HAPPY MONDAY MORNING, DEAR FRIENDS!
Today's post is for a dear friend of mine who will be moving soon and has asked me to share tips to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.
In my twenty-five years of life, I've moved {at least} 12 times, thanks to the awesome privilege of being a military brat. Seriously, it was such a fun way to grow up! I attribute my organizing skills to growing up this way because each move provided a natural point to evaluate all my belongings, tossing what I no longer wanted to keep. With that in mind, my first tip is to do just that...
DECLUTTER
You're already going through everything you own and packing it all into boxes. Might as well, make your life a little easier at your new home by getting rid of the stuff that's just taking up space. It's basically the "work now, play later" concept. Decluttering, though a fairly simple process in and of itself, is a rather time consuming one. But, once done, you can unpack your boxes at your new home, knowing there is nothing there that you do not love and/or use.
{Via}
ASSEMBLE A BINDER
Those who really know me are aware of my love of binders. So, of course I had to come up with a way to use one during a move. Kidding... I didn't just come up with this just to use a binder. But, it doesn't hurt to make sure you've got a cute one! ;)
Anyways, setting aside a binder to corral all of the paperwork, notes, and receipts associated with your move will definitely lower your stress-levels. In it you'll want to keep things like important phone numbers, rental contracts, and a change of address log {about a month or so before your move, keep a record of where you get mail from and write it down. Then, about a couple days before your move, or as soon as possible, go ahead and call everyone on your list to give them your new address.}
PACKING BOXES
Here are a few tips to put into practice once it comes time to pack boxes:
* Assemble a "packing kit" {believe me, I'm all about making a "kit"}... Grab a cleaning caddy and keep labels, markers, tape, scissors, and anything else you'll need to pack, close at hand.
* Keep inventory. As you pack up your belongings, write down everything that goes into each box. Additionally, number each boxes, taking note of what things go in which box. This will make it easier to find things you need in your new home. Plus, if a box were to disappear {yes, it happens}, you'll know exactly what you need to replace.
* Create an "Open First" box for each room so that your most important items will be accessed first. If nothing else, create one for the bathroom {a couple of towels, shampoo, first aid kit, etc.} and the kitchen {a complete place setting for each person - plate, cup, fork, etc. - the coffee maker, one pan, pet food/bowls, etc}.
{Via}
* Set aside a box to create a "moving kit" - non-perishable snacks {granola bars, crackers}, hair bands, box cutter, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, trash bags, duct tape, flashlight, batteries, screwdrivers {flat-head, phillips-head}, tape measure... anything you'll think you'll need to function while you're setting up house. Label the box "moving kit" on all sides and either keep it with you {or make sure it is the last to be loaded on the truck and the first to come off the truck - in other words, DO NOT LOSE that box}.
* Sign up for freecycle.com to see if anyone in your area is giving away free boxes. You can also ask your local grocery stores and department stores if they give them away. Some will, some won't. Never hurts to ask. Also, if you have extra luggage, use them to pack things, thus saving on boxes.
* Color-code your boxes {red - kitchen, green - bedroom}. Place a colored sticker {or use a colored marker to make a dot} in the upper right hand corner on EACH SIDE of the box, so no matter which side of the box you're looking at, you'll know which room it goes in based on the color. Oh yeah, and if you're a scatter-brain like me, make sure you jot down which color is which room and put it in your moving binder.
* Keep things together. Make sure light bulbs are packed with lamps and picture hooks are kept with their frames. This will make it that much easier to set everything back up in your new home.
Alright, that's all I have for you today. If you're in the process of moving and you have further questions, please do not hesitate to email me at domesticblissdiaries {at} gmail {dot} com or message me on Facebook.
While we're at it, if you have any organizing questions period, I'd love to answer them for you.
I hope you all have a wonderful start to your week...
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