Moving season has begun. It’s an exciting time for new beginnings but can also be a time of high stress and anxiety. Think about your budget and if it makes sense for you to DIY or hire professionals. Whichever way you go, follow these simple guidelines and tips to help you have a seamless transition.
Moving is the absolute best time to sort & purge your current belongings. Go room by room and get rid of old magazines, papers, books you are no longer using (they are heavy!), clothing that doesn’t fit, the random collection of Tupperware sans lids, broken/dated technology, old cleaning supplies/food and that drawer of stuff you’ve been hanging onto but have no idea what it is! Now is the time to purge, purge, purge! There’s no sense in bringing things you don’t need or use to your new space AND you certainly don’t want to spend your hard earned $$$ on packing and transporting these items. Decide what to sell, donate or trash. You will be thankful that you did.
Be sure you pack an overnight bag filled with all the essentials. Don’t forget meds, toiletries, a change of clothes, pajamas, cellphone charger, etc. You want to be sure you have everything you need in one bag. Even if you plan on unpacking the same day you move (BEAST!), you should always have an overnight bag with you just in case.
Moving small valuables or irreplaceable items yourself is the way to go! If you have a safe, be sure you empty the contents. Pack expensive jewelry, watches, your laptop, an irreplaceable photo or memento you can’t live without – take it with you! Better safe than sorry.
Create a moving plan! Each home is different. Furniture, fixtures, art and carpets that work in one space may not work in another space. If possible, take measurements at your new space so you know what will and will not fit. Perhaps the cushy bench at the foot of your bed will actually fit better and be more useful in the entryway. Have a plan where each item and its contents will live. Be prepared. Your back will thank you if you get it right the first time.
Mark boxes on the top and on all four sides. Often boxes get stacked or pushed together. They have a tendency to take-over the space. This makes it difficult to identify what the box contains. Whatever labeling system you use, make sure you can see it!
Cover “leak-able” toiletries or kitchen goods. You can use plastic wrap or packing tape to seal bottles/jars and containers that may leak. It’s no fun when you realize your face lotion exploded all over your bathroom items.
Pictures and labels just make life easier. Take behind the scenes pictures of all your electronics so you know how they are connected. Cords, wires and plugs can become overwhelming once they are moved. Pictures will help you later identify what goes where! Go the extra distance and label each cord, wire and plug so you know what is what (trust me, I’ve learned my lesson TWICE!).
