Tips to Making Moving Easy (er)
We're almost all moved. I'm exhausted. But happy that the house is sold and we're closing the door and opening a new one. I have to say I'm going to miss our little house and this small town but such is the life when you're in the military. When you're in the military you also get really good at moving. I thought this would be a great time to put together a few tips I've learned along the way to making moving as easy as possible.
Pre-Move
- Plan. Plan. Plan. I love to make "to do" lists. This comes in handy when you're moving. Being organized goes a long way in preventing headaches and fights between you and your spouse, room mates etc.
- Gather up the supplies you'll need. Boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap etc.
- If you know you've got a few weeks until your move out day you can start sorting though your items and organizing closets. If you're in the middle of the summer you're not going to need your skis or snow boots any time soon. You can start packing up non-essential item
Packing
- Packing well is important as it will prevent your stuff from getting broken in the move. This is especially important if you've got a long move ahead of you-cross country, over seas etc.
- Start with non-essential items. Out of season gear, home decor (frames on the wall, knick-knacks etc.)
- While your packing up the rooms in your house its a good time to clear away the clutter and create boxes for donation or the trash.
- Don't pack things that are dirty or dusty. That's gross. I always like to clean my porcelain, or anything that can collect dust prior to packing. I use a gentle dish soap like Gain (Yes! Gain -the same company that makes laundry detergent now has dish soap! It comes in three great scents. Trust me. You won't mind the extra cleaning because it smells yummy and why bring dusty stuff into your new house?
Moving Day
- Get up bright and early. Have a good breakfast and dress comfortably.
- If you're using movers or have enlisted the help of relatives and friends it's a good idea to have drinks and snacks on hand. Happy helpers who aren't having blood sugar issues are much less likely to drop the box labeled "fragile" of your great-grandmother's china.
- Don't try to move anything heavy on your own. A hurt back does not make for a happy move.
- Rest. Eat lunch and try to take a few moments to enjoy the day.
Kids & MovingIf you have children enlist their help. Have them pack up their own "special box" with stuff they're going to want right away when they get to their new home. If you have an older child make sure you talk to them about their feelings on the move. I always play up the move as an adventure and it helps. Trust Me.Photo: weheartit.com*P&G provided me with free product (Gain), bubbles, t-shirts, and gift cards through MyBlogSpark.