Hi! Welcome back to #WorldWednesday. Congratulations! Moving day is here! No matter how many times I have packed up, or moved before--I think we can all agree--moving is no small task. Here are 14 moving tips to make the process go smoothly. Relocating takes thoughtful planning, preparation and execution. Here are the action steps to tackle the process with confidence:
1) Transfer your utilities. This detail can be easily forgotten once the move is in full swing. Contact all utility companies and make the arrangements 2-3 weeks in advance. You will need your new address and your old account number(s). Make a list of all your old utility companies, account numbers and phone numbers. Then, contact your real estate agent for a list of utilities for your new home. This takes just a few phone calls and is a great way to get your move started.
2) Donate anything you don't need. Moving is a great opportunity to assess what you want to take. This is an excellent way to de-clutter your home. Before packing, move everything you don't want to move into one room. You can donate unwanted items to local charities or give away to family and friends. If you are donating large items, such as furniture, be sure to schedule pick up times with your local organizations so you can get them out of the way as soon as possible.
3) Pre-plan your meals for the week prior to the move. Moving food, especially things that are in a freezer or refrigerator can be inconvenient. In the days and weeks leading up to your move, consider meal planning and keep a list of food items needed for the short term. Consider donating non-perishable goods to local charities and food banks. This can lighten your load and help the community--at the same time.
4) Using a mover? Movers aren't for everyone. But, for some, movers are a perfect fit! And for others, they mix and match-a combination of DIY and having the heavy items picked up and delivered. Separate what you will have the mover take, and what you will take personally. If you decide to use a mover-get at least three quotes before you make a final decision. Keep in mind, some moving companies have restrictions on what they will move for you. Be sure you know what these items are so you can plan to move them yourself when the time comes.
5) Identify last in, first out. It isn't practical to keep everything in boxes for weeks prior to the move. Before you begin packing, make a list of things you will need to wait until the very end to pack. This may include things like toiletries, clothing, cookware, medicine, and other items you need to access on a daily basis.
6) Towels & Linens. Instead of buying packing materials, use your towels and linens. This is an eco-friendly idea and will save money too. And, as an added benefit-you will need fewer boxes.
7) Pack one room at a time. Packing an entire household can feel overwhelming. Instead, break the tasks into smaller chunks. Start with your least used room, then work your way through the house. This will provide a sense of accomplishment, which will motivate you to keep going. And, once the room is packed up, go ahead and clean that room. You will be pleasantly surprised with how much you can get completed every day.
8) Clothes. When packing your closet, it's often easier to leave clothes on the hanger. To do this, you can purchase a wardrobe box that contains a bar to hand your clothes inside. You can also leave your clothes inside dresser drawers and wrap the drawers in plastic wrap to keep them secure.
9) Use labels. Taking a few extra minutes to label boxes will save you a lot of time when you unpack. Consider using a different color marker for every room. You can even create a master list which sorts rooms and boxes by color to make unpacking efficient. This can make it easy to direct movers where to put boxes and save you time and energy.
10) Pets and small children. If the children are too young to help, consider asking family or friends to stay with them while you move. Pets are the same way. Consider doggy daycare. This will save you time and anxiety.
11) Stay hydrated & nourished. Moving is hard work. It's really easy to forget to eat or drink your water. Keep plenty of bottled water on hand for yourself and the movers.
12) Create an unpacking schedule. Although you may want to unpack everything on day one, it's not always possible. If you do a little every day, the tasks become much more manageable.
13) Give yourself a deadline. On the other side of the scale, avoid procrastination. This can be done by establishing a date for a housewarming party, or social gathering. Planning this in advance provides an incentive to have everything unpacked and in it's new place.
14) Unpack one room at a time. As you unwrap boxes, you may find a lot of trash on the floor. Get a large trash bag out early so you can throw things away as soon as possible. This will lighten your load once everything is unpacked. Break down boxes each time you get one emptied. This will keep things clean, remove debris and make it easier to move larger objects as needed. Consider donating the unused boxes or recycle them to protect the environment.
Mission accomplished! Time to relax and enjoy your new home. Or, maybe you are just getting started with your home search. Sign up on our website and start shopping today! See you soon. Warmly, Susan