Moving can be easy when you do the packing yourself!
May 15, 2009 - Posted in Travel
Moving can be an exciting, but often overwhelming process. For many, relocating means a fresh start and a chance to explore new opportunities, but the task of finding a reliable company to pack and ship your belongings can be extremely stressful. Although hiring someone else to do the packing may seem like the easiest and fastest way to get the job done, there are plenty of downsides to outsourcing.
Moving services often bill their customers based on the weight of the cargo, the number of rooms to be loaded, and even the specific items that the movers have to pack. Furthermore, numerous customers have filed complaints against well-known moving companies concerning missing valuables, cost scams, and overall poor service.
After hearing horror stories of disastrous experiences with some companies, more customers are turning towards alternatives like packing themselves. The job sounds daunting, but with the right supplies, preparing a household for relocation can be a breeze.
Using the right moving boxes is essential to having an easy move. For example, specialty boxes are sold for lamps, files, musical instruments, electronics, and artwork. Fragile pieces should be packed with some type of cushioning, the most common being soft paper. Wrapping glassware in newsprint will protect the surfaces from scratches, but foam peanuts or inflated plastic bags can be used for extra padding. Once a box has been sealed, you should label it immediately. Along with the contents of the box, it helps to indicate the room where the majority of the items will go.
After you close the last box, rest assured that the most challenging part of your move is over. With the growing number of companies on the market each year, truck rental can be as simple as point-and-click. Most businesses allow customers to view and purchase services online. Using the internet to find a truck lets you compare sizes, special features, and rates of each provider. Then, reserve your vehicle in minutes from your home computer instead of spending hours driving across town or flipping through the phone book.
The key to avoiding an unpleasant moving experience is relying on yourself more than a hired company. Doing your own packing is not nearly as difficult as it seems, so gather a few essentials and get the job done right.
