Moving Prep 101
Moving Prep 101
Moving is a major event and can be stressful and overwhelming. However, a good game plan and sufficient lead time will make it a far less painful experience.
The following guidance is based on my experience as a professional organizer gained by helping over 50 households relocate.
To start: Develop a game plan
When it comes time to move, there is a lot to get done. Most people underestimate how much time they really need. By starting early, you save energy and money, making the process less stressful.
The big tasks to accomplish before a move:
- Sort and organize belongings
- Stage home for sale
- Sell current home / Find a new home
- Map the space for your new location
- Pack and move possessions
- Take care of the final admin
You do not have to do it all alone. There are service providers, who can help.
The biggest mistake in moving is procrastination. Do not wait until you sell your home to start getting ready.
Step 1: Sort and Organize
Know what you own before you move. To know what kind of space you will need in your new home, determine what you have to take with you. Using a systematic approach, makes the problem less overwhelming and less taxing. Break the project into smaller pieces and set realistic goals. See progress and don’t force yourself to go too quickly.
Eliminate clutter
Moving is the perfect time to reduce your clutter. Only take what you use, need, and love. You will save money and time by getting rid of unwanted items now. Purging allows you a fresh start in your new space.
Keep those items you LOVE and that provide you with GOOD memories. When possible consider creative solutions help you keep the memories, without the clutter.
Sell/donate items
Be realistic in your expectations about selling items. Moving sales are a lot of work and do not usually gross much money. The best way to balance income with effort is to focus on the items with the greatest worth. Sell them directly using online classifieds including: Craigslist, LetGo and ThredUp.
In addition to sites like Freecycle, several charities offer pick-up services for donations of sufficient size.
Step 2: Staging for sale
Experience has proven, staged homes are sold for more money, faster. Staging does not have to cost a lot. We recommend only those changes that will have a BIG effect on the house. Reduce the visual noise that distracts potential buyers from your home.
Think upscale hotel. Use limited furniture and decorations in neutral tones, so that anyone can be comfortable in the space. By making some home improvements and simplifying the contents of the home, potential buyers are better able to imagine living there.
Step 3: Selling and buying real estate
For most Americans, a home is the most expensive purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. It’s a serious transaction with significant financial and emotional ramifications for all parties involved. A real estate agent can help you find the right home or buyer and negotiate the best contract.
Step 4: Space planning
Mapping out your new space, provides a better idea of what fits. Compare the size of kitchen cabinets and closet space. Save money – don’t move those items that will not work in your new space.
With a map, you can tell the movers where to put items. Make sure the furniture and large items are placed, while you still have man-power.
Step 5: Pack and move
Packing is like a game of Tetris. Fit everything you can into the smallest space and don’t leave any holes. Get it done quickly, but more importantly get it done right.
Organized and logical
When packing boxes always consider these tips to make unpacking easier.
- No kraken sweeps – don’t just grab everything within reach and shove it in a box
- Box items with like items, destined for the same space
- Write content on boxes
- Use the right size box
- Don’t make any box too heavy
- Clearly place destination room label
- Keep a tally for each space
Remember, to pack the items you will need in clearly marked suitcases. Plan for delays in the moving process
Use Care
Packing up valuable crystal and other breakables requires some time. This is not the place to rush. The more your items can be constrained from movement, the less likely they are to break. Packing paper and bubble wrap prevent shifting and cushion items against vibration. If an item is not worth extra care, is it really something you need, use or love?
Professional Moving Companies
The process of finding a good mover can seem daunting, but it is worth it to make sure you are working with a quality company.
- Get recommendations
- Do an initial screening
- Ask for an in-home estimate
- Compare bids
- Make sure company has a solid reputation and are properly insured
- Select mover and set a date
OrganizeSmith Relocation Consulting
Don’t know where to start? Need an action plan and task list? OrganizeSmith offers Relocation Consulting service for any aspect of your move. Get specific advice to get any project done.
Experience, Knowledge & Skill
OrganizeSmith has assisted in the move of over 50 households and businesses. Some clients end up using assistance with the entire process. Others pick and choose the services needed to get the job done.
Moving tomorrow, next month or next year. Call for a FREE estimate.
Meghan Smith,
President and Founder
480.427.0565
