Hi there, Geeksters! It’s Gotham Gal West Coast here. While we’re having a heatwave, we’re trying to sell our house and buy a new one (fingers crossed if at all possible, please!). We need more space—just under 1,000 square feet is not enough for the two geeks in our home! However, I have some really great tips to think about (and use) while planning and executing your move. Learn from our mistakes!!!!
1. Keep boxes for the important collectibles
I cannot emphasize this enough. Keeping boxes for more intricate items (like anything Kotobukiya) will offer protection that you cannot find with commercial solutions. These pieces are intricate, and should be handled and treated as such. In most cases, YOU spent the money to get these items, so protect your investment however possible!
2. Label anything and everything
If you’re the only Geek in your home, you may want to keep the labels General (Office-Your Name) to mitigate any hilariousness your chosen fandom altar might manifest in others. If, however you aren’t the only Geek, specific labels help differentiate your various fandoms.
3. Keep contents stored in their ideal environment
Sometimes bagging and boarding is essential. Yes, that’s right. You never know what you might end up with at a storage unit. When we helped friends move, their garage had gotten flooded. So while some of the comics were alright because they were in bags, the Robotech collection was a little worse for the wear. Learn from other’s mistakes… And act accordingly.
4. Bubble wrap is your friend (i.e., get the moving insurance)
Sure, you can call it an unnecessary expense, but when people come and help you move, they should be paid. And while we always have those friends that would love to help, there’s a point where you should not involve your friends in moving. Instead, look up how much it might cost to be moved. It can be a lot cheaper locally than you might think. Oftentimes they’ll carry heavy items, and even strategize ways to get that huge couch out of your house without hitting that new paint job. So you’ll have the time and energy to point them in the right direction and tell them where the boxes go. Additionally, a service will offer insurance. PLEASE research the limitations—we usually end up taking highly breakable collectibles and pets in separate trips in our cars so that we minimize any damage incurred in a move—but be prepared for something to break, or use enough bubble wrap and care for it not to happen!
5. Unpack at your leisure to maximize your sanity!
The first thing on your mind after a move is figuring out where your collectibles may go. But if you are the only Geek in your home, patience will pay off. Keep in mind that your collectibles and hobbies should be FUN. That’s why we recommend labeling the boxes and setting them off to the side—you’ll earn points by setting up the grown-up things first (like the kitchen, bedroom and all-important living room) and still know exactly where your items are. You can come back at a later time and unpack a box or two when time permits, so you can find the perfect place to put it in your new home!