Summer is prime time for moving. In fact, approximately 21 million Americans will decide to relocate during the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While even a short move can be stressful, the following tips will ensure that the big day goes as smoothly as possible.
Six Weeks Before the Move:
Decide how you will carry out your move. This includes creating a timeline detailing when you need to complete the different tasks associated with your move, including:
- Starting the packing process.
- Scheduling the movers or reserving the moving van.
- Turning on the utilities.
You should also take an inventory of your belongings. This is the time to decide which items you want to keep, discard, or donate. You will also need to start a list of any new items that you will need to purchase for your new home.
Four Weeks Before the Move:
If you are planning a do-it-yourself move, now is the time to ask family and friends for help. Be sure to include people who can help with the heavy lifting as well as those who can help with the smaller items. Do not forget to reward your friends for their efforts with some cash or at least a nice meal and drinks.
Two Weeks Before the Move:
Avoid the temptation to simply throw things into random boxes and hope for the best. Take a little time to organize a packing system and to collect the necessary supplies.
- Try to pack items in their original boxes if you still have them.
- Label every box on all four sides with the room that it goes to as well as the items that are inside. You can also use a color coded system by using different colored index cards for each room and listing the items inside the box on the card.
- Clearly label the boxes that need to be unpacked first. That way your moving crew will know to keep them easily accessible.
- If you have items that use special cords, screws, or hardware, be sure to place these pieces in a labeled plastic bag that you put inside the box with the item.
Once you establish your system, it is time to get down to the actual work of packing. You can always enlist the help of a few friends and have a packing party complete with pizza and drinks.
One Week Before the Move:
To prevent any last minute hitches, you should confirm final details, including:
- Double checking your move-in date and arrange to pick up the keys.
- Ensuring that utilities are turned on one to two days in advance of your move.
- Confirming your moving crew.
The Day Before the Big Move:
- Clean your new place.
- Do any minor repairs or painting that may be needed.
- Get the bathrooms ready for use.
- Move your clothes into the closets.
It is also a good idea to stock the kitchen with a few drinks, snacks, paper plates, and plastic utensils in case your moving crew gets hungry. You can also place sticky notes on the walls indicating where you want the movers to put your furniture.
Finally, remember to stay calm. Little glitches are bound to happen even in the best-planned move. Just take a deep breath and remember that you will eventually get unpacked and settled.
