sale in your local newspaper, open your event early
in the morning and be prepared to sell your belongings for much less than
you paid for them. People will buy just about anything at a yard sale, but
they usually expect a hefty discount on stuff that's been used. The items
for sale should be cleaned, reasonably priced (use small round stickers) and
attractively displayed.
If you want to
price things right and get the most money for your stuff, visit a few other
sales in your neighborhood before you hold your own. Ask the people holding
the sale how they determined their prices and how well various categories
of goods (e.g., books, clothing, toys) are selling. Then price your own items
accordingly.
If you want to
dispose of expensive electronic gear, sporting equipment or recent-year designer
clothing, consider offering the items at a consignment store. These stores
have become more up-scale in recent years and they offer a neat way to sell
your more valuable but used belongings at a fair price. Check the telephone
directory for consignment shops in your area.
Other tips and
reminders:
# Get receipts
for your donations, so you can take an income tax deduction.
# Take all hazardous
wastes (e.g., motor oil, leftover paint, spent batteries) to the designated
drop-off area in your community.
# Don't stock
up on groceries or personal care items right before you move. Instead, use
up your canned goods, frozen foods and spare boxes of tissues, so you won't
have to move them to your new home. Then restock after you've moved and unpacked.
# Many professional
movers don't handle open liquor bottles, so you'll have to give those away
to your neighbors, transport them yourself (be mindful of vehicle code rules
on this one) or have a party.
# If you really
can't bear to part with your unused belongings, consider a storage facility.
Be sure to ask about access hours, key control, lighting, climate control
and security at the storage site.
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