Keep it simple!

If you are clicking "Relocation", you are either in the trade and curious, or are relocating. Most emails I receive are from people about to move, and the questions are usually quite general. Each week I also receive many emails from various industry professionals. They offer advice, "how-to's", and specific problem solving routines and mechanisms they would like to see on the topic. Things like: "How to get a 8 foot armoire in a 7 foot elevator"; "How to pack 24k gold edged china"; "How to protect white carpets", etc. (For the curious, the answers in order are, hang it under the elevator, wrap in acid free paper on edge, purchase carpet saver, a clear, tough adhesive runner.) The problem with a "How-to" format is that it soon gets out of control. The list is endless. Each house or apartment is different, and no two are filled with the same furnishings. I could go on forever, and still not address your problem. I would prefer to "Keep it Simple".
If you've read my other articles, you know I advocate organization and pre-planning. Although I write articles that address general concerns and issues, the topic "Relocation" offers many links and other websites that address a myriad of move related problems. You can create a move timeline, download your own moving calendar, access many priority lists, or make your own. Ryder and UHaul's links contain their own sets of advice and information. I have included Clark & Reid, a world class family of relocation services, with its own credo and advice. In short, just this focused topic and the web may furnish more information than you can use. In fact, you may have too much information. Information overload, coupled with time constraints can be a recipe for disaster. Swamped with choices, options and decisions, suddenly the move days are upon you, and you have no plan!
Please: "Keep it simple!" The following list is a bare bones survival list for any move. If you have done no preplanning, have made no decisions and the movers (or your friends) will be at the door in a few days, adhere to these following tenets.
· Decide what is to be moved.
· Obtain cartons or secure some packers.
· Mark all cartons by room and contents.
· Hire a rental truck, or mover.
· Ensure all furniture of concern is wrapped in pads, or protected.
· Be present at delivery.
· Ensure all beds and tables are set up.
· Ensure bedding, lamps, clock radio, phone are unpacked or visible first night

· Continue with life.

Too simplistic? Of course it is. But if you follow only this list, you will survive the move, have lights the first night, sleep in your bed the first night, and have a kitchen table up for coffee the next morning. (If you can find the coffee pot!) I am constantly bombarded by information about relocation, and it's my profession! If I am sometimes overloaded, then you must be doubly so. Please use all the assets, articles, and links of this topic, and email me with any questions. But, above all, keep it simple!