Since we are all about trying to help you get into your new house, I figured it would also be nice to have some tips for moving day. I have moved 5 times in my life, and each time seemed to get a little more organized, and a little less chaotic.
Before I make you an actual checklist, here are some important tips to remember:
1. Less is more. The antique clock that has been in the family for generations can stay, but the doily grandma gave you that is falling apart needs to go. My family consists of clutter keepers and pack rats, my parents have years of built up junk in the garage, all ‘stuff’ that they dont really need, but deemed important enough to keep at some point. Remember that you wont be losing the memory attached to the object if you throw the object away. While you are moving and getting rid of those old keepsakes, take a picture of the item, write down a description of why it was important to you, and file all that stuff away in a photo album. things like that are easier to move, and will someday mean much more to your children than a dusty old something-or-other.
2. planning and organization. take 10 mintues before you start to pack to plan your attack. where are you going to start? how many boxes do you need? what items need to be left out until the end? Plan out an estimate time for each room. Do one room at a time, or one item at a time, instead of skipping around. (example: either do All of “Lisa’s” room from start to finish, or do “all Clothing” from start to finish.) give everyone in the family a job they can handle, and reward them when they complete the job. (maybe your ten year old’s job will be entertaining the two year old) have the younger kids tape, wrap, clean, or stay out of the way instead of “packing” they will get distracted. sometimes a movie and a babysitter will go a long way.
3. Labeling. it may sound silly, but in one move we didn’t label anything, and although we were moving into a small apt, it was very frustrating! During the move to California, we used tupperware bins instead of boxes, and every bin was clearly labeled with exactly what it contained. packing, shipping, unpacking and organizing was a snap! be specific on your labels, and plan where they need to go, what they contain and if they are fragile, as well as how heavy they are.
all right, a checklist. Just copy and paste below:
Packing supplies needed:
_Boxes, bins, or storage containers (I found this site to help you estimate how many boxes you will need:
(http://www.moving.com/moving-boxes/packing-calculator.asp)
_sharpies for labeling (label Everything)
_Tape, invest in the good stuff, not the dollar store stuff
_colored sticky notes (optional-I used a different color for each room, and wrote the contents on the sticky note, so it was easy to read, and very visible)
_fuel, not for the car, but for yourself, buy food and drinks before you get going, so you don’t need to stop
_music, it will keep you upbeat, and positive, and make the time go by very fast
——————————————————————————–
Before Moving day Checklist: (should be one month to 2 weeks out if possible)
_call city to cancel power/water/sewer/utilities/internet/phone on your current home
_ensure power/water/sewer/utilities/internet/phone on your new home is on, running and ready for you on arrival date.
_rent the moving truck, or have your friends truck booked for the entire day (have a back up plan!)
_pre plan the kids to be somewhere with someone else, (as well as the pets if you can manage it)
_get the cats and dogs new tags with the new address, and get sedatives from the vet if they are sensitive to change
_enroll the kids in the new school
_Contact new job, ensure you know where and when you are starting
_file a change of address with the post office to get your mail forwarded
_schedule DMV appointment in your new area, (usually only 14 days are permitted to change a license, but I know the wait In SoCal DMV is Much longer than 2 weeks)
_have change of address registered with your credit card company, par payment, etc, so you dont accidentally fall behind, or miss a payment
_Contact your new Doctors office and forward any medical information to them, fill any needed prescriptions just in case
_pack up everything but the essentials
_do a detailed walk thru of the property, (document EVERYTHING) and sign all lease agreements/make first payments on property.
-_______________________________________________________________________________
-______________________________________________________________________________
-_________________________________________________________________________________
———————————————————————-
Moving Day:
_have ready to eat snacks on hand
_wear comfortable clothes and shoes
_pack the truck with least important items in the back, and most important items towards the rear, more easily accessible.
_verify with the landlord where and when to sign all papers and do a final walk thru
_unload the truck before you start unpacking the boxes in the house
_keep pets on well supervised until they get to know the new area.
_enjoy your new house!
—————————————————————————————————————–
Hope that helps your moving day go smoother!
Erika
