Making a solo move is bound to happen at some point in your life. You could be far from friends and relatives, have to move after college, or you could need to make a quick move after a break up. When you are left to make a move on your own, it may seem overwhelming, but it can be done. Downsize, organize and plan to make your move go smoothly.
If you can manage it, the best way to make a solo move is to give yourself a couple of extra days to move all of your things from your old place to your new place. Try to arrange it so you can start moving into your new place at least a few days before you need to be out of your old place.
Remember to keep daily items separate, as you will need them during the transition time. Have one suitcase of clothes, toiletries and minimal cookware available.
Sort, Pack and Toss
Start collecting boxes of all sizes from local stores. Sort clothing into four piles: seasonal, donations, trash and keeper.
Make one pile of seasonal clothing, which you will not need between now and the move. This clothing can be packed away in suitcases, hanging garment bags or large, plastic bags which close. Keep seasonal clothes on their hangers and secure them together by the hangers with zip ties. Poke a hole in the bottom of a clean garbage bag and pull the garbage bag over the clothes.
Are you still hanging onto your favorite fashions from last decade? When you are making a solo move, it’s time to let the past go. Make a donation pile. Keep the clothes you currently wear in the front of the closet, or pack them into a suitcase and live out of the suitcase if you will be moving soon.
Pack Rat
If you have boxes that you never unpacked from your last move, it’s time to downsize. Have a yard sale or give away items in good condition that you have not used for more than a year.
Organize your solo move with the unpacking in mind. Pack each room from ceiling to floor. Start with any wall hangings; remove photos on tables and decorative objects. Wrap them in newspaper or magazine pages, which won’t leave ink rubbings on the items.
Label
Label each box using a permanent marker. Write which room the stuff goes in, secure the box with packing tape and start stacking up the boxes. Don’t make the boxes too heavy if you have to move them yourself.
Pack up the boxes in your car or a friend’s car. Move all the boxes, clothing and small items including side tables, kitchen chairs and floor lamps.
Unpack the boxes when you arrive and bring them back to your old place to repack them if you have a box shortage.
Furniture Moving
Hire a moving company to just move your furniture. When you call, know exactly how many pieces of furniture they will have to move. Tell them which floor you are moving from and to. Give them your two addresses and get an estimate over the phone. Ask about mileage, how much they charge per hour or piece, and if there are any extra fees.
When you have only furniture to move, the moving company will break down any furniture for you, including a bed frame and reassemble it. A medium-sized apartment may only take an hour or two to move when it’s just the furniture.
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