Create the Ultimate Checklist

Before dragging out the boxes, stay organized by compiling a list of all things that need to be packed. It can be sorted based on things that can go immediately or things that should remain at the current home until moving day, such as certain foods and toiletries. You can organize the itemized list by room, so that you can tackle one room at a time when it moving day comes. When creating a “to-do” list for the move, try to strategize so that the list can be your guide for the order that you’d like to tackle each task.

Too Equipped to Quit

This might seem like a no brainer, but if you don’t have the proper supplies and equipment before the move, it will make everything infinitely more difficult. Even something simple like running out of tape will get you off schedule when you have to run to the store for more. Moving supplies include boxes, markers, labels, packing tape, bubble wrap or old newspaper. Make sure you have a dolly for moving heavier items and covers for furniture you want to protect like the piano or dining table. It’s always a good idea to get few extra supplies just in case. Don’t start the packing or moving process until you have all the equipment you’ll need. That way, things will go by quickly when you’re finally ready to start.

Strategize When Packing

Before the final move, pick a time when all members of the home can clear out a different room. Each member can be assigned a specific task to keep things fluid. One can place items in boxes, another can tape and label them and someone else can put them away for moving day. Creating an assembly line will ensure that nothing is forgotten, and once again, it makes the entire process go faster.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Keep items that are used with another, such as appliances and cords or bookends and books, together. While you may feel inclined to pack things based on weight or fragility, keeping associated items together makes unpacking much easier. You don’t want to mix kitchen items with bedroom items, or you’ll have an unpacking headache waiting for you when you move into the new home. Packing by category may seem excessive when you’re packing up the old house, but it will make the unpacking process exponentially easier upon moving in.

Go Label Crazy

Assign a color to every room in the new home and coordinate boxes with their appropriate room. Leave colored stickers or labels on each box along with a written label. If using movers, place a colored sign on the door or near the entrance of the corresponding room to make the process easier. If you don’t use colors, you can still make the process easier by labeling boxes with the contents as well as what room the box should go in. Without labels, you’ll have a dozen people asking “where do you want this,” for six hours on moving day. Or worse, all your boxes will end up in the front room, and you’ll have to open them all before you can move them.

Keep Cleaning Supplies for the Final Day

You’ll likely clean the home before moving, but there will still be areas that need to be cleaned after all your belongings have been moved out. Make sure you don’t pack away the vacuum, paper towels, cleaning products, brooms, and other supplies that will be needed during your final walkthrough. The actual moving process will make quite the mess, so prepare for a final cleaning and make sure you don’t pack away your cleaning supplies too soon.

Make Grabs for Essentials

Just as you don’t want to pack away your cleaning supplies too soon, you will need to leave out a few essentials for your first few days in the new home. It will take a few days to unpack all your stuff, and you don’t want to be rummaging for a shirt, toothbrush, or your kid’s soccer jersey on the morning of the game. Think about what you’ll need for the first week in the new house and put it into a special bag that you keep separate from all the other boxes. This way, you’ll have everything you need while you work to get settled into the new home.

While it is a dreaded task, getting organized ahead of time is the best way to get the ball rolling, especially if you are about to undergo a big move. Most of these tasks can easily be done the week before you move, and as you can see, they will mostly help relieve stress when you get to the new house. If you take a little extra time to get things in order beforehand, you’ll be glad you did when you are settled into the new home.