Streamline Your Move with These Tips
Whether you are moving across the country or across town, you need a plan to make sure the process is as stress-free as possible. To ensure a smooth and organized move, it’s essential to plan ahead and implement strategies that streamline the entire process. From decluttering before the move to creating a comprehensive moving checklist, we have some tips to help you stay organized and reduce stress during this transitional period.
Declutter Before You Pack
One of the least efficient things you can do when moving is pack and move items you will end up getting rid of. Rather than spending time packing and unpacking them, and money and space on the transport of the items, take the time to thoroughly declutter your home before you begin packing.
As you go through your belongings, ask yourself questions like:
- How will I feel if I open a box in the new house and see this inside?
- Does this item have a place in my new home?
- When was the last time I used this item?
- What purpose is this item serving?
Make piles of things you can donate, sell, or throw away and get them out of your home before you start packing. Keep yourself motivated to declutter by reminding yourself that everything you get rid of is something you don’t have to pack, move, unpack, and put away.
Start Packing Early
Even if you have not yet found your new home, still need to sell your current home, or have quite a bit of time to wait, you might be able to get started on the packing process. The earlier you can begin packing, the less stress you will have during the days leading up to the big move.
While some items have to stay out to be used, there are likely many things you don’t want to get rid of but won’t be using before the move. This might include:
- Seasonal decor
- Off-season clothing
- Board games, puzzles, or some toys
- Hand-me-down clothes in sizes your kids do not currently wear
- Sentimental items
- Home decor
- Paperwork
- Photos and books
Procrastination can lead to last-minute chaos and increased stress, so do your future self a favor and start the process now.
Label Clearly
As you begin packing your boxes, label everything clearly. This is key to having an organized unpacking and settling in experience.
One tried and true labeling method uses color coding. As you pack a box, make sure everything in it is going to end up in the same room in the new home and label it accordingly. For example, you might assign the color yellow to the kitchen. Everything you want to be in the kitchen in your new home should be put in a box that is labeled with a yellow sheet of paper, on which is written the contents of the box. Then, on move-in day you can hang a yellow paper in the kitchen to show anyone helping that yellow boxes belong in that space.
Another method you can use is labeling the priority of the boxes. For example, you might use numbers 1, 2, & 3 to signify whether the boxes contain items you will need as soon as you move in (1), within the first few weeks (2), or much later (3). Towels and basic dishes might be a 1, clothes and toys might be a 2, and seasonal items could be a 3.
Whatever method you choose, make sure anyone who is helping you pack understands and is using the same labeling system to avoid confusion.
Pack a Weekend Bag
As you get closer to moving day, pack a suitcase as if you are taking a weekend trip. Put everything you will need for the first couple of days in the bag, so that you can avoid the stress of looking for everything in boxes at the end of the moving day.
This should include a few changes of clothes, basic toiletries and medications, towels and bed linens, and anything you use on a daily basis.
Are you considering a move to the Green Bay area, but haven’t found that perfect new home yet? Contact these local real estate experts to find homes for sale in Northeastern Wisconsin that fit your budget, lifestyle, and needs.