A post about moving...

Ah yes, I'm moving to another apartment...in 6 days!

I'm dedicating this post to procrastinate the packing. So, instead, I will write about how to pack and move efficiently, no matter what state you live in.


Let's start with the basics.
So, you've got a new place and you're talking with your new agency, assuming you're still renting...

Here are a few questions to ask the agency:

1. When can I get my keys? This is important because sometimes, you may be able to get the keys a day earlier and scope out your new place sans other occupant's furniture and organize your thoughts about where that new dining room table should go. This is also good to know because you may not be able to pick up your keys until right before you move in, which may force you to move your rental truck/mover's time.
(need a site to plan out different room arrangements? Go here: Bassett Furniture, and sign up for a free account that allows you to make your own room dimensions and add furniture).

2. Do I need to schedule a freight elevator move-in time? Self explanatory.
3. Will my new place be cleaned? Even if it is, it's important to buy those bathroom cleaning supplies and do a scrub down, no matter how clean it may look when you move in.

A checklist for the detail-oriented, or those trying to be proactive.

1. Cable hook up, electric, gas, etc. Each building is different and each lease is different. Your new place may include everything, nothing, or 1 thing. Find out the details and switch your address or look for deals on cable bundles, fight for a promotion!!
2. Change your mail address up to 2 weeks prior to your move-in date. You will get a notice at your current apartment about the change.
3. Set up a time on your calendar when you should check for double billing. Hey, we're not all perfect, and neither is Comcast or RCN. Make sure you aren't double billed for an apartment you aren't living in anymore.
4. Find the nearest coffee shop. You probably won't have internet right away, and if you don't have a smartphone or kindle, you'll find yourself bored and in the dark for the first few days. A bottle of wine and a clean wine glass will also do the trick.
5. Get some cash. Tip your movers or your friends that are helping you move. Pizza don't cut it anymore, even deep dish.

For the packing itself... Shit. Just don't do it. Write a blog post instead. No, just kidding.

1. Start posting items on Craigslist that you don't want 2-3 weeks in advance. Sometimes, it takes awhile to sell something that will give you extra cash or make extra room in your apartment for packing. Once it gets down to the wire, accept any amount of $$, it will make your life (and moving) much easier. If you are weary of CL, make a FB post or ask your friends/coworkers if they're interested in your goods.
2. Get boxes. Well duh, but from where? If you work in an office, ask the office manager if you can take some leftover boxes home. Go to Home Depot. Rummage around in some trash bins...No, don't. You're moving to a new place, not a new alley.
3. Figure out what you want to pack first and last. Everything in between doesn't really matter. My suggestion would be to pack kitchen first, bathroom last.
4. Make room in your apartment for the boxes. Trust me, blocking your bathroom door and bedroom door with heavy ass boxes will just make you mad.
5. Label your boxes by what they contain and which room they should go in. You don't want your movers (or your friends) looking at you all doe-eyed thinking, where do they want this?!
6. Put music on and drink an espresso. It's kind of like studying for that final when you were a senior in college. Just make sure not to break anything.

...Lastly, e-mail your friends your new address. You'll want them to know where you live so they can send over housewarming packages and holiday cards. In return, schedule a date for a housewarming party so you force yourself to keep your new place clean.