4 Tips to help make moving easier

There's no getting around it – moving takes time and work. By planning ahead, tapping into local resources and using a checklist, you can move with fewer headaches!

Here are some general moving tips to get ahead of what might be a stressful time for you and those around you.

1. Take stock of your stuff

Before you begin packing, set aside any items you no longer want. Depending on how much you want to get rid of, you may want to have a garage sale, offer items to your friends and neighbors, or donate them. If you have paint, chemicals, cleaners or other hazardous materials, take them to one of Metro’s Household Hazardous Waste Facilities. Online resources, such as Craig’s List and Freecycle, allow you to sell or giveaway stuff that others may want.

2. Create a checklist

Make a checklist of everything that must be packaged and moved out, even if that list is very small. As you pack, you’ll get the satisfaction of crossing those items off your list.

3. Find used boxes and supplies for everything on your checklist

Don’t forget to use your bags, suitcases or other empty containers to save resources and space! Borrow used boxes from others or collect them from stores. Save newspapers to pack your belongings. There are also companies that rent out boxes and crates, such as Alien Box.

4. Move yourself, with help

If you know someone who has access to a truck or van, and are willing to help you move, take them up on the offer. Local car rental companies or Zipcar also offer rentals of larger vehicles. Or move by bike and turn the drudgery of moving into a “stuff” parade with a built-in housewarming party!

Repair PDX is building the repair movement in Portland

Repair PDX is a local, grassroots organization that hosts Repair Cafés in the Portland metro area. 

Repair Cafés are free events that bring volunteers who like to fix things together with people who have items that need fixing. 

How do they work?

Repair PDX coordinates with local businesses, community markets, churches or tool libraries to host events. Repair PDX maintains a list of volunteer “fixers” who offer their time and skills to repair items at each event. 

Typical repair items include small appliances, electronics, bikes, toys, jewelry and garments. Each Repair Café event is unique based on the venue and the volunteers present. Expert volunteers are on hand to not only fix items, but to teach participants how to fix their own items as well.

What to bring?

• Broken items and any replacement parts you think you might need 
• Curiosity, patience and a do-it-yourself attitude

Of course, there is no guarantee people will walk out with a workable item. The volunteer events may not be staffed with those who have the right skills, it may take some time to research and find repair parts, or it may just not be feasible to repair some items. 

Why do we need Repair Cafés?

Buying durable goods and clothing, and repairing them when they become worn or damaged, not only saves you money, but is better for the environment. Did you know that 35 percent of the total carbon emissions in Multnomah County come from the mining, making, moving, using and tossing of the stuff we use every day?

Learn more about Repair PDX in The Atlantic’s recent article about the Portland repair movement, or come to the next Repair Café on Thursday, March 20 at Bike Farm.

Repair Café focuses on home maintenance

Repair Cafés are free events that bring volunteers who like to fix things together with people who have broken items that need fixing. 

This Repair Café will focus on preparing for spring – particularly your garden! Volunteer fixers will be on hand to assist Portland residents get their home, yard and garden ready for the change of season by offering repairs on tools, lawnmowers and small appliances. 

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Bike Farm is hosting the next Repair Café on Thursday, March 20 from 6 until 9 p.m. at their shop at 1810 NE 1st Ave (at Schuyler St).

This event will include:

• Tool and knife sharpening
• Lawnmower and small engine repair
• Small appliance repair
• Garment and fabric mending
• Bike repair

Volunteer fixers work alongside you so there is an opportunity to learn how to fix your own items. Learn more about Portland’s repair movement in our recent post about Repair PDX!

NE Portland Tool Library has what you need for your DIY home project

Carrie Treadwell, from Be Resourceful partner Chinook Book, shares her recent experience with the Northeast Portland Tool Library below.

"Have you heard about Portland area tool libraries? They’re an amazing resource for anyone with a love for DIY projects. Just like it sounds, local tool libraries rent tools, instead of books, to people who live in the neighborhood.

I happen to live near the Northeast Portland Tool Library and became a member before embarking on a small home remodeling project. I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and variety of available tools. The volunteers on site were very helpful and made the experience not only productive, but fun.

The project my husband and I took on was installing an egress window in the basement of our little 1920s home. At the tool library, we “checked out” a chop saw, a hammer drill (for drilling through concrete), a sledgehammer and chisel—all free of charge! We knew this was a one-time project and wouldn’t have the use for these particular tools again; so borrowing them for one week was perfect. We absolutely could not have completed the project without them.

In the end, our project was a success. The egress window looks perfect, and helps us utilize more space in our little bungalow. I highly recommend checking out your local tool library before your next project.

Even if you don’t have any immediate projects, it’s good to know what’s out there for future projects, or when surprise repairs are needed.

Tool libraries are available to residents of East Portland, North Portland, Northeast Portland, and Southeast Portland. These community resources have limited hours and run on volunteer people power. Consider donating time, money or materials to help keep the tool libraries up and running."

Find out more about the tool library movement across the country.

Save money on kids' clothes

Kids grow fast! Finding gently used clothes at secondhand stores and clothing swaps is a great way to save money and help teach kids about the value of resourceful living. As kids move through clothes from growing up, playing hard, or the inevitable lost-and-found bin, parents need affordable options and tips for saving money on kids’ clothing.

Some of Portland's used children's clothing stores and resale shops are filled with great quality, and sometimes never worn, clothes and shoes for all ages. They allow parents to buy the right size clothes for the right season for their ever growing kids. When you’re done with those clothes, you can sell them back at some of these same shops so another family can use them.

Swapping clothes with friends and neighbors is another option, especially connecting with those who have kids older than yours, where a cycle of hand-me-downs can happen. 

Local resources such as sewing classes, cobblers and tailors can help you repair, rather than retire, garments with small tears, missing buttons and broken zippers. Visit a Portland-area Repair Café for free assistance on mending and fixing clothes.

Metro Parent maintains a comprehensive list of consignment shops in and around Portland. Look for coupons for many of these shops in your print or mobile Chinook Book.