It’s been 5 1/2 years since I last moved. At that time we were moving from a tiny apartment, with 1 kid who wasn’t in school yet and nothing major to worry about. We were moving from one rental unit to another – no stress, right?
Fast forward to today, today we are looking into buying a house. Woah! This is overwhelming. All of the new terminology to learn (and I thought digital scrapbooking had a lot of acronyms!), the financial aspect of everything, the fear that comes with ownership vs renting (we’re responsible for everything all of a sudden), and making sure we’re in a good school district, have safe places for the kids to play, the perfect house etc. etc. etc.
We haven’t found THE house yet, we’ve just started to get our feet wet – but we’re hopeful, and finding THE house means moving. Moving 3 kids, a large town house full of stuff and memories and starting fresh. It’s scary. It’s stressful. It’s a lot to take on. And, I have no idea where to even start.
I bought a few boxes, and started putting a few non-essentials in them. I’ve started thinking about what things I can pack, and what I can’t. But there are so many things to think about. When do we start focusing on the food in the freezer vs. shopping for new stuff? When do we start packing toys and disrupting the kids worlds? How do we explain to our kids that next year, it’s a new school? That we’re leaving a cozy neighborhood with some of the best friends and neighbors? How do we get it all done without losing our cool? I’m already overwhelmed, and we are just barely getting started.
So, that brings me to the point of this post, of these questions – we have a HUGE community here. And, we are a family of sorts – so, I am asking you to share with me your best moving advice. What things might I not think about? What little things made a big difference for you? Any hidden gems for getting cheap moving supplies? Anything, really, I’ll listen to it all!
Oh, and one more thing before I go (shameless plug…..) I’m going to be moving, and moving is expensive! As a small business owner, my family really depends on my income from my designs – and now, more than ever, your purchases will really make a difference! So, if you’re looking for a new kit, consider swinging by my store and taking a look! I’d appreciate it! I appreciate you!
Ok, now – start sharing that advice!
NUMBER 1 — Start and maintain an Inventory Log book.
Number each box and enter the box number and contents in a sturdy notebook. Those black and white composition books work great. Sturdy and easy to spot. Use and safeguard this book.
You will use this book to find the extra underwear when the washing machine hasn’t been hooked up. You will use it to find the Christmas ornaments 6 months later. 🙂
DO NOT LIST CONTENTS ON THE BOX ITSELF. This is an invitation to thieves.
DO NOT USE OBVIOUS CODES like K01 for kitchen items.
DO WRITE THE BOX NUMBER ON THE TOP AND MULTIPLE SIDES of the boxes. You never know how the boxes will be stacked.
I guarantee this will make the moving process easier and safer. Good luck and God bless you!
Those are great suggestions, cully b. We moved almost 2 years ago, after being in the same house for 15 years. I did put the room names on our boxes. The boxes went straight into a moving van and straight to our new house, so I felt they were safe. I also put used an a-b-c system… “a” if it was a box that needed unpacking immediately, “b” for “within a week or two,” and “c” whenever I had time. Congratulations on the new adventure, Manda!
A list! for sure!
– This is a good time to quietly go thru your possessions and try to sell them, or give them away, (so you’re not arbitrarily pitching things when the moving van is full 🙂 and put the money away for dinners when you’re kitchen is packed.
– Take a couple of things in account if you have pets.
– Get them used to the crate in plenty of time, so they don’t freak out, or have to be stuffed in it when it comes time to leave. (We left the cats travelbasket in the livingroom with a toy in it, and everytime he ventured in there, he got a treat. So even 5 years after moving, when he is stressed, he goes and finds it on top of the closet, and sleeps)
– See too if you can find them a place to be when the movers come, so they’re not underfoot or get away unseen.
– If you have people help pack, make sure you pack things that other people may not see value in (craft supplies, pictures and doodads for scrapbooks etc) so you don’t end up missing things you had put away to scrap later…..
– Pack like things together…. We found socks in the pan box, and food in the bathroom box… Not a good mix for either. LOL. You can’t put everything on the list, trust me, and if you’re looking for paperwork, you don’t want to have to go thru all boxes, so put all paperwork together, all books etc. If it didn’t make the list, atleast it narrows down the amount of boxes to go thru.
– label all cords that are not permanently attached to the appliance!!
