Moving is hard and stressful and expensive. I’ve heard horror stories over the years that you will want to avoid. Recently, a colleague of mine was called to a new church over 900 miles from her current pastorate. Anticipating the move, she posted on Facebook: “Friends who have done a cross-country move: What…do you recommend? Any tips on what to do or NOT to do?” Seventy-two comments later, here is a collection of social learning to help ministers on the move.
Start with the end in mind. Moving produces a lot of “endings” that require your energy and answers. Knowing where you will live in your new city is one of the first things you do before scheduling a move. Will you rent or will you buy? A real estate agent can help. If you’re planning to rent first, ask your realtor if they will include a 6-month early termination clause in your lease if you purchase a home through them. Six months should give you enough time to learn traffic patterns and familiarize yourself with the property market.
Ask your realtor to include a 6-month early termination clause in your lease if you purchase a home through them.
Get at least three in-home, written quotes. I hate to say it, but over-the-phone estimates are predatory. They start out cheaper but hold your goods hostage until you pay their arbitrary final price. If a moving company does not give you an in-home quote, or is much more inexpensive than the others, I guarantee you’ll be over budget and unhappy (like, raging anger unhappy). Hire a professional moving company. Generally, companies that have been in business for decades are usually better. Before you decide on which of the three moving companies to use, take five minutes and read recent reviews from multiple sources like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Contracts usually require a down payment, but payment-in-full is only required once your belongings have been delivered and you’ve confirmed the delivery with your signature on the bill of lading.
Over-the-phone moving estimates are predatory.
Let the pros pack and load most of your belongings. If you can afford to have a moving company pack your house for you, it’s absolutely worth the expense. Read the fine print before the packers arrive, as they will not pack solvents, cleaning supplies, or any other liquids. Using a packing service allows you time to say goodbyes on your farewell tour instead of dedicating your energy to cardboard boxes, tape guns, butcher paper, bubble wrap, and multiple trips to your local home improvement store. Even if someone else is packing your house, be sure to request a more specific inventory list. It’s the difference between “KITCHEN” and “FLATWARE” or “CHINA.” If you have unspecified valuables that are damaged during the move, getting the company to reimburse you or pay the insurance claim is difficult.
Pack and carry your personal treasures. Even if you decide to have professionals pack your house, you will want to pack a few things for yourself. You should pack and transport important documents, keepsake memories, items you can’t easily replace, and anything you will need when you get to your new place. Don’t forget to pack enough clothes to get you through the delivery date and some essential items like toilet paper, sheets, towels, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc. Just because you pack and carry your valuable items with you doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safer; you still need to keep an eye on your belongings to prevent theft.
✔️ Toilet paper
✔️ Bed sheets
✔️ Towels
✔️ Toiletries
✔️ Cleaning supplies
Items will have bumps and bruises on them; you will too. As such, insurance is a must; however, not all policies are created equal. Reputable moving companies typically offer valuations that look like insurance but provide you with only a fraction of the coverage you need to repair or replace a damaged item. Contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance agent for help reviewing your moving insurance options. You will also want to take photographs of your favorite, expensive, and fragile items in case you need to make an insurance claim. Furniture gets scratched. Fragile items break. Contusions are commonplace.
Be hospitable to your movers. Kindness is key! Having food and drinks on hand for the moving crew allows you to set the tone for the whole experience. The speed, efficiency, and diligence with which they work will surprise you – they work hard! A moving crew often includes the driver, 2-6 packers and loaders (depending on how much stuff you move), and 2-4 movers to unload at your destination. Provide cash tips to every member of your moving crew at the beginning of your move and at the end of your move. Budget an extra 15-20% of your total move cost for a cash tip divided between the crew.
Get someone to clean your old house. Trust me, after you’ve spent all day moving out, you’ll be too tired to clean. If you’re selling a house, most contracts require the house to be professionally cleaned prior to closing. For $250-$300 you can schedule a vacancy cleaning and have your former residence looking like new. If your vacant residence is a rental, you may want to muster the strength (and some friends) to clean it yourself in order to save your money and get your security deposit back. Good landlords usually have carpets deep-cleaned and walls repaired and repainted before a new tenant takes the keys, but you’ll have to review your lease to ensure your end of the bargain before the walk-through with a property manager.
A professional vacancy cleaning costs between $250-$300.
Don’t spend money you don’t have. Under the best circumstances moving makes you feel vulnerable. Adding a financial burden to the stress of relocating is a recipe for disaster. There are economical options to moving, all of which require time and sweating. You will save a lot of money by packing and moving your own things. Renting a moving truck or portable container (like PODS) gives you the most flexibility and involves the most work. Secondhand sites like Craigslist or Marketplace often have deals on packing supplies that drive down your out-of-pocket cost and help the seller get rid of unused materials. Using your own sheets, blankets, towels, and sweaters allows you to insulate your valuables without adding to your parcel count or your supplies cost.
Sell everything at your personal liquidation yard sale. [In your best salesperson voice] Everything must go! No offers refused! Well, except your favorite clothes, personal treasures, and your preferred pillow – don’t sell those. I mean, Jesus did tell the rich young man in Matthew 19:21,“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” The (kinda) good news is most ministers never reach the “rich” descriptor threshold. Nevertheless, if you’re queuing the move, you will probably divest yourself of excess clutter. Let Marie Kondo’s method of tidying assist your efforts: “Does it spark joy?” If you’re undecided, here’s the Janney technique: Yes means yes, no means no, and maybe means no. If you don’t use {insert item} often and think someone else would be happy to have it, donate or re-home your goods before you re-home.
Yes = Yes
No = No
Maybe = No
Leave a review. Let others know about your moving experience, even if it’s just a thumbs-up. Before you leave a poor review, contact customer service and apprise them of your lackluster encounter. If the company makes it right – however you define it – you’ll be able to add context to your review; either way your evaluation will carry added weight for others reading reviews.