HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR MOVING DAY

Are you moving and your not sure where to begin? Follow these simple steps complete with a checklist to keep your moving stress to a minimum.

We have finally moved again for the second time in a year. Enough said right? It was so much work to move twice. Many of our friends are also moving twice this year because of our crazy housing market here on the west coast. House prices are still on the rise here a year later which has made for a busy housing market. Quite possibly your life is shifting and you are moving as well?

HERE ARE SOME KEY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR MOVE SUCCESSFUL… AND EVEN FUN?;)

3 MONTHS BEFORE

• Start collecting boxes. Ask around for boxes at stores, purchase them at moving companies, or ask friends who have just moved.
• Pack a box or two each day, starting with the stuff you won’t need for a few months. Such as games, movies, extra bedding, or extra dishes.
• Label everything by which room it goes in and its contents. It helps the movers or friends to place everything in the right room on moving day. It also helps with unpacking.
• As you pack; Empty completely one closet or cupboard at a time. Organize and go through what you don’t need anymore. Rule of thumb; if you haven’t used it in a year, you likely won’t use it at again. Throw out the garbage.
• Make piles as your packing. Pack up what you are keeping. Make a giveaway pile, a garbage pile, and a sell pile. Getting rid of all unnecessary items helps simplify your move by not taking more than you need. It also keeps the unpacking task an easier one as you unload at your new home. You will feel freer to get rid of the unnecessary items.
• Start dreaming. Put together a Houzz or Pinterest board with pics of what you would like your new home to look like. This will help narrow down the look you like. It will help when shopping for new furniture or doing any renovations. Do keep in mind the existing style of your new home. You won’t want to create a country cottage if you have a Westcoast styled home. At the same time, you will want to create a space that reflects your personality and what you love.
• Start scoping out furniture and accessories you may like. Photograph any potential pieces that may work.
• Price out and book your moving company or truck.

1 MONTH BEFORE

• Change your mailing address. Make a list of all the mail you will need to change to the new address and check it off as you go. Do keep your new address in your phone so you have it on hand when your out and about. You never know when you will need it!
• Start packing up everything possible leaving out only the necessities
• Make a list of any furniture purchases you will need to make. If you are making any purchases ahead of time, make a scaled diagram of your new space with a layout for possible furniture ideas. This will give you an idea of what you need so there are no unnecessary purchases.
• Make a list of any reno’s needing to be done right away. Line up the trades necessary to do so. They can better meet your renovation schedule if they are booked ahead of time
• Wipe cabinets and windows as you pack up so its an easy clean when you move out
• Schedule and transfer your utilities to your new home such as cable, heating, and internet. You will want those ready to go for when you move in.

1 -2 WEEKS BEFORE

• Empty every dresser, drawer, and cabinet possible one at a time. Box it up. Leave only absolute necessities for everyday life. You can eat more instant meals or drive-thru for the last week before the move, can’t you?:)
• Confirm your moving crew and find help! Even with movers, friends help cut moving costs and become invaluable help to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Set up your new mailbox with the post office. You may want to pay the small fee to the mail company for an automatic forwarding service to your new address until all of your address changes have been made.
• Set up a babysitter to watch your kids on moving day if you have young kids. Having your young kiddos not underfoot keeps the stress down for everyone. It may even help them feel less stressed by being able to walk into their new home somewhat set up and cozy. Older kids are can be a great help though!

THE DAY BEFORE

• Purchase any snacks or lunch items needed. Easy to grab food helps keep you and your crew going.
• Make sure all items are packed up and labeled.
• Double check all closets and drawers are emptied and packed up
• Take apart beds and furniture pieces that need to be disassembled
• Have everything ready to start moving

MOVING DAY!

• Pick up coffee. Did I say coffee? And tea. Pick up some coffee to have ready for you and your friends who are helping move. It may motivate everyone to work harder. Fresh muffins and a fruit tray are nice to have on hand too. Anything easy to eat and energy building to keep everyone going. I have made chili and buns when I am really organized. I also have just ordered pizza or gone through the drive-thru to feed everyone for a meal or two.
• Finalize and organize everything at the old house first as everyone is loading up. No matter how many times I have moved, there is always a drawer that we miss packing. And it can sure seem endless when you get to loading your garage stuff!
• Move all delicate items yourself and head to the new house. Delicates such as artwork, electronics, or lamps that you don’t want someone else handling. Move this even the day before if you have the opportunity.
• Direct your movers as they unload into your new home. There is nothing worse than getting unpacked that first evening only to realize your dressers, beds, and sofas are all in the wrong rooms and you have to do some heavy lifting that night.
• Unpack your bathroom, linen closet, and kitchen first. This is where the content labels come in handy;). These areas are quick and simple to unpack and will help you function in your new home quicker. Have someone help you with this job. Empty one box at a time.
• Arrange your living room and dining furniture. Even set up a bed or two if you have the energy. This is a good start to feeling like you have a home again!
• Find your basic clothing to be able to freshen up.
• Sit down and breathe. You made it!

THE DAY AFTER MOVING DAY

• Clean your old house. There may be a few lingering items remaining that need to be moved as well. Depending on possession dates, you may need to clean the same day.
• Keep unpacking one box at a time. Set up your rooms and assemble furniture. Every box unpacked feels like a mini success! Do not unpack the boxes of home decor or pics. It becomes too overwhelming. Set aside the boxes you don’t know what to do with yet.
• Unfold your boxes and stack them ready to give away or recycle.

POST MOVING DAY

• Keep slowly unpack a couple of boxes a day as you get a chance. Each box emptied seems like such an accomplishment. Give yourself time and grace. You may find you have more to give away or sell as you get settled in. Don’t even touch the decor stuff and artwork until you have everything else set up (Read more about this here). The decor will come together as you have time to set it up.  Hire someone to help you confirm your new design if needed. There are some great professionals out there to give you direction with a simple consultation.
• Start your renovations or home updates
• Hang artwork and set up decor when everything else has come together
• Rearrange decor, cupboards, and closets. When moving I find it gets put unpacked quickly but once I have settled in a bit, I like to rearrange these items to better suit my needs and put everything away properly.

Enjoy your new home

Now take the time to Honeymoon your home. It can feel a little like when you have a new baby to stop and enjoy your new home. Give yourself time and grace to get settled. Try not to get stressed out while moving. Breathe and enjoy the process, taking breaks whenever possible. Eat properly to give your body good energy. Take it one box, one project, and one day at a time. It can take up to 6 months or even longer if you have lots of updates to complete before you start to feel like you are finally home.

Check out this Simplified moving day checklist I put together for you. It may help you make your move a success. Pop your email below to gain access!

I would love to hear from you! Are there any tricks or tips you have found to make your moving day a success? Contact me for an e-consult if you are needing help getting started with your redesign for your new space.