Tips for combining households


Getting married or moving in together means a whole lot of changes, not the least of which could mean relocating to a new house or apartment.

Whether the happy couple is getting a brand-new place for two or one is shifting all their earthly possessions to join the other, it’s a good idea to take proactive steps to make crossing that new threshold a little easier.

Here are a few tips for taking some of the stress out of moving day—for both parties involved.

Declutter. Before moving, go through all possessions, as individuals and then as a team. Even if the new space will be larger, it’s better to start fresh with items that the couple likes or needs in order to save moving things no one really wants to keep. After discarding old, unused or disliked items, take inventory of common household items for any duplicates, like both having toasters or blenders and such items. Decide as a team which of them is preferred by both. If the other is still in good shape, donate, recycle, or if too old and damaged, discard.

Plan ahead to save. Whether one person is moving or both are, a lot of money can be saved by the couple doing the move themselves. It’s remarkably easy to rent a truck, and a commercial license is not required. Driving a moving truck isn’t difficult, but it is different from driving a car. Be careful to use the mirrors to navigate turns, avoid sudden lane changes or stops and make sure to allow extra time. Plan ahead by reserving a truck at least two weeks in advance.

Pack smart. Nothing hurts more than moving prized possessions, only to find them damaged when they arrive at the new digs. The best bet is to pick up sturdy boxes, strong tape and bubble wrap at the truck rental store so that everything that is packed will arrive at the new place in the same condition as when it was you packed. Also, label all the boxes so it’s easy to know which items belong in the kitchen, the bathroom or the bedroom.

Be space conscious. About 150 cubic feet of space is needed for the furnishings of each room in the current home. In other words, a 12-­or 16-­foot Penske rental truck should accommodate the contents of most small apartments or condos. When loading a moving truck, do what the pros do: Heavier items should be loaded in the back of the truck, while lighter items should be placed in front and on top. When in doubt, follow the helpful tips offered by Penske’s Truck Wizard.

To learn more about renting a moving truck, check out PenskeTruckRental.com for details. Save even more on the move if you qualify for AAA or military discounts at Penske, so be sure to ask.

Courtesy of Brandpoint