Moving is one of the most stressful things a family can do. From negotiating contracts to running out of packing tape, it can seem there isn’t an end. We are in the process of moving and I vowed to make our move as organized as possible. This is our third move, but the first with two kids and both my husband and I working full-time.
Here are some tips that have helped us so far:
When we first learned our offer was accepted, I had a split moment of manic panic, but I took a deep breath. Yes, I needed to pack, but no it didn’t all need to be done by Friday. I first sat down with my husband as we made a list starting from most to least important. After the earnest money was dropped off and inspectors were scheduled, we needed to find a moving company. Our situation isn’t a simple move out and move in. We needed a company that offered overnight truck storage. We chose our movers based on pricing, the ability to leave our items on a truck, and customer service (that may have been priority #1).
Before the packing starts, you need boxes. I am a recycle gal and knew I could find used boxes around town. Between my place of work, our local shoe store, and the liquor store, I was able to keep a constant flow of boxes coming in. Other places you can find repurposed boxes are grocery stores and restaurants such as Chick-fil-A. We sat down and designated each room in our new home a “color” and created a color-coded map of the home. When movers read on a box “Mom’s Room” they don’t exactly know where “Mom’s Room” will be. On move in day, I will apply the color coded tape somewhere on the doorframe or some other visible spot for the movers to see. Instead of them trying to remember whose room is “mom’s,” the movers will simply take all blue labeled boxes into the blue room.
Purge, purge, purge! Use the time packing, to clean. I use the 2/1 rule. If I haven’t used something more than one time in two years, I need to get rid of it. Keeping onto things because “I may need a pair of sparkly pink leggings one day,” isn’t a good reason. My heart shattered as I boxed up my iconic 2004 North Face Jacket, but I will never wear it again. The quesadilla maker I HAD to have three Christmases ago that made its way to the corner of the pantry, DONATE. This is also a good time to sell items. Utilize Facebook Marketplace; you never know what items you own may be things someone else is looking for. Remember to treat Facebook Marketplace like a yard sale, not an antique store. You will have much better luck selling. Every dollar I made from purging items is going to go towards new home costs. Keep in mind those little costs add up quickly.
Changing your address is one of the most time consuming and tedious tasks. There are several extremely important places you want to start. First, complete a change of address with the USPS, which typically stays in place for 12 months and can be helpful for those pesky places you forgot to notify. Next, comes the DMV; this can be done online for free. If you’re like me and just renewed your license three months before you moved, you aren’t required to change your physical license, just update the online system. Social Security, workplace, loan companies, gas/electric, trash, cable, internet, and bank all need to be next on the list. Lastly, think about anywhere you have a subscription, online shopping, or memberships. Changing your address may take just as long as the actual moving process.
Moving is both stressful yet exciting. Don’t let the little details bog you down. There are many resources to help you in the process. Our amazing realtor has helped us every step of the way by arranging services such as appraisers and inspectors. The moving company offered services such as packing, and my family and friends have offered to help with the kids while we pack.
