How to Make Your Next Move Organized And Stress-Free

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

1. Start making your plans as soon as you know you are going to move. A good list, or series of lists, is essential.
Step 2

2. Look around your present home and decide what you can easily take with you in your own vehicle. You will, of course, also need room in the vehicle for your family and four modest sized "Right Now" boxes. We always tried to transport our own large pictures, fragile ornaments, and valuable items. Set these items aside in a safe place.
Step 3

3. Decide how you are going to move. Your present home plus your financial circumstances will influence this decision. Make these arrangements immediately. If you plan on using unpaid help, plan carefully. If you are planning on renting a truck or U Haul, or hiring a professional moving company, make these arrangements right away. Get specific written estimates of the costs. Get at least three. Make sure the movers understand exactly what they are to move and what you will deal with yourself. When you have decided, get a written contract. Try to arrange your move for a Friday or Saturday so you will have some unpacking weekend time. These are the most popular days for a move so make arrangements well ahead.
Step 4

4. Make arrangements to board your pets for moving day. If you have small children try to make arrangements for them to be cared for by family or friends until your move is complete.
Step 5

5. Clean you house thoroughly and set aside any items that you wish to dispose of and any that could be part of a yard sale. A yard sale is an excellent way to clear out your house and garage, and of course to make a few extra dollars as well.
Step 6

6. Get your supplies. You will need boxes of various sizes, for ornaments, for books, for clothing, and for miscellaneous items. New boxes are best for labeling and can later be resold or donated. Pack books in medium-sized boxes. You will also need wide packing tape, a packing tape gun, and thick felt pens in a variety of colors, sheets of plastic, change of address cards, and of course fragile stickers. If you pack wisely, you can use sheets, clothing and cushions as padding and will not need to purchase any. Buy more boxes as needed. Have one large 'Last Minute' box standing by empty.
Step 7

7. Make a floor plan of your new home. Decide where you want your present furniture to be placed. A plan will also help you when you are labeling boxes.
Step 8

8. Begin to pack. Start with the items that you do not use on a regular basis. These would include such things as books, pictures, ornaments, out-of-season clothing etc. Before you tape each box, label it with a) the room where you wish it to go, and b) the items in the box. Use a color-coded system that will help you to unpack in an organized manner when you arrive in you new home. I always number my boxes as well to further keep track of what I have and where it is.
Step 9

9. Move each box to a wall or even one room, as soon as you finish packing it. Make it a place where the boxes can be out of the way and stacked safely. Put all your 'fragile' boxes together. Keep stacks at a reasonable height.
Step 10

10. Make a list of all utilities, credit cards, delivery companies, doctors, etc. that you use on a regular basis. Phone these to ensure that your utilities are transferred to your new home and that all services that you have on a regular basis will follow your move.
Step 11

11. Try to obtain entrance to your new residence a day or so before moving day. Take a camera. Early entrance would give you an opportunity to wipe down any surfaces that do not meet your standards. It will also give you an opportunity to reaffirm exactly where you want your items placed. The camera can help here. In addition, take dated pictures of any damage, or unsanitary conditions that were not present and accounted for in your move-in contract.
Step 12

12. Pack your three "Right Away" boxes. One of these should contain articles of clothing that will get your family through the first two days. The second box will contain enough basic foods for the next day such as crackers, canned meats, soup, canned vegetables and fruits, drinks, and of course, some treats. The third box will contain a variety of clean rags and essential cleaning items.(A bucket is good for these) The final box should contain medicines, toilet paper, tissues, baby needs, and absolutely essential safety and personal needs. Cover your mattresses with sheets of plastic and tape them down. Cover your furniture in the same way if you are not using a professional mover. Do not pack your vacuum.
Step 13

13. Get up early on moving day and relocate pets and small children. Into the 'Last Minute' box throw any final items that are still lying about. When the truck arrives, supervise! One person should be inside the house and one should be outside watching as the items are loaded. Make sure that someone is at the other end to supervise the unloading and placement of your belongings. Some moving companies will let you ride with them and some will not, so make your arrangements ahead of time.
Step 14

14. Return to your previous residence as soon as the move is complete and do a last minute clean-up. Remember it is your obligation to leave behind a clean residence so make sure your frig, stove, sinks, and tub are spotless. If you are a renter, take dated pictures of the clean residence you are leaving. This is for your own protection in case of later dispute
Step 15

15. Thanks to your careful packing, your unpacking can be done in an orderly and relaxed manner. Enjoy your new home!

Comments

writetolife said

on 11/3/2009 Wow that is detailed! I wish I had known all that last time I moved. I think it would have made it a lot less stressful. 5* and rec.

cygnetbrown said

on 5/22/2009 I'm going to be moving soon too. Thanks for the tips!

billips said

on 5/22/2009 Thank you all for taking the time to read and comment on this article - a special thank you to jerryb1 for some great additional advice - B

on 5/21/2009 Moving can never be totally organized and stress-free but it can be made much easier and tolerable if the major preparation is done in advance. Every house holder should own a two-wheeled hand truck, a caster equipped dolly and a furniture pad or heavy-duty blanket that can serve as one. A small tool kit to assemble beds and such are also required as a take-along item. This piece is well done and deserves to be fleshed out for commercial publication for sale to the public.