As have most of us who went to college, moved every single year during that time (sometimes every semester), and never stayed in one place more than two years since graduation, I have done a lot of moving. There are two ways to move: the hard way and the easy way. The hard way involves procrastination (remember, trying to drink away your distaste of packing does not rid yourself of the need to do it. Packing sucks waaaay more if you are hungover). The hard way also involves some combination of lack of proper packing materials, proper equipment, or manpower. Are you over moving the hard way? Have you asked your friends for help moving about six too many times? Too old to bribe people for help with only beer and pizza?
If you don’t want to do the hard labor yourself, but you do want an easy move, you must Follow The Rules:
1. Email My Truck Buddy. I have used them twice (first time- late 2009, when the business was new. Chris himself, and his buddy, moved the contents of two apartments into one). They’ve become much more popular now – for good reason – and they get booked up fast. Get on their schedule as soon as you know your move date!
2. Discard your junk viciously. This is the time to edit like crazy. Think to yourself: do I have a need and a space for this in my new place? Do I want to pay for it to come there with me? If the answer is no to either question, donate or throw away.
3. Get decent boxes (from Home Depot or someone who’s recently moved) and fill them all up. Don’t make them too heavy, but don’t leave anything out. Label clearly so the movers know which room to take them to.
4. Remember– this is very important. You must have Every. Single. Item. packed away well before the movers arrive. If this means taking a day off work to pack, or staying up all night before they arrive, DO IT! You cannot be packing stuff into boxes when the movers come, or else you are wasting your money. It will slow them down and lengthen your move (not to mention make it more painful- literally and figuratively. You’ll be cursing yourself.).
5. Watch Chris or one of his crews arrive at your place EARLY (at least 5 mins). If they’re running late for some odd reason, I am sure they will call you. Then watch them load stuff into their truck ridiculously quickly and efficiently.
6. You are moved! Set up your bed first (my mother’s advice, smart lady)- then you can go about your business and it will be ready for you to fall into when you’re exhausted.
Our one bedroom apartment to house move in late August 2011 (all in town, but different quadrants of the city) took three hours total (with three crewmembers). That is lightning fast, but keep in mind we had a less than average amount of stuff (according to these guys, who do tons of moves!) and we followed The Rules. Chris charged us the usual rate plus a $75 truck rental fee. We needed a bigger truck because of the amount of furniture we have. It came to about $450, total which is a very fair price. Surely you could find some guys on craigslist to do it cheaper, but then you have no timing/quality control. Chris stands behind his results (he was super careful not to scratch any walls- made sure to ask how and where things were to be placed- and even took our bedframe apart for us!).
Do not hesitate– hire My Truck Buddy for your move!
– Anonymous | 9.26.11