Better Together
Do It Yourself (DIY) is a popular option for lots of projects. There are lots of benefits to tackling some projects on your own.
Save money
Work at your own pace
Practice or learn a new skill
Sense of accomplishment
On the flip side, DIY projects don’t always go as planned.
More costly than anticipated
Time consuming
Undesirable results
Frustrating or overwhelming
These pros and cons can be applied to just about any project and making a move to a new home is no exception. The DIY approach is often chosen for budget reasons, but there is so much more to consider. Time is also a significant factor and often runs out sooner than anticipated. There are a lot of pieces to the logistics puzzle, and stress is almost always part of the equation.
When working with a Senior Move Manager® (SMM) planning is always a critical component. We also know that flexibility needs to be built into move projects. A SMM can deliver complete oversight, guidance, resources and/or the physical help for the entire project or offer aid as needed. A Senior Move Manager® handles the planning and logistics ideally from start to finish, easing much of the stress that naturally comes with any move. Client input is certainly needed, and choosing to work together with a SMM is always a good approach.
The Story of a Move
A recent SIOB client recognized the need for some assistance with their move but still wanted to approach it with the spirit of a DIY project. Here’s how it went.
Steve contacted Sort It Out Boston about three weeks prior to the deadline his cousin Adam had to move out of his home. During the initial conversation, Steve noted that the current house was small and there was not too much stuff. Based on his observation of the quantity of Adam’s belongings, Steve estimated all the packing could be done in a few hours in one day. The plan was to have SIOB do all the packing, with the exception of furniture preparation, and the move would be scheduled for the following day. He planned to purchase all the necessary packing materials in advance of SIOB’s arrival. In his estimation, this project would be completed in two consecutive days.
A few things to consider:
Define the quantity of stuff. It is certainly a subjective calculation.
A small home does not equate to the number of belongings in it.
What type of belongings need to be packed?
A complimentary consultation was offered and declined.
Steve also shared that his cousin would not be able to participate in much of the process due to health concerns. Together he and Adam were handling some pre-pack-and-move related tasks on their own, including decluttering. He provided assurance that everything would be ready for packing upon SIOB’s arrival. Importantly, he noted that many items to be packed were affected by a previous rodent infestation and required cleaning. As Steve served as his cousin’s coordinator and contact person, he cheerfully accepted responsibility for certain tasks. He also routinely offered his appreciation when discussing options and recommendations for various details of the move.
A few things to consider:
Determine client ability and availability as needs arise.
Review move management scope of services; what is included and what is not.
Determine time necessary to complete tasks prior to packing and schedule all accordingly.
Measure certain items (i.e. artwork, lamps) to ensure the purchase of appropriate boxes and packing materials.
After a few scheduling snafus, the move date was determined, and the pack date was scheduled. Steve designated the basement level of the home to stage items for packing. Some were placed there in advance of SIOB’s arrival. Throughout the appointment more and more belongings were delivered to the basement as the contents of other areas of the home were reviewed in real time. In addition, SIOB received instructions regarding which items needed to be cleaned, how they were to be cleaned, and with which products. It was apparent that pre-pack tasks were not completed.
While some packing supplies were purchased and available onsite, there simply was not enough. Boxes and their associated packing materials for specialty items were also not included in the advance purchase.
A few things to consider:
Limiting the view of belongings to a central packing location as well as declining the consultation restricted an understanding of the full scope of the project.
The perception of the quantity of belongings vs the reality did not match.
More time was needed to complete pre-pack tasks than estimated.
More time was needed to complete the packing than estimated.
The move date would need to be changed.
Additional trips to purchase packing materials were necessary.
The moving company would need to take on some packing responsibilities, in particular for specialty items, and to help maintain the desired timeline.
A notable feature of this project was learning about the involvement of a local community agency who recommended and booked a junk removal/handyman business as the moving company. In speaking with a representative of the company, it was clear that they did not possess the necessary criteria of a moving company. Steve and Adam were unaware of the company’s limitations and they gratefully accepted SIOB’s assistance in selecting an appropriate company.
Throughout the project timeline, the challenges were not few and flexibility was key. As circumstances arose, we talked through the options and made the necessary adjustments to keep the project moving forward as smoothly and timely as possible. As the project progressed, Steve understood and appreciated the guidance and expertise of a Senior Move Manager® more and more.
When move day arrived, everyone involved jumped into action, each doing their part according to their expertise. By day’s end, Adam was happily settled into his new home proving the tried and true adage, better together.
Photo by Tanja Tepavac on Unsplash