Get Organized Now!
25 Tips and Tricks for an
Organized Move
Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.
1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST.
Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.
2. LEAVE IT BEHIND.
Avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won't be using. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later.
3. GET RID OF CLUTTER.
Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.
4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE.
Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or iinexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.
5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET.
You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.
6. BOX IT.
Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.--but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.
7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM.
Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in
A, B, C order.
8. WRAP IT.
You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock-resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material.
by Maria Gracia