The Perks of a Solo Haul

This picture is not me. I can look as glamorous if I want on occasions, but I reserve it for the worthy, once my filtration/distillation process is complete. The quality of the people reading my blog matters much more to me than the quantity. Most people won't read something long, ambiguous and a topic that they may not care about at all. I'm counting on that subtle approach.

Practicalities kick in while moving, travelling, hiking etc. The "Health on a Budget" topic was supposed to come out end of February, 2 months ago, but life happened, as suddenly as COVID was declared a year ago . Everything was ready - the writing, the original picture etc, but my heart wasn't in it. My priorities changed within 48 hours and remained so for 2 months. Less than 100 % of what I can give to a project is unacceptable to me.

This was the 2nd time after 2 years that I felt the floor move beneath me. Packing up and moving solo, even from one rental to another is an overwhelming task. Having done it a couple of times, I ought to give it its due place in my blog and hopefully a lot of people can relate to it. I had 50 boxes. With every instance of weight bearing load, it becomes easier.

That's when I became interested in strength training :) I did manage to do some mental strength training mid March to prepare myself mentally as well for the upheaval of my sanctuary.

Hence this article on Solo Haul is different from the rest of the pack .

Solo Haul Tips

1) Start looking for a place immediately as soon as you get the news that you have to move.

• It's a lot of like speed dating - be clear of what you want and don't want, so you can narrow down the options .

• This will save you valuable time and energy by eliminating the unnecessary at the start itself.

2) Armed with the rental ad details, have a list of criteria that is non -negotiable.

• Map a few places that are relatively close to each other geographically.

• Make the appointments 30 to 60 minutes apart.

• Spend no more than 10 -15 minutes to view and 5 minutes to reflect.

• Make a pro and con list to help decide between 2 equally good options.

• * Always see the place in person. Virtually, everything looks bigger.

3) Once you decide on a place within 1-4 weeks, get the requirements ready in the background. This is usually listed in the ad.

• Get packing & PPE ( Personal Protective Equipment) supplies a month before

• Example tape, duct tape, boxes ( Small & Medium are easier to handle), masks, gloves with grips, cleaning materials for tile and wood

• 30 -40% Medium size boxes

• 40 -50 % Small size boxes

• 20- 30 % Large size boxes

4)Decide on a moving company.

• Get an informed decision of the total estimate.

• Compare rates

• Check customer reviews ( beware of scammers, thieves etc.)

5) Brainstorm a packing plan.

• Room by Room

• by Item least -used to most- used.

• Break it up into small installments of goals over a month.

6)Once you have 75-80 % of the your things packed, take pictures of the boxes and schedule the in-person viewing for the moving company.

They can provide a better estimate since they take the path of access into account.

7) Live off a suitcase with your essential clothes, for 2 weeks, like you would do on a vacation.

8) While packing, organize and label each box

Example : 1) Living Room - Shelf - Books

2) Kitchen - Pots N Pans

9) Take measurements of the entry way and the layout of both the new and old residence.

The access to the unit is another factor that affects the moving expense.

10) Make a to-do list stating with 3 things and then adding on to get some control

11) Things to Remember:

• Keys

• Change of Address

• Internet Transfer

• Other Utilities Transfer etc

12) Leave disposable plates & cups for the last day

( you have to clean and pack garbage cans too).

• Line the cans with a clean garbage bag and put your mops in them.

• I tied the ends of the mop and dustpan too with a plastic bag

13) Manage your time on Moving day to clean up the old place (2 -3 hours) and the new place ( 30 minutes -1 hour).

Due to COVID there is an added deadline of cleaning up the same day.

Keep the windows open for ventilation while you are with the movers.

Also to dissipate the smell of strong cleaning agents.

14) The next day , reward yourself by doing absolutely nothing.

It is rest day for your muscles.

Reward yourself with a good meal and beverage.

15) Unpack systematically . Unpacking is easier than packing.

A few years ago, I drove a medium size 17 feet long truck myself. I progressed from the Sprinter Van to U-Haul to the 17 feet tuck.

• There is no rear view mirror so be careful changing lanes.

• The added responsibility is the pickup and drop off of the truck and filling up the gas to the original mark.

• You can save $200-250 since the Truck Rental comes to $150.

After doing the above a couple of times, it will come naturally to remember all the important things in a chaotic phase. I like writing about everyday practical things that most people learn without a manual.