10 Ways To Get Organized For A Move By Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor
Whether you are going across town or across the country, moving an entire household can bring on meltdowns, even among the best of us. But by beginning the planning process as soon as you know you will be moving, you can minimize stress and increase the likelihood that everything will go smoothly on moving day and afterward. Read on for 10 sanity-saving ways to get ready for the big move.
When you are considering whether to keep an item, imagine packing it, physically carrying it from your old house to the new one and unpacking it. Is it worth the effort? How would it make you feel to see this item in your new home — if the answer is “weighted down,” let that be your cue to let it go.
3. Organize your cords now for easier setup later. Label each cord with the name of the device it goes to and you won’t have to worry about searching for the one cord you need. For devices that have multiple cords, use colored dot stickers to label each cord and the hole it plugs into on the back of the device. Then when you go to reconnect it after the move, you can save yourself the frustration of figuring out what goes where.
4. Gather important papers in a fireproof lock box. Like backing up computer files, saving important documents in a lock box is something that we all should be doing, whether or not a move is in the near future. Gather birth certificates, passports and other vital records and sensitive financial documents in your box. When moving day arrives, this box should come with you in your car (or put the contents of it in your carry-on bag if flying).
7. Use an easy labeling system. Try color-coding box labels depending on which room the box will go in, and then number each box. Keep a separate record with a list of the contents of each numbered box. Then, when you are unpacking, you can simply check your master list to see which box you need.
21 Tips for Organizing Your Stuff
9. Stay organized with a moving binder. Info from your moving or truck rental company, to-do lists, your master packing list and a zip-top bag with memory sticks or other computer data backup can all be stashed inside. Closer to your move date, tuck in a folder with current bills, stamps and your checkbook. Make sure you keep this binder with you at all times during the move.
For long-distance moves, you may also want to include flight information and vaccination records if you are traveling with pets.
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