Tips for an Easier, Less Stressful Move
Shopping for a new home can be so much fun but the actual move can sometimes be hard and stressful. I talked to Amy Payne at Lasting Order {recently seen on TLC’s 1000-Lb Sisters!} and got some amazing moving tips and tricks that will make the whole ordeal a little easier and a lot less stressful! Read the tips below and be sure to watch my video interview with Amy for more great suggestions!
How to Prepare for a Move
Declutter.
As soon as you know a move is on the horizon, start decluttering. If you’ve got lots of time, start with the attic, the basement, or areas that don’t contain items you’re using frequently. If you don’t have a lot of time, begin with closets and main spaces in your house.
Not only will decluttering simplify your move but decluttering a space also makes your house look bigger, better, and more appealing to buyers … and if you’re moving, chances are good that you also need to sell your house.
Not sure how to declutter? Ask yourself, “Do I need this? Do I love it? Do I have to have it?”.
How to Pack for a Less Stressful Move
Make a plan.
Decide what room you’ll start with, what items need to be packed last, and what you can’t live without.
Gather the packing supplies.
When you’re ready to tackle the packing, make sure you have everything you’ll need. Nothing kills motivation faster than realizing you need to run to the store in the middle of the work. Be sure you have boxes, packing tape, sharpies, and paper for wrapping fragile items.
Check local garage sale facebook sites for free or cheap moving boxes.
Most areas have local trading pages on facebook and they can be a great way to get used boxes without paying much. If your area doesn’t have a trading page, ask friends on facebook if they have boxes … you’ll be amazed how many people still have their moving boxes stashed in the garage or attic.
Purge and clean as you go.
Hopefully you started purging months ago when the thought of a move first crept up. If not, start now!
Before you start packing, decide what you’re taking and sell or donate the items you don’t want. As you pack, purge smaller items. You’ll be so glad when you unpack on the other end and don’t have boxes full of items that you’re never going to use … and now have to find a place to store!
Make a floor plan of the new space and only move what you’ll use.
Along the lines of purging, draw a floor plan of each room in the new house, and sketch your furniture into the space. Take measurements of rooms and spaces when you’re at the house during the inspection period or look at the online listing for room sizes.
Get friends to help.
Packing an entire house can be really overwhelming so get help! Invite your friends over, order some pizza, and have everyone start packing.
Skip expensive boxes.
If you’re moving locally, skip expensive wardrobe boxes. Simply pull large trash bags up around groups of clothes while they remain on hangers and tie the bag right under the hanger hooks. When you arrive at the new location, you can hang the clothes, slide the trash bags off, and the unpacking is done.
Label the boxes well.
Labeling well on the packing end makes unpacking so much simpler. Use colored tape or colored labels to mark specific rooms {blue for the living room, red for the kitchen} and make notes on the box about important things that are inside. The notes will help you know which boxes to unpack first.
Let the items you own double as packing supplies.
If you’re moving locally, use belongings like suitcases and large baskets to move other small items. Tea towels, socks, and small clothing items are perfect for wrapping around fragile items to prevent breakage.
Take a photo of the back of your television or computer or any other device that has cord configurations.
Setting up all electronic items can be daunting but much less so if you have a photo of the cord configurations. Before you unplug or unhook, take photos of the back of the device.
Tips and Tricks for Moving Day
Consider renting or borrowing a vehicle for moving day.
Whether you’re making a local move or an out-of-state move, hiring movers is the way to go, as long as you can afford it. For a local move, you can decrease costs by just hiring movers to take the large and heavy items like pianos and sofas. For the smaller items, borrow or rent a vehicle that can move a pile of stuff at once. You’ll save a lot of time on the back and forth and make each trip more productive.
Keep a bag or box with the necessities.
Have one box, tote bag, or storage container that contains things you’ll need immediately after the move and keep it close by. This box should hold important items like medications, special items kids need to sleep {unless those are traveling in the car with you}, cables, and important documents. Anything that you’re going to want immediately upon arrival in the new home should be packed into this box. And then don’t lose that box {wink}!
Moving isn’t always the most fun but keep your eye on the prize: that fun new adventure that’s waiting on the other end … and hopefully these tips will ensure you have a less stressful move!
