Moving is such an exciting time! You get a fresh start, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to declutter and downsize your items so they don’t take over your new space. Most people hate moving because it can be incredibly stressful and time consuming. But having a plan set in place and an organized system to get everything accomplished makes the entire experience a lot smoother and stress-free! Read these tips below to help you in your next move:
1. Declutter before you start packing so you have less to pack! Sell, donate or post items for free to find them a new home. This will alleviate a lot of stress when you are unpacking unwanted items or spending more money than needed on moving boxes and size of truck. Keep in mind the size of the place you are moving into and use this to help set goals of how many items to declutter!
2. Have a to-do list of things you need to accomplish before, during and after the move. Things like switching your utilities, notifying your change of address, any maintenance repairs around the new or old place, etc.
3. Measure and create a floorplan to ensure you know where your furniture will go, and that it will all fit!
4. If using a moving company, make sure to know what items they will NOT take in their truck, so you can arrange for alternate moving. For example, moving companies will likely not take aerosol cans and other hazardous waste items (this includes shampoo, cleaners etc.). Have that info before you start, so you can pack appropriately!
5. Have supplies on hand that you need. Boxes (or packing crates like Frog Boxes if looking for a reusable option), packing paper for delicate items, tape, sharpies, post it notes etc. Be sure to purchase more than you think you’ll need, and return the extra items afterwards!
6. Colour code your boxes with sticky notes to indicate where they are going. For example, assign green to the kitchen, pink to the living room etc., and label the corresponding doorways with the same colours. This makes it easier for a moving company to know by sight where an item is going. Just be sure to place this label on two sides of the box so it can be seen even if boxes are stacked on top. Use post-its (tape them on securely so they don’t fall off), colourful paper or colourful tape to make these labels!
7. Start with non-essentials first – think basement, garage, out of season items, guest rooms or office papers that you won’t need before you move. Once you tackle those, then do the other rooms in order of their need. You can also go through rooms partially and pack away items that are not currently necessary, like your fancy dishes that you bring out for special occasions.
8. Keep box contents limited to those from the same room. This will alleviate a lot of stress when you are looking for something and can’t figure out which box it is in. Tape a list on each box of what the contents are so you know where to find something!
9. Have an overnight bag of items that you’ll need for the first couple of days before everything is unpacked. Items such as a change of clothes, toiletries, a couple rolls of toilet paper, snacks, and any other items you might need on hand!
10. Make sure to prepare for things that will be happening around the time you move. If you are moving around the same time as tax season, make sure to finish your taxes a few weeks or a month before they’re due so you don’t have to worry about it while packing everything up. If moving around the holidays, have your decorations and supplies handy so you can unpack them quickly when you move in and make your new home feel festive!
11. Keep all electronics and their parts together so you aren’t scrambling to hook up devices. Tie up and label cords, and even take pictures of how they’re supposed to be set up so you can easily do so in your new house!
12. Use extra blankets, pillows and towels as box fillers to keep breakable items from getting damaged. This will be more space efficient than having entire boxes for pillows and bedding, but will also help you cut down on packing paper or bubble wrap.
13. Arrange for people to help out long before the packing/moving process gets started. Whether it is professional help or your friends/family you want to make sure that everyone’s schedules are coordinated and no one feels stressed out!
14. Take plenty of photos! This allows you to document your old home, the way you had items arranged or designed, and helps to keep a visual inventory in case something goes missing.
15. Keep a folder of very important papers and documents that you will carry in your vehicle rather than on the moving truck. This would be wills, IDs, medical/school records, chequebooks, and other papers that are sentimental or important.
To make your move go as smooth as possible, get in touch with me today to discuss your needs!
