Compressed schedule moving tips?

May 12, 2009 12:27 PM

Compressed schedule move (from Seattle), advice?

I have to move on very short notice, like within the next few days. I had enough notice to arrange for movers and vehicle transport and whatnot, but I'm freaking a bit at how much I still have left since this is not only on a time crunch but it's my first big move, period.

Of immediate concern: my vehicle is getting picked up today, any advice there? I'm going to clear everything personal out of the car, but I'm thinking of the stuff I'm not going to think about until it's too late. Do I tip the guy who picks it up? Is there anything I *should* leave in the car?

Of slightly-less-immediate concern: I'd like to purge a lot of stuff rather than move it cross-country. I'd love to donate some of the stuff (large desk, big screen TV with stand, sofa) rather than junk it, but have yet to find a place that will take them. Any suggestions of a Seattle charity that would take objects like that on very short notice? Are there any other options besides junking and donating that could be accomplished at a reasonable cost so quickly?

posted by Riki tiki to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

Is there anything I *should* leave in the car?

When I used a car mover, I threw some stuff in the trunk that I couldn't get taken by the movers in time. Nothing too valuable but it arrived safe and sound. Not sure if my experience is the norm, though. I also gave the car mover a $20 at the end, but the move was paid for by my partner's company, so I'm not sure what the obligations are.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:38 PM on May 12

I'd love to donate some of the stuff (large desk, big screen TV with stand, sofa) rather than junk it, but have yet to find a place that will take them.

I put up a "free television" notice on Craigslist (here in Seattle) and it was picked up within four hours.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:40 PM on May 12

Yeah, Craigslist "Free" category and Freecycle were lifesavers when I moved cross-country and had to purge lots of stuff I didn't want to just toss.
posted by Kat Allison at 12:49 PM on May 12

Also, if it's at all possible, get the movers to pack your stuff instead of packing it yourself (more expensive, but a great saving in time/sanity). If that's not possible, I'd recommend going to someplace like U-Haul and buying appropriately sized packing boxes, instead of spending time scrounging around liquor stores and the like trying to find empty boxes. IMO it's worth it to spend a few bucks on, for example, some professional wardrobe boxes you can hang garments in, rather than taking them off hangers, folding them, etc. etc.
posted by Kat Allison at 12:55 PM on May 12

Does a brand new English graduate with no job count as a charity? Because I'm moving to Seattle from Tacoma in like two weeks, and I'd gladly come up there tomorrow and take that stuff off your hands.

MefiMail me if you're interested.
posted by martens at 1:40 PM on May 12

I third the Craigslist suggestion. A post would probably rid you of the items you don't need in a very short time frame. And at no cost to you. But if you'd like - MeFiMail me and I'd be happy to take some of that stuff off of your hands as well. Good luck!
posted by handabear at 4:48 PM on May 12

Kashless is a new Seattle free items website.
posted by P.o.B. at 7:57 PM on May 12

Thanks for the advice everyone, and sorry to the people who might've hoped for free stuff. Goodwill ended up getting most of my non-junk and I just paid a junk company to grab the random flotsam and jetsam.
posted by Riki tiki at 9:03 PM on May 21