the
washington
post
.
thursday,
may
26
,
2022
DC
8
Homewill feel more like home when
you can make yourself a meal.Q: What are you supposed to do
when the movers are at your
house? I don’t want to get in the
way, but I feel as if I should
supervise.
A: If you’ve labeled your boxes
in detail, you’ve helped the
movers already by knowing
what rooms your boxes should
go in. If it’s unclear which room
is which (such as with different
bedrooms), then put signs onthe doors. I would stay clear of
stairs and entryways, but you
can hang out in the kitchen or
living room to see whether
there’s anything you can do.
Providing food is always
appreciated.Q: We thought of moving as an
adventure and presented it that
way to our children. What has
helped you make moving a
positive experience for your
family?
A: Find three reasons the moveis going to be a fun and good
thing for your family. Maybe
you’re moving to be closer to
family, or maybe there’s an ice
cream shop within walking
distance of your new home.
Then get the children involved.
Even as toddlers, my kids would
help me. Young kids can
decorate moving boxes, and
older kids can design their new
rooms. Try to keep those happy
moving vibes going as much as
you can, because your
enthusiasm and positive energy
will affect your children.Q: There are so many wasteful
packing materials, but I don’tISTOCK
ISTOCK
Ali Wenzke, author of “The Art of Happy Moving,” right, suggests
labeling moving boxes in detail, top. Write what room the box will
go into in big letters. And when moving with children, above, she
recommends finding age-appropriate ways to get them involved.Ali Wenzke, au-
thor of “The Art
of Happy Mov-
ing: How to
Declutter, Pack,
and Start Over
While Maintain-
ing Your Sanity
and Finding Hap-
piness,” joined staff writer Jura
Koncius last week for our online
Q&A. Here is an edited excerpt.Q: What is the best way to label
boxes when you’re moving and
someone else is going to unpack
the truck?
A: The best way to label boxes is
in detail. In big letters, write
what room the box will go into.
Write the name of the room on
different sides of the box, so you
can see it from multiple angles
when unloading. Then list the
items in the box. For example,
write “primary bathroom,” then
say: “tissue holders, soap
dispensers, toothbrush holders,
bathrobe.”Q: How do you know whether
you should hire a moving
company or whether you can
handle a move with some
friends?
A: I’d say about 75 percent of
moves are do-it-yourself moves.
My husband and I did seven of
our 10 moves on our own. I
would also say hiring movers is
the best money I’ve ever spent.
There can be moving issues and
items can get damaged
sometimes, but it’s a luxury to
have movers. However, if you’d
rather spend that money on
decorating your new space or
going out to explore your new
city, that works, too. I would
still recommend getting an
estimate, so you can see how
much you saved by doing it
yourself.Q: How do you start unpacking
once you’ve moved?
A: As you pack, add a heart to
any boxes that contain your
favorite items. Then, when you
unpack, start with those boxes,
so you can be surrounded by
what you love. It’s more fun to
be surrounded by your family
photos, cozy slippers and
scented candles when
you’re unpacking your office
supplies.
In terms of which rooms to
unpack first, if you have
children, set their bedrooms up
first, so they have a place to
escape from the moving chaos.
Then unpack your bedding and
must-have bedroom items. I
recommend doing the kitchen
next, because your new placewant to break my stuff when I
move. What’s the best material
to use to pack items such as
dishes or books?
A: For a low-cost option, use
recycled newspaper to pack
dishes. You can also go online
and ask people for free moving
supplies, because they often like
to recycle those items when they
move, whether it’s packing
paper or moving boxes. When
you pack books, remember to
use small moving boxes, because
otherwise they will be too heavy
to move. For items you need
access to, such as children’s toys,
I recommend using clear
plastic storage containers.
They’re great for storage later,
too.Q: How much time should be
allotted to move? I’d love to do
it all in one day, but is it better
to do it over several days?
A: You may need someone to
help you with heavier items
such as couches or beds, so it’s
best to get it all scheduled for
one day, if possible. You should
also consider the cost of a
moving truck rental if you
decide to space it out over time.
Plan early to book movers (or
friends helping you move), as
well as the truck. If you have
small items you can move in
your car, you can start the
process early and do it over
several days. However, you
should have a specific moving-
day target.Q: How do you decide whether
to sell or donate items before a
move?
A: It depends. How much time
do you have before you move?
How likely are you to sell the
item? Is it going to sit in a pile
to get to later? If you have the
time and energy to sell items,
that’s an excellent way to cover
some of your moving costs or to
create a fund to decorate your
new home. Try selling through
your neighborhood Facebook
page. There are many online
thrift shops that would love
your vintage jeans. You can sell
furniture, china, vases and more
through estate-sale companies
that will sell the items for you
for a commission fee. A garage
or yard sale is another option,
and it’s a fun way to say
“goodbye” to your neighbors
before you move.
If all of these options sound
like too much work, then donate
your items instead. Don’t
overthink it. There is no reason
to spend money on packing,
moving and unpacking items
SEE Q&A ON 9LIVE Q&A
Author and real estate agent Ali Wenzke on stress-free moving
Ali Wenzke
WILLIAM MORROW