Tips for an Organized, Stress-Free Move
Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, household moving is a stressful situation. The idea of getting a new start can be exciting, but scheduling the movers, packing, transferring utilities, and unpacking can also be overwhelming, especially if you are moving during a busy time of the year. It is common to feel disorganized when everything you own has been placed inside of moving boxes. But the good news is the following tips for organizing your move will help to relieve your stress, and you'll feel more organized during your move.
Create a Checklist
One of the first and most important things to do for an organized move is to make a checklist. Your checklist should include all of the information you will need for relocating, including:
- A complete list of moving supplies, such as boxes, tape, and labels
- A complete list of people and businesses you need to contact about changing your address, such as banks, credit card companies, and utility companies
- A list of the moving company information, including their phone number, the scheduled time of arrival for pickup, and the estimated time of delivery
Get Rid of the Clutter
Not only will getting rid of the clutter ensure you have less to pack, but it will also save you from packing, moving, and unpacking the things you will not be using. Working in one room at a time, separate items into three categories; items you are keeping, items to be donated, and the items that you are tossing. Get rid of all the clutter, including old toys, old clothing, and broken tools. Before starting on another room, put items being tossed in the outside trash bin, box up the donation items, and put the donation box in your car.
Gather Moving Supplies
The easiest way to have an organized move is to have all of the items you will need for packing. Make sure to get boxes in several different sizes. Keep in mind that new boxes will make packing and sealing easier, and they are easier to stack, which will reduce the risk of damaging the contents. If you are using pre-used boxes, make sure they are in good condition, clean, and have lids so they can be closed and sealed properly. You can get boxes from household moving companies, local grocery stores, and other merchants. You will also need wrapping paper, such as newspaper or tissue paper, and plenty of heavy-duty tape.
Room by Room Packing
Pack room by room and the contents of each room should be packed in separate boxes. Start packing as early as possible and start packing in the least used areas, such as the basement, garage, or attic. Make sure you label every box. Not only will labeled boxes help to take the guesswork out of what is inside each box when you get to your new home, but they will also help to decrease unpacking time. To avoid the risk of boxes coming open while in the moving truck or while they are being carried, make sure to use packing tape to securely seal each box.
Survival Kit
Pack a survival kit to get you through the first night in your new house in case you want to put off the unpacking until the next day. Some items you should consider for the survival kit may include:
- Plastic utensils
- Paper plates
- Coffee maker, coffee cups, and coffee
- Toilet tissue
- Change of clothes
- Blankets and pillows
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
When you take the time to prepare for your move, the unpacking shouldn't be too overwhelming. Enlist any help you can get for packing, transporting, and unpacking. Take your time and try to stay calm by listening to uplifting music while you packing and unpacking. Think of your move as an adventure and as the start of a new chapter in your life.
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