Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
Packing goes a lot smoother when you start early and get rid of what you don’t need before the first box is taped.
Here are my tips for sorting, packing and organizing your move.
Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.
Sort and weed first
SORT AND WEED: Before you decide whether to hire a moving company, get the whole household together for a “Sort & Weed Party.”
The goal is to reduce the potential load as much as possible. The entire family can objectively decide what they REALLY will have a need for at the new address.
DESIGNATED AREA: An area in the garage or basement can be designated as the one location where everyone can slowly store unnecessary items. When the process is complete, you can plan and conduct a garage sale. Anything not sold may be disposed of by inviting friends and family to stop by and take anything they can use. Finally, any items still remaining can be given to a charitable organization.
DECIDING ON A PROFESSIONAL: It is really a pleasure to have an experienced, professional mover perform the entire task. It can also be interesting to watch. However, it can also be expensive. There is a charge for each box provided, as well as a separate charge fro labor, usually based on the size of each container.
Moving yourself
DOING-IT-YOURSELF: Moving yourself does not have to be a difficult chore. However, it requires proper supplies, prior planning, and a lot of your time. At least one month ahead of time begin pacing a few boxes a day. Designate an area in the garage, basement, or spare room to store the packed boxes.
The easiest place to find them is at the local supermarket or liquor store. These boxes are perfect since they are constructed for the purpose of carrying heavy loads. Prior arrangements can and should be made at the stores because usually as soon as the contents go on the shelves, these boxes are cut and thrown away.
OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES: You may want to designate a kitchen table or card table as your work area. Newspaper can be used as an effective packing material; however, certain precautions must be made since the ink will smudge. Any items that you wish to protect from the ink may be placed in various sized plastic bags. Other essential items that you will want to keep handy at your work area are: twist ties, 2’ x 3’ plastic tape, a razor blade knife, and a felt-tip marker.
Packing and labeling boxes
ORGANIZING THE BOXES: As each box is packed, use your felt-tip marker to indicate in which room the box will be placed and itemize the contents. If a professional mover is used you will want to work along with them to be sure the contents of each box can be identified. Remember to itemize on the side of each box, since during the moving process they will be stacked on top of each other.
MOVING YOUR VALUABLES: It is not a good idea to include your valuables in the shipment of your household goods. It will be much sager to pack valuables in a suit case or “special” box which will accompany you. Do not leave the container unattended. You will probably wish to include the following items: bank account books, currency of any kind, jewelry, precious metals and stones, valuable documents, coin or stamp collections, insurance policies, medical and dental records, and school records.
A simple plan for your move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida for about two decades, and I build and remodel luxury homes too. I’ll help you see both what a property is and what it could be.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Ready to talk? Start a buyer plan or ask what your home is worth.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Your next step
Every move is different. Whether you’re selling or buying, I’ll help you make a plan that fits.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in the Twin Cities.
Stay close to the market, without the noise.
Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Twin Cities homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.
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