I don’t know if there is a moving “season,” but every time I have moved in my life it has usually been around this time of year. The school year is coming to an end, the weather is getting warmer, and really if you are going to move this time of year is ideal. Since I just had to relocate once again, I remembered just how much moving actually sucks. Most of us can’t afford to hire a moving company to do all the work (wouldn’t that be nice) and so I thought I would share some tips that have helped me simplify the daunting process of moving.
Plan! Planning out the details of your move will save you so many frustrations and headaches down the road. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to get everything packed up and cleaned before you have to vacate your home. The first thing I do is find boxes. I look for them wherever I think I can get them, and you would be surprised where you can find them. If you call your local grocery store they may have some on hand or be able to tell you when they will have them available. Most of the time they don’t save boxes so you need to be sure and ask when you can come pick them up before they get disposed of. If you can’t find any boxes you can always buy them form a U-Haul store. After that it is time to make sure that you have everything else you need to pack up your things.
Here is my short list of must-haves: Packing tape
Sharpies for labeling
Garbage bags
Pre-cut wrapping paper or newspaper for fragile items
Ample cleaning supplies
Pack smart! If you are packing up your clothes and you can’t remember the last time you wore an item, or worse if you moved it from your last place and haven’t worn it once since then, donate it or throw it out! If you can’t fix it, can’t fit it, or don’t need it, you’ll probably be fine without it. Trust me, you won’t miss it later, and you will be grateful when you have less to move and less to pack!
Stay organized! Try to pack up your home room by room and label all boxes well! Make sure you keep your priority items (changes of clothes, toiletries, etc.) separate and within easy access! The last thing you need to deal with on top of moving is not being able to find your toothbrush! Or your kid’s diapers, or your husband’s headphones, etc. Make sure than everyone has what they can’t live without for the trip so you aren’t searching through a million boxes and/or pulling your hair out.
Don’t be too OCD! It is great to be organized, but don’t spend too much time trying to make things perfect! As you are nearing the end of the packing process there are going to be a lot of odds and ends that don’t really “fit” anywhere. If you don’t see yourself needing those things in the near future, it is okay to just start piling those loose ends in a box labeled “MISC.” and calling it good! Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to be too organized and precise while packing!
Take care of yourself! Moving is stressful enough, if you become dehydrated or you forget to eat and all the sudden realize you’re starving, stop and get some food! Nothing makes moving worse than working with people who are tired and hungry, hence cranky! Keep snacks and a water bottle nearby and make sure you get plenty of rest, giving yourself the best chance to not have a meltdown mid-move!
If you want even more tips for streamlining your move, you can visit this link:
http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/2012/05/15/get-moving-2/The Joyful Organizer is a blog written by a professional organizer and she has shared her best tips for a smooth move as well! Don’t let the stress of a move take away the adventure of going somewhere new!
More About Stryke Alarm Blog :
http://titanalarm.ca/blog/home/take-the-stress-out-of-moving
