We have been in the process of moving for, like, EVER! Okay, not really but it feels like forever. Here are a few things we have learned about moving that might help you, too.
1. Get Started Early. At the first hint that we might be moving I started cleaning. I got rid of clothes, toys, junk. I deep-cleaned when I had extra time; the fridge, stove, cabinets, closets, etc. We knew we would have to paint the entire house and do a few other repairs. We worked on this as often as possible. We closed off one bathroom after cleaning and painting it. When the time came for the movers to pack us out, we were basically ready. When the time came to leave the house, we only had surfaces to wipe down. That was a GREAT feeling!
2. Make Lists. I know that not everyone likes lists. In this case, I HIGHLY recommend it. Make a very specific packing list; number of socks, which shoes, toothbrushes, etc. This is for the things you will need to use while everything is in boxes.
3. Include The Kids. This is where a details list comes in handy. Any child who can read and follow a list and count out the number of socks and shirts they need. They also like to feel included. I also made lists of things the kids could clean and put them to work. They didn't have much else to do so they really worked hard! (You will want to follow-up on the kids' tasks, you know, make sure they didn't pack sweat shirts in the summer or shorts in the winter!)
4. Prioritize. In our case, selling or renting our house was absolutely our top priority. We worked VERY hard at preparing our home and getting advise from local professionals about making our home marketable. Other priorities were dejunking and packing for the "limbo" phase of the move.
5. Know What You Need. We moved overseas several years ago. This is a long process. The military divides the shipments into "household goods" and "unaccompanied baggage". U.S. moves don't make this distinction but I find it very valuable to make your own "unaccompanied baggage". Items to include are basic kitchen items, towels, bedding, entertainment items like a TV, books, toys, etc. This will get you through those few days or weeks between homes. If you are moving directly from one house to another I would still suggest assigning one or two boxes for these kinds of items so you can function while you are packing and unpacking.
3 comments:
Let me share with you my strategy. I make a list of the things that my family would need to use for the remaining days before the actual move. I also make a list of the things that need to be boxed-up already. So, I ask my husband to buy separate sets of boxes – one for the ones we have been using, and another for the “must-be-boxed-immediately-stuff.”
Ericka Muldowney
Plan carefully and keep away from the last minute packing habit! This will make your moving process go more smoothly and be less stressful. Rushing will never do anything good for you. Start early, little by little, slowly but surely, and then the next thing you’ll realize is that, you are done packing all your stuff.
-Erik Littles
Writing everything down before packing is a lifesaver when you move. It will free you from confusion and will make things organized. A computerized list, with numbers and spaces, will be great, but a simple handwritten note could also do the job. Aside from this, place a number on every box you pack and list the contents on a piece of scratch paper.
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