Tips to Getting Started on Your Move…

May is National Moving Month! Whether you’re planning a move for next month or next year, planning and organizing will go a long way toward making this transition easier.  Here are some tips to get started:

Start with a Plan and a Timeline

• Reduce overwhelm by starting with a realistic timeline.
• Begin with what you can do now including sort and purging room by room. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.  This is the time to let go of items you haven’t been using and won’t need – don’t pack, move and unpack unneeded items.
• Identify any special items (pianos, electronics, large equipment) that need extra care or insurance.
• Research your moving options.  Are you thinking traditional movers vs. PODs or storage units? Don’t forget to factor in labor for loading and unloading at both ends.

Control What You Can

• Create a moving binder (or digital folder) to track estimates, contracts, and receipts as well as contact info and an inventory of what’s being moved.
• Begin ordering moving supplies (boxes, tape, labels).  Multi-colored packing tape is helpful for movers to get items to the right room.  Pack seasonal items and rarely used items – the more you can pack NOW, the less work there’ll be as you get closer to the move.  Start using up household consumables (toiletries, pantry items).
• If possible, measure your new space to ensure large furniture fits.

Expect Some Chaos

• No move goes perfectly—expect surprises including a broken item, not enough boxes, mini-meltdowns – yours and others’!
• Keep your focus on the goal: settling into a peaceful, well-organized new home.