17 Jan How to organize your move
Want to keep your sanity through your move?? Here’re some tips form a Seattle Mover to help you get organized and ready for moving day.
Don’t procrastinate and give yourself time…
Moving is tiring and stressful. It involves a lot of packing, organizing, sorting, cleaning, etc. on top of your existing responsibilities. But good planning and starting the process well in advance of moving day will minimize stress and to keep the move going smoothly. If you leave everything for last minute, it’s going to be a lot harder. We recommend you give yourself at least 2 months to plan and prepare you move, even for local Seattle moving.
Schedule your move in advance
Ideally, you should hire a mover and book your moving day at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you plan to move during peak season. That gives you more choices of available dates, and you may also get a better moving rate from your mover of choice.
Keep everything organized!
Get a binder to save and organize everything move-related: phone numbers, estimates, receipts, utility providers information for old and new home, to do lists, packing schedule and so on!
Start decluttering as soon as possible
While it may not be practical to start packing months in advance, decluttering of closets, garages, basements, etc. can start anytime. Make sure you dispose of flammable liquids or other “un-movables”. Have a moving sale, or donate unwanted items. When moving day comes, you’ll be glad you did.
Make all move related arrangements weeks in advance
Even for a local move, there may be many things you need to attend to: transfer of school records, medical records, disconnecting utilities, change of address, notifying friends, family, neighbors, creditors etc. of your move, arranging for help on moving day, backing up your computers, etc. Most can be accomplished or scheduled weeks in advance, so you don’t have to worry about them as moving day gets closer.
Prepare your new home for your moving in
Even if you don’t yet have access to it, it’s best to schedule everything in advance, so when you get the keys, the cleaning, painting, fixing, etc. can be accomplished timely. Remember to contact utility companies – it’s nice you have running water, electricity, heating, and cable working by the time you move in.
Start packing at least two weeks in advance
Unless you hire professional packers, it’s best to start your packing at least couple of weeks in advance. Start with the least used or nonessential items first, like out of season clothing, seldom used appliances, books, sports equipment, etc. Labeling and color coding all your boxes will make it much easier when you unpack. Take great care to pack properly, especially for heavy or fragile items. Need help packing? We can help.
Delegate tasks
You don’t have to do everything by yourself, as everyone can help. Older children are perfectly capable to pack/unpack the clothes, books and other items in their own rooms. Take advantage of everyone’s special skills and talents – the person who’s the most tech-savvy should pack the electronics, whoever does the cooking should pack the kitchen and so on. Friends and family may also be happy to help, especially with taking care of kids or pets for a bit.
Pack essentials lasts
Most people avoid packing early because they think it’s hard to function with most of your things packed up in boxes. However, if you are like most families, you only use about 10 percent of them on a daily bases, and you can happily function with even less than that. Thus, you can pack most of your things early, and the essentials last. When you get to your new home, you’ll find you’ll be able to function off your “essentials” boxes for quite a bit, if you don’t get the chance to unpack right away.
Plan an overnight bag for each family member and put it in your car
This way, you don’t have to start unpacking the second you set foot into your new house and everyone will be happy to have their phones, chargers, favorite books, toys or snacks available to them. For tips on moving with kids, see our handy moving guide.
The key to moving without stress and chaos is good planning and organizing. Keep things under control with a clear list of things to do and keep to your deadlines!!
See our helpful Moving Checklist for a step-by-step guide and timeline to successfully plan for your moving day.
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