Moving Innovations

What's New in the Least Favorite Activity in the World?

If you have not moved in the past several years there are several updated products and services that can help simplify your project and reduce the impact on your pocketbook, your time, and on the planet.  Some are especially good for DIYers.

Innovations include:

     1.  Moving cubes - known in the Central AR area as “Green Boxes” (getagreenbox.com).   These are sturdy plastic bins with attached tops that you order in advance of your move.  Once delivered to your home you pack and move as you would traditional boxes.  You do not have to put them together or use tape to close.   Then simply 1) call your selected mover to pick them up 2) unpack at your new home on your own schedule, and 3) call Green Box when you are ready for them to pick up.   They sanitize and re-use them,   which keeps  cardboard waste out of landfills.  Their website comparison indicates they are less expensive than using newly purchased cardboard boxes, but I have not personally verified this yet.

   2.  Puffy Stuff is Green Box’s alternative to Styrofoam cushioning pellets.  They are bio-degradable  and so much better for the earth, and they will pick them up in the Green Boxes if you save them.

       3.  Recycled newsprint – the common newspaper everyone has used for wrapping breakables but before it’s been printed on.   This eliminates the messy hands and occasional ink transfers  to your items.  Best of all the papers are cut and sold in a handy acessible box when you’re busy wrapping all those collectibles.  Available at most moving and storage locations.

        4.       PODS are large shipping crates that you fill on your own schedule, then call to have the POD moved to your new home.   This gives you more flexibility if you want to wrap and pack over a few days or weeks, and it will usually save some costs for movers.  One downside:  in hilly Arkansas they are not always suitable since a level site is required.  Also, be sure to check with your property owner’s or neighborhood association to be sure they are allowed, or if there is any time limit for their use.

      5.      If you need to ship just a few pieces – say to family or friends – compare package companies like UPS to other transporting options.  I have shipped surprisingly large heavy items – like a big cedar chest - with them.  Delivery was quick, and they can very professionally crate or box anything for a fee.

   6.      My company recently switched to a paper tape sold at U-Haul stores, and  if you use standard cardboard boxes you might want to consider it too.  Not bargain priced necessarily, but there is no roller/applicator required, it never gets stuck to itself, and you can write on it with a Sharpie.  Huge time-saving win for those boxing up a lot of stuff.

   7.      For those with any time and/or physical limitations there are excellent relocation services available to make your move a breeze.  Some movers offer packing, and there are full service companies that can provide everything from project management,  downsizing assistance,  space planning, packing, moving, unpacking, completely setting up and organizing the new home, and dispersal of any items not making the move.  It might be worth it to save your time and sanity. My company is Your Best Move in Central Arkansas.  http://www.yourbestmovear.com/