On the Move? Get Started on the Right Foot!

When the Boxes are gone

And you’ve cleaned up the mess

You’ll make a home of the house

That was just an address ~

You’re getting your first place, or moving into your brand new home. Maybe you’re relocating for your job and traveling across country. Whatever the reason for you to call a new place your home, look at it as a new beginning or a fresh start! With so many things to pack up, put away and get settled it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Here are a few tips and ideas to get your move started on the right foot.

Rid yourself of the unnecessary

You are anticipating your move, and it is right around the corner. You’re looking around saying to yourself how in the world did I accumulate so many…things? Time to take stock and evaluate what can stay and what can go. Give yourself a goal to tackle one room at a time. At least 6 weeks prior to the move will give you plenty of time to be ready. Create a throw away pile and a donation pile. Relieving your home of items that you can leave behind will prove to be a time saver while packing! Have a yard sale, as they say someone's trash is always another's treasure.

Grab the Measuring Tape!

Don’t assume that all your furniture will fit right through the door or up the stair well.  Take the opportunity to measure doorways, stairwells and the square footage of each room in your new home. Professional movers may be able to maneuver furniture well, there are times however when things are geometrically impossible to fit.

Your moving checklist, things to cover prior to the move-

To avoid scatter brain mode take a moment to collect your thoughts and create a list of things you will need to take care of prior to the move, along with your moving must haves.

If using movers be sure everyone is on the same page as far as the start time, or any specific instructions you may need to know before they pull up.

Contact the utility companies such as electric, gas and water at your old residence, being sure to notify them of your move date.

Schedule utility turn on dates at your new residence at least one day prior to your official move in date.

Don’t forget your address change! Typically it’s as simple as filling out a form at your local post office, and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, which can also be done online.

Get to know your new neighborhood. Find out specifics for trash and recycling pick-ups.

A week before your move limit the amount of food items you purchase that can go sour.  Dry goods and canned items will hold up during a move but save the milk and diary items for when you arrive at your new home.

If there are any cleaning items you may need prior to moving in make a list and be sure to take the time to run and get them.

Your moving must haves -

• Boxes/Bins- make sure they are strong and sturdy
• Magic markers
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Newspaper and tissue
• Containers with lids for toiletries
• Packing tape

Time-saving tips for the transition

When you arrive in your new home you want the transition to be as smooth as possible. Most of the items in your home can be packed up prior to your move, like seasonal clothing, decorations, frames and china. Best practice is to pack up room by room. Label each box clearly and be sure to put like items together.

As you begin to move in to your new home place the boxes in each room they are labeled for. Have your kitchen and bathroom unpacked first, the two rooms that you use the most! Unless you plan on having a dinner party and breaking out your china your everyday plates, utensils and cups should be unpacked and placed in their new homes.  Be sure to have your bed made as well. At the end of the day you will need some rest! Leave the finishing touches such as hanging art, putting up family pictures and other decor as a day at a time task.

Remember for every minute spent in preparation and organization, an hour is earned! 

Ideas? Questions? Follow me on twitter or drop me a line! I love to hear feedback and am always looking for ways to help others get organized for life! 

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