Moving is no easy task. The entire process is full of mental and physical stress, from planning to unloading. Even if you hire a professional moving service, there is plenty to consider and worry about.
Staying organized and on-task helps eliminate much unnecessary extra work. A detailed plan and an organized moving space keep the process moving ahead without obstacles. Still, it is sometimes difficult to determine how much organization is enough (or too much).
Fortunately, there are several ways to stay organized and keep the moving burdens as painless as possible.
Here are 10 organizing tips to make moving a pain-free process.
1. Create a Master Folder of Essential Documents
Moving comes with lots of paperwork. Change of address forms, truck rental contracts, and confirmation letters are just a few examples. And don’t forget the electronic correspondence.
To avoid losing any important paperwork, create an organized folder for your documents. Divide your folder based on need, such as:
Pre-move
Post-move
High-importance
Low-importance
Legal/Financial
A master folder ensures your essential moving documents are within reach whenever you need them.
2. Devise a Checklist and Stick to a Schedule
Along with a master folder, you should create a moving checklist and moving schedule. Both will ensure that your moving tasks happen on time.
Your checklist should provide the necessary milestones that you need to meet. These include:
Various levels of packing completion.
Supplemental tasks, like mail forwarding and utility shut-offs.
Lists of essentials and important items.
A detailed schedule indicates the do-by date for your checklist tasks. Sticking to both helps your entire move stay organized and on-task.
3. Budgets Help Avoid Unnecessary Expenses
Moves are not cheap. A budget helps you understand how much money to save for your upcoming move.
Consider every expense, no matter how small. These include the cost of gas, food, and tips for the movers. Be sure to set extra funds aside to cover anything unexpected. Once you establish a budget, keep your eye out for places to save money, such as discounts.
As well, of course, stick with your budget.
4. Declutter Early
Before you start packing, make the process easier on yourself and declutter your home. Go through each room and determine what doesn’t need to make the move.
Old and broken items should go into the trash, but also consider donating or selling anything that hasn’t seen much recent use. This might generate some extra funds to help pad your moving budget.
Once you’ve gotten rid of anything unneeded, it’s time to start packing.
5. Pack (and Unpack) Room by Room
As you pack, keep items from the same rooms together. This helps ensure everything ends up where it should, and it makes the unpacking process less aggravating.
Follow this same advice when loading your boxes into the moving truck. Keep room items together for an easier unload.
6. Label Everything
While you’re packing, eliminate all doubt and use copious labels. Few things are more frustrating during a move than missing an item and being unable to find it.
Simply writing the room name on the box is the easiest way to label. However, consider going one step further. Use color-coded labels for easy unloading recognition. Check off items in your checklist as you label the boxes.
Remember, there is no such thing as too many labels.
7. Clean as You Go
As you pack and consolidate your items, clean up as you go. Coming back into the home after the move is arduous, especially if it still requires extra cleaning or repairs.
Look for holes to patch, stains to clean, and other hidden items to repair. Start the packing process well in advance, and you’ll have lots of time to clean and spruce up the house before departure.
8. Keep Your Essentials Nearby
In the midst of all this packing, ensure that your essential items don’t end up in a box. Phone chargers, important documents, and medications are just a few examples of items to keep in a special bag. This bag stays out of the moving truck, and right next to you during the move.
Make sure everyone in the family packs an essentials bag. Keeping these items organized and safe helps create an easy move-in process.
9. Prepare for Emergencies and the Unexpected
Sometimes, things simply happen for no reason. Nevertheless, staying organized and prepared limits the damage of emergencies.
Before you move, pack an emergency bag. Fill it with items such as:
A first-aid kit
Non-perishable food
Battery-powered light sources
Extra toiletries
Personal essentials, including pet and baby needs
Your budget should also include extra funds in case of the unexpected. With some forethought, your move will weather anything in its path.
10. Call on the Professionals
Sometimes, the pros just do it better. Professional packing services ensure that your items stay safe and organized. Plus, packing services wrap, stack, and pack based on efficiency and safety. Not only does this help cut down on box usage and save space, it also provides peace of mind knowing your items are safe during the move.
Professional movers are another resource to help keep your move organized. Like packing services, movers pack and stack your items to keep your things safe.
Check out this list of discounts on packing services, movers, and more. Though moving is expensive, hiring the pros is an expense often worth the cost.
Final Thoughts
Moving is a stressful event, but staying organized helps keep you focused and on-task. Early preparation is a great way to avoid issues while moving. However, don’t underestimate the importance of a sound moving plan and schedule.
Use labels, pack smart, and ask for help when needed. Follow your schedules, and be easy on yourself. When you’re ready to move, use these tips to help the moving process stay as painless as possible.
