Whether you’re moving out of Mom and Dad’s house for the first time or are an experienced mover, there are things to learn each time you move. The more prepared you are, the easier the transition will be.
One bit of advice is to not underestimate the amount of time it will take to prepare for the move. While a move, if necessary, can be thrown together in a couple weeks, the most successful moves are those that are thoughtfully orchestrated. Starting the process a few months ahead will leave fewer things that can go wrong when the date actually arrives.
You’ll want a fresh start at your new place. This is a good time to purge the things you thought you needed to save from the last move or some of the many things you may have accumulated over the years. Think about weeding out some of the items that you haven’t used or even seen for the last year or two. How much do you love those items? Do they coordinate with your new home? Do they deserve your attention and time going forward? Do the clothes fit? Do you even like them? Have your kids outgrown their toys? As you move along keep the three R’s in mind: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reduce your stuff to things you really love or need at your new residence. Reuse blankets, soft t-shirts, and even socks to wrap fragile items, and recycle anything you can by passing it on to someone who wants or needs it, maybe even a member of your moving crew.
In our June 5 blog we mentioned some essential moving tools that you truly won’t want to be without. They are so important that it bears repeating. Here’s a quick list:
· Sharpies
· Tape gun
· Box knife
· Blankets
· Furniture dolly
· Rope
· Plastic wrap
· Walkie-talkies
Armed with these tools you’re ready to begin.
As soon as you know that you’re moving is a perfect time to start packing. Don’t let it overwhelm you; just starting is step one. Don’t let the move defeat you! Conquer it! Here’s how.
Start early. Don’t wait till there’s not enough time. Start by setting the exact moving date and assemble your moving crew or your moving company. Enlist your soldiers—family and friends—and promise them to reciprocate when they move next. (wink, wink) They’ll appreciate the advanced notice.
Think thin. By that we mean to lighten your load; take just the important things. You’ll be so much happier if you get to the new house and aren’t looking at and trying to find places for things that you don’t even use.
Label everything. You won’t be sorry. Label your boxes according to which room you want them to be placed in as well as what’s in the box. You’ll probably not be able to unpack every box at your new home on day one, so you’ll appreciate not having to dig through 10 different boxes to find your favorite pair of shoes.
Pack one room at a time. This will help you stay organized and help keep from having random boxes all over the place.
Think outside the box. If you know for sure that some of your things will go straight to the basement, garage, or attic at your new home, invest in some plastic storage bins for these items. Try to get clear bins so that you can easily see what’s inside.
Nest boxes. By that we mean if you have some small boxes, put several into a larger box. It will be less likely that one of the small ones will be misplaced during the moving process and require less back and forth trips.
Keep your personal information with you. Transport your personal documents, checkbook, and financial documents yourself. This will eliminate the possibility of identity theft, losing or misplacing any of these items, and make them available if you need them right away.
Keep your valuables with you. Of course, everything you have is valuable, but we’re referring to jewelry, artwork, and other collections you may have.
Have a box for essentials. Essential items will vary from family to family but could include things like bathroom tissue, sheets, paper towels, soap, bath towels, basically anything you might need right away.
Take inventory. Make a list of everything you’re moving, especially if you’re using professional movers. Have someone check as the items go on the truck, and then again when they are taken off the truck.
Now you have everything you need to prepare for your move. A new adventure is waiting. If you’re just beginning your home search give us a call at 618-791-5024 or 618-791-9298 or visit us online at www.dianamasseyhomes.com! We’ll help you every step of the way!
The Massey Team 