May is National Moving Month so let’s take a minute to talk about how to make a life-disrupting event such as moving a less stressful and complicated experience.
My top 10 DIY moving tips
Take a look at your schedule and determine how much time you have available to devote to packing and moving. Depending upon your availability you may need to start weeks in advance.
Always declutter before – or as – you pack. Do not move unwanted items across town, the country, or the world. Donate, sell, consign, toss, and recycle as much as you can. Doing so will save you money in moving expenses. Don’t forget to dispose of your household hazardous waste and electronic waste appropriately.
Pack one room at a time, starting with items from rooms you will not be using before the move such as guest rooms and the dining room.
Pack delicate and valuable items yourself to ensure they are safe and secure.
Pack heavy items such as books in small, manageable boxes.
Use wardrobe boxes for clothing, coats, and other hanging items. You will save time – and energy – not having to re-hang everything.
Label each box with the name of the room it belongs in. This will ensure that when boxes come off the moving truck, they will land in the correct room. Add notes regarding contents, use an inventory list and numbering system, or moving labels as needed.
Pack your personal items and cold food last. Label the boxes and coolers as “open first.” Transport in your vehicle rather than on the moving truck.
Post room name signs on the door of each room of your new home. Movers have no idea which room is the office, or which room is the guest bedroom. Doing so will help them get the boxes to the correct room. If you have an idea of where you’d like the furniture post a simple sketch to show where heavy items should be placed.
Post flat boxes and packing materials for free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or give to a friend or family member who is moving soon.
During my years as a professional organizer, I’ve helped hundreds of clients across south central Wisconsin, and many of those as a move manager. My goal is always to make moving less stressful and more cost-effective. I help declutter and pack before the move and then assist with unpacking and getting settled quickly in the new home. I coordinate with movers, junk haulers, local charitable organizations, contractors, and more, to schedule services and help make moving a positive and stress-free experience. If you’d like some assistance sorting, purging, packing and more, contact me at melanie@resetorganizing.com or (608) 345-1836 to discuss your needs.