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Tips for Organizing During a Move
In honor of organizing week, today I’m offering tips on how to stay organized while you move. About two years ago The Chef moved in with me after we got engaged, these are photos from that fun time. And in June it will be two years since we moved into our first house. On average I’d say I’ve moved about ten times, not counting all those back and forths each year in college. Some people probably move more often right? Do you know how many times you’ve moved?
It can be a stressful time, but doesn’t have to be at all. Here are some my tips for getting organized during a move.
Tip 1 – Enlist friends. Packing up an entire house or apartment can seem daunting, but doing it with a buddy (or a few) who packs while you sort can make the project go twice as fast. If you promise them pizza, I’m sure they will help!
Tip 2 – Make a plan for the items you are working with. Once you start to pack, you’ll probably realize there are things you no longer need and can get rid of. A great way to get though this is to put the items into three piles. 1. Pack 2. Donate 3. Throw away. Any other items you’ll use between now and when you move can be kept in separate bags or boxes for moving at the last minute.
Tip 3 – Pack like items together. Once you start to wrap things up, keep as many of the same items together as possible. Then when you want to look for them later, you know they will all be there. When you start to do this you’ll see just how many rolls of scotch tape you do have… and can get rid of. Less to pack = less to move!
Tip 4 – Have a little fun. Nobody says you can’t! All the physical labor might tire you out, refreshments can keep you energized and you can celebrate the start of living in a new place. Now I am not promoting booze here friends, just make sure you eat during all that work too!
Tip 5 – Create a moving day box. This should include any items you might want to use on moving day. Here are some:
Packing tape ~ scissors ~ sharpies ~ box cutters ~ extension cords ~ light bulbs ~ rags ~ cleaning supplies ~ reservation info for the moving van ~ water and snacks ~ garbage bags ~ plastic bags ~ tissues ~ hand wipes or sanitizer ~ aspirin ~ toothbrush & paste
Any other tips you’d like to add for organizing during a move? Did you make a moving day box?
Don’t miss my how to get rid of stuff post and how to keep your home organized by Sheila at SZ Interiors.
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Yup. We did these EXACT same things when we recently moved this past November – From donating, packing like things together, sending off a move in box, and even having some wine one night while we were painting. It defnitely all made for an easier move and transition 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lynda @FocalPoint
I’ve moved a lot, too! My dad built houses as a kid and we would move every 2 years or so. I think it’s been about 14 times in my 27 years on earth? Our most recent move was in September.
Yours are great tips! Esp. the getting friends to help. But, make sure to be open to helping others when they are moving, too. That comes with the territory.
I also totally agree with the packing like items together. So important. And LABEL LABEL LABEL. I find that labeling by room is the best way for me. Then the movers know where to take it and it all doesn’t end up in a big pile in the kitchen.
I would also recommend having a first aid kit, normal toiletries and toilet paper in a easy-to-access box when moving.
Also, my biggest tip is to take things slow once the boxes are there. Some people disagree, but I find it most tolerable to take it one room at a time. When we moved in September, as the last boxes were unloaded by the guys, my posse of our moms, me and my friend, immediately began unloading kitchen boxes. I find that having the kitchen and the bedroom/closet as close to manageable as possible to be the best way to handle a move. Then, I could find the plates, a glass or flour with ease.
Then, we moved into the bedroom, where the guys were putting together the bed and we unloaded our clothes. This is a lot to do in one day (including the moving part), but it was worth it to be able to sleep soundly in our new room and make breakfast the next morning.
This won’t work for everyone (I know a lot of folks move in and still have to do work/paint/deep clean.) Since we renovated the house over the course of a year, we were able to make this move the simplest one yet. And regardless, I feel like having the kitchen and bedroom unpacked are keys in keeping my sanity.
Happy Weekend!
Yup, moved A LOT in the last 15 years. Have given away a lot of stuff, too, and I seriously can go through this current home another time, and I bet get rid of even more.
Your tip to have a moving day box is a huge one. I would say, top of the list. I also have a set of bedding in there so at least I can make up the bed on the other end – didn’t do that once, and at 1am, was ready for bed without a clue where find my bedding!
A trick I use is to label all the boxes with the rooms I wanted them set in at the new place on moving day. At least they’re ‘zoned’ then. And I like to itemize box contents and number boxes. Then I create a master list by room and box so once we’re in the new place I can find most things by checking the list first. As I unpack I cross the things off that have gotten put away. It’s a big extra step to do this, but in one of my really extensive moves (from one city to another) this was my sanity saver! Our stuff was packed in a moving van and I didn’t see it for a few weeks.
Another great post – awesome tips… and I think the food/beverage reminder is another top of the list tip!