Seven Tips for Getting Organized During a Move

Every year around 35.5 million Americans pack up their belongings and move to a new home. While it’s not unusual to move, it’s still really stressful, especially if you’re busy, have kids or just aren’t very organized. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Keep reading to learn our seven favorite tips for getting organized during a move.

1.  Start Getting Organized by Creating a Checklist

Create a checklist to help you keep track of everything you need to do and the date you need the task completed. You can keep it in a moving binder so nothing gets lost and tasks aren’t forgotten such as:

• Notify utility companies of move
• Find moving boxes
• Find important locations in the new neighborhood

Keep all your important moving documents in your moving binder as well.

2.  Declutter as You Go

Whether you’re downsizing or moving to a larger home, you still should declutter before you move. There’s no sense in moving items you no longer like, use or need.

As you’re packing, sort everything into categories to help you keep track of everything. You’ll also be able to see whether items are torn, no longer working or have expired.

Donate, recycle, trash or sell any items you no longer want anymore.

3.  Download Helpful Moving Apps

Moving apps are extremely helpful when moving. Here are two to consider:

ParkMobile

For those city dwellers, ParkMobile may just be the world’s best app. Not only may you be able to reserve street parking but you can also use that app to pay the meter.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor connects you with your neighbors. You can use the app to sell items, ask questions about your new neighborhood, and find local home improvement professionals.

4.  Color Code and Label Moving Boxes

When labeling your boxes, use a thick pen and write in large block letters. You should list the type of items in the box and where the box goes in your new home.

However, go one step ahead and make it really easy by color-coding your boxes. Buy multi-colored 3 x 5 cards.

Assign one color to each room. Then affix the corresponding color to the box so everyone knows at a glance where the box belongs in the new home.

5.  Pack Ahead of Time

Do yourself a favor and don’t wait until the last minute to plan and pack for your move. Pack anything you don’t need access to ahead of time.

Depending on how large your current home is, either designate one room box-free or one room as the place to store all boxes ready for the move. That way, you have at least one room where you can decompress.

6.  Find Ways to Save Money

Moving can get expensive. Create a budget so you can keep track of how much you’re spending.

You can also save money by finding free moving boxes. Try your local recycling center, Freecycle or Craiglist.

Another easy and environmentally-friendly money-saving option is to use your own bedding, towels, and clothing as packing material.

7.   Hire the Right Experts

While you can save money by doing it all yourself, it’s also exhausting, stressful, and takes up a  lot of your time. Outsourcing many of those needs to professionals is often the smartest, easiest, and safest option.

Who You Should Hire and Why:

Professional Organizer

Professional organizers can oversee your move entirely. They can help you declutter your home, recommend and hire professionals like movers, electricians, and interior designers.

Professional organizers can also plan the furniture layout in your new home, donate and sell your items, and much more. Homes and businesses trust organizers like Alison Kero Organizing to help them reduce stress and maximize their time.

Movers

Movers provide services such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. They’re trained to properly lift heavy items to prevent them from injuring themselves.

They’re also bonded and insured so if your items are damaged, you’re covered.

Real Estate Agents

Realtors can help you sell your existing home and buy your dream home. They know how to price your home right so it sells quickly.

And they’ll help you negotiate a great price for your new home.

Buy or Sell Your Home With Us

We know getting organized for a move is stressful. That’s why we’re here to walk you through the home selling and buying process.

We’re always listing the newest homes for sale. Keep coming back to find out if your dream home is on the market.

by Alison Kero
alisonkero.com