This is the season for lots of moves happening. Summer is a common time for moves. I have some upcoming clients moves and thought I would give some tips that I have learned through the years of moving myself and clients. I am sure I will be forgetting some tips as well.
Here is post from almost exactly 6 years ago of moving tips I wrote.
The key to a hopefully smooth move is being super organized.
Supplies you should have:
- boxes
- packing tape
- scissors
- box cutter
- labels
- markers
- bubble wrap
- packing paper
- Keep a binder
- What it should contain:
- photos (new & old place)
- inventory lists
- receipts
- mover information
- calendar of important dates
- service companies information
- furniture placement
- school records
- notes
- house inspiration (magazine cut outs, photos, etc.)
- sticky notes
- Hire movers. It is so worth it in the end. There are several companies that I have used throughout the years in Houston and some companies will provide reusable plastic crates. This is a great eco option.
- Sort and Purge. Get rid of things you don't want or need before you move.
- Arrange for donation pick up. Especially if you have larger items. Call local charities and see if you can arrange for a pick up before the movers come.
- Make home repairs. Before you move into the new place, if you have the funds and time, have the place professionally cleaned, handle small repairs, do renovations, paint, line kitchen shelves, etc.
- Color code boxes. Use colored labels to coordinate what part of the house items will go in. Example: green=kitchen / red=master bath/ etc.
- Inventory every box. Inventory everything you have in each box. This makes it so much easier to find what you need after you move.
- Label each room of the new place. This way movers know where boxes should go. Consider making a legend if you color code the boxes.
- Use suitcases and containers to pack items. Pack heavier items in the suitcases and use towels as extra padding to wrap items.
- Change your address. Be sure to change your address on utilities, medical, schools, magazines, etc.
- Eat what you have. If you have a lot of food you need to get rid of start eating what you have so you don't have to move as much. Don't buy groceries 2 weeks before the move.
- Pack your sentimental items separately. If you have sentimental, important or valuable items pack them separately so they don't get lost or misplaced. Transport them yourself to the new place.
- Pack a suitcase. Keep a few days worth of clothing and toiletries in there.
- Find a sitter for the kids and/or pets. Before you move arrange for the kids and/or pets to be somewhere else so it is one less thing you need to worry about the day of the move.
- Put screws and furniture parts in separate bags. As you disassemble items make sure to keep parts in separate bags and label the bags.
- Keep electronics, their parts and cords all together. This will make it so much easier when you hook everything back up again.
- Book a reflexology appointment. This is will feel amazing after you have been on your feet for several hours straight.
- Hire an organizer!
What are some of your moving tips?
