So you’re moving! Whether it’s across the country or to somewhere nearby, it can be overwhelming to think about preparing for a move. There seem to be endless details to consider! Keep the process as stress-free as possible by creating a plan for yourself. Think about everything that needs to be done, (decluttering, packing, renovations, listing, photos, etc) and map out a timeline. Also, consider your budget and estimate moving costs, such as the price of movers, packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap, or whatever else you may need. Once you have this plan, you can start the process of your move.
1. Start decluttering room by room
Choose a spot to centralize trash, donations, and moving boxes, and use color-coded dot stickers to tag items with their appropriate destination. Start with easy decisions such as trash, furniture, decor, off-season clothing, DVDs, CDs, electronics/appliances, and tools or home maintenance items. Then, move on to categories that may be more challenging, such as family heirlooms, photo albums, memories, paperwork, antiques, jewelry, and books. Purge anything unused, broken, expired, or that can easily be replaced. As you go through these items, consider what you really want and need in your new home. Remember that a new home will be filled with new items and memories, so it’s okay to leave some things behind! This way, your family will have space to grow.
2. Things to do the week of your move
Pack a “day one box” with everything you’ll need for the first day in your new home, including toilet paper, towels, bed sheets, snacks, medicine, first aid, toothbrushes, and more. Make sure you know where your cleaning products are packed for move-in so you can easily wipe down surfaces before unpacking. Use trash bags to cover your clothes that are already hung, wrap your entire utensil holder in saran wrap, and tape screws in zip lock bags on the side of your furniture. These tips will ensure you stay as organized as possible!
3. Things to do when unpacking at your new home
Take measurements of each room while it’s empty and keep the notes in your records for future reference when purchasing rugs and furniture. While you unpack, make sure to store your items by categories so each item is easy to find. If you have room, dedicate space for the backstock of paper towels, toilet paper, and other items you may need. Remove everything from bulky packaging and use reusable containers to stay organized.
Make sure to tie up any loose ends in your old home, and double-check everything before you leave. If you need to cancel your gym memberships or return any library books, add that to the to-do list! Once you move into your new home, you’ll just want to focus on unpacking and settling in.
Moving can be a stressful process, but the Tidy Team is here to help! If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, our relocation services can be booked for assistance with decluttering, packing, unpacking, and putting items away for you. We’ll completely manage your move and ensure you’re kept on schedule and the process is stress-free.
Once you decide to move, the sooner you can start planning, the better! The longer you have to prepare and organize your time, the easier the moving process will be.
