Organizing for a Move
Moving can be a stressful time. In fact, a move is considered the third most stressful life event, following death and divorce. While you can’t completely eliminate all of the stress involved, following these 10 easy steps will help your next move get off to a much more organized, well thought out start!
1. File your change of address with the post office before your move. Send out address cards or an email informing friends and family of your new address.
2. When you get moving boxes, be sure to get assorted sizes to accommodate all of your belongings. Don’t use an enormous box for school supplies if you don’t have much, and then mix it with kitchen supplies. Separate the items and pare down into smaller boxes so everything is truly separated by item. You will be glad you did when you start un-packing and find its much more enjoyable and less over-whelming when you open each box.
3. As you pack each moving box, keep a list of what you are placing in it. DO NOT ASSUME YOU WILL REMEMBER. It’s not necessary to write down every single item, using categories is a great way to keep the list from becoming too long. When the box is full, place this list on the top of the box before sealing, so that when you open it you know whats inside & no rummaging is necessary. If it’s an extended move it’s a good idea to make a copy of each list and also number all boxes and keep list with box number in your moving file.
4. As you pack up your belongings, be sure to think carefully about whether you really want to bring it all with you. If you can pare down as you relocate, your new home will get off to a fresh un-cluttered start.
5. Make sure the category of contents for each box as well as the room it will be going to is labeled on the outside of the box. It’s also a good idea to label boxes that are heavy and fragile so that movers will know whether to place them on the bottom or to put them on top of a stack.
6. The day or two before your move, pack a suitcase for each member of your household that should include a couple changes of clothes as well as any toiletries that will be needed for the first few days in your new home. You don’t want to be hunting for necessities like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo when your exhausted from a day of moving.
7. Give small children a small bag or back pack with a change of clothes as well as a snack & some small toys and books to keep them occupied throughout moving day.
8. All valuable items like passports, certificates, jewelry, money and electronics should be put in a special bag/box and transported by you, Don’t forget to take phone and computer chargers with you as well!
9. You should make one or two final trips around the inside and outside of the home you are leaving. Check the top shelves of cupboards and closets as well as any attic or basement space.
10. When movers are un-loading boxes at your new home, make sure they bring each box to the appropriate room. This will make the un-packing process go faster & much more efficiently then having to lug boxes from the garage to each room yourself.