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Forget about saving three hundred dollars by hiring a cheap mover. You want to save thousands by making thoughtful decisions, following your intuition, and staying focused on goals. 1. Hire the pros. Resist the temptation to save a few bucks by hiring Uncle Larry and his pickup. You need a genuine receipt to deduct moving expenses and you do not want to be liable if somebody drops a box. One crushed toe can be very expensive. If you can afford the expense, let the movers pack for you, too. They pack faster: they don't spend time wondering if Aunt Gertrude's crocheted lampshades are worth keeping. And if they break, they buy.
3. Get clear on what you want. Before you move, visualize your perfect new home. Include as many details as possible. If you can't visualize the entire house or apartment, focus on details: "a fenced yard for the dog," "wide sunny windowsills for the cats to sleep and the plants to thrive," "a door wide enough to accommodate my couch." You'll be more likely to make the right decision the first time. 4. Don't rush to sign a lease or offer. Better to lose an opportunity than to be saddled with an unliveable house or apartment six months down the road. My rule is, "Sleep before signing." If it is truly your home, it will still be there tomorrow. Breaking a lease or just moving to a different address will be expensive and time-consuming. 5. Have a friend -- or coach -- on call. If you are alone, or feel alone, ask a friend to stand by the phone. Your friend will be able to say things like, "Don't rush. If you feel uncomfortable about signing, don't do it." Or, "That house doesn't sound like you. Are you sure?" Or even, "Hang in there!" A coach can offer even more objectivity and you won't have to worry about imposing on someone's good nature. 6. Lost in a new town? You have ten addresses and a map. You feel like taking the first place you see just because it's such a hassle to find your way. Well, search no more. Find a taxi or car service. Nearly all will allow you to hire them for two or three hours. You may have to pay $100 or more, but you may get by with a lot less. Call ahead and ask for an experienced driver who knows the area. Ask the driver questions like, "What kind of fares do you get in this neighborhood?" Cab drivers know a lot. 7. Take time for yourself. Moving is exhausting. On a physical level, you are packing boxes and running all over town. Mentally, you face conflicting opinions from self-proclaimed experts and well-meaning friends. Stop! Treat yourself to a leisurely walk
with the dog, a nice lunch or dinner, even a movie. Use all the
stress-busters: meditation, exercises, music, phone calls to your
favorite people. A two-hour break can restore your perspective and
save you two years of grief. And who knows? You might discover your
sacred space in the new city. About the Author:
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