Before You Move
Don't wait until the last minute! Start packing and planning as soon as possible to alleviate some of the stress.
Organize and declutter
Start one room at a time and begin to organize and declutter. Set aside anything that can be donated, sold, or thrown away. The less stuff you have, the less you'll have to pack!
Lighten the load
Host a garage or yard sale to get rid of outgrown or unused items. If time prevents you holding a yard sale, consider donating the items to a charitable organization like the Salvation Army or the Goodwill Foundation.
Change your address
It usually takes a few weeks for the post office to process your change of address and start forwarding your mail, so request it at least two weeks before the move.
Handy Packing Tips
- Reinforce: Use sturdy, reinforced boxes, and if packing fragile items, pack them with care. Consider using bubble wrap or other packing material for extra cushion and security. If you secure free boxes at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store, just remember they are not reinforced.
- Innovate: Pack dishes, bowls, plates, and other glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. For extra padding, pack glasses and stemware inside socks. Mark fragile boxes so movers can identify them quickly and easily. Be sure you point out to your mover those boxes that content high-value items and secure extra insurance for those items.
- Pack small: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes so they're easier to carry.
- Prevent leaks: Remove the tops and cover the openings of soaps, shampoos, and lotions with cling wrap, then twist the caps back on. You can also use cling wrap around dresser drawers or jewelry displays to keep them intact, or around furniture to prevent scratches.
- Prepare: Create an "OPEN ME FIRST" box containing personal essentials like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, paper plates, paper cups, paper towels, snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, flashlight, tools (screwdriver, pliers), and any other items your family can't do without. Have this box available so it can be removed first from the moving van.
- Label, label, label! Don't forget to label your boxes, especially any box that contains items that are needed immediately such as sheets and towels, You'll need those items first when you move in.
On Moving Day
It's not just the packing that's overwhelming - moving day itself can be very stressful if you're not prepared. Here are some tips for a low-stress moving day.
Keep important info
Take all your personal documentation (medical records, school records, financial records) and medications with you for your security and for your convenience. Read all moving documents before you sign anything. If you don't understand something, ask for a clear explanation. Note your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading during the move. If you're moving long distance, it's possible your household goods and personal belongings could be on a truck with someone else's goods too. If this is the case your mover may have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Ask your mover if your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask if you may inspect the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.
Take an overnight bag
If you make it home before the moving truck, make sure you're prepared with things like a change of clothes, your toiletries, and a phone charger.
Have phone numbers handy
Take your old phone book with you just in case you need to contact someone from your former home. Exchange your contact information with the mover's foreman in case you need to contact each other.
After You Move
Clean first
It's much easier to deep-clean your bathrooms and kitchen before they're loaded down with all your stuff (or before you're too tired to clean!). Clean first, unpack second.
Unpack by room
Make the seemingly endless process smaller by breaking it down into several smaller projects, and do them in order of importance.
Enjoy your new home!
Don't forget to smile... Your new life in your new place just began. Welcome home.
Taking Care of Those You Love!
There are other moving tips to remember when relocating with your kids and pets. Be sure to contact me to request these special tips to making your move with kids and pets safe and sound.