We’ve moved many more times than I care to remember, and I could write a book of things we have found over time to think of. If you want, email me 🙂
We’ve moved 3 times with children. We moved twice within driving distance and once to an area we had been to many times. So some of this advice may not be helpful to you. To help the children be less stressed we let them help with the house hunting and give their input about the house. After all they have to live in it also! We also had them make lists (they were old enough to write), pack their own things and label their boxes themselves. Some of the labels were very funny, but they understood what was in them! Just involve them as much as possible so they don’t feel left out. Our last move was a long distance away so we had a big garage sale that lasted 3 weeks and started when we knew were actually moving. We all chose what would not be sold and let the rest go. We saved that money to buy new stuff when we got to our new home. Some of our things would not have fit into our new home anyway, no use moving it with us. Good luck with your house hunting and move. Will check out your store when I need a new kit!
I have a comment about your new place and your kids. When we moved half way across the country to a new home, my 2 boys were 2nd and 6th grade. They each had their own bedroom in the new house. The first day that they came to the new house, I had put a “gift” from the new house in their bedroom. One got a framed Pokémon poster to hang on the wall and the other had a beanie baby sitting on the floor to welcome them HOME. I’m not sure if they remember now, 17 years later, but at the time they were very excited.
I’m a retired Navy Relocation Program Manager and here is an 8 Week Time Line checklist you can use to help you prepare for your move:
8 Weeks Out
Get organized: Set aside a folder or file where you can put all your move-related paperwork. Dedicate a notebook as your moving notebook for all your notes.
Start sorting: Decide what to keep, discard or donate. If you’re moving to a smaller place, be aggressive in your decision making.
Research moving companies: Go online to check for moving companies with positive reviews. Ask friends and family if they have any references for moving companies. Take a week or two to research – you’re not in rush mode quite yet.
7 Weeks Out
Get supplies: Buy packing materials, boxes, tape, markers and bubble wrap.
Plan a garage sale: As you go through your possessions, you’ll find things you don’t want to move. It’s a perfect time to lighten your load. In the process, you’ll make a few bucks at the garage sale to spend on moving expenses.
6 Weeks Out
Notify schools: If you have kids, tell the staff at their schools of the impending move. Get copies of their school records and check into the enrollment process at the schools near your new residence.
Medical records: Check with your doctor to get copies of your family’s medical records.
5 Weeks Out
Book a moving company: Thanks to your research, you are ready to pick your movers. Pick a company you feel confident with and confirm the date, time, and details of your move.
4 Weeks Out
Start packing non-essentials: Begin boxing up the things you won’t need right away. Make sure to label the boxes.
Notify utilities: Start the process of closing out utility service at your current place and getting utilities set up at your new residence.
Notify your landlord: If you’re moving from a rental, let your landlord know. Find out when you can have your security deposit returned.
3 Weeks Out
Strategize your food situation: Use up food items that you don’t want to move. Plan ahead to have nothing left in your freezer by your move date. Same goes for your pantry ? make a plan to consume anything that’s already open.
Pets and plants: Make arrangements to get your animals and plants to your new home.
Change your address: Complete a change of address form on the USPS website. Notify banks and credit cards of your new address.
Transfer insurance: If your current home is covered, check with your agent to transfer the policy to your new home.
Take care of your car: Have your car serviced, especially if you’re embarking on a long-distance move. Check with your car insurance company about transferring your policy.
2 Weeks Out
Pack with a vengeance: Now’s the time to start boxing up most everything left in your home. Again, make sure to label everything to ensure a smooth transition at your new place.
Coordinate your valuables: If you have jewelry, heirlooms or other valuable items, sequester them from the main move. You don’t want valuable items mixed up with your other packed items. Keep them in a safe place so you can transport them yourself.
Make a clean move: If your new place needs a thorough cleaning, make arrangements to have it scrubbed before you arrive.
At your disposal: Properly dispose of any items that can’t be moved such as cleaning materials, propane, or paint.
1 Week Out
Confirm and confirm again: Check in with your mover to confirm the time and date of the move.
Pack an essential kit: Prepare a suitcase with items you will need right away at your new place. Take it with you. Don’t load it on the truck.
1 Day Before
Keep important documents handy: Make sure to have any documents related to the move at the ready.
Defrost and clear: Clean out your empty fridge and freezer. Check your cupboards and pantry for any open food items.
Moving Day
Work with your movers: Help your movers by identifying fragile or large items right away. Be there when the movers load your items onto the truck. You’ll be responsible for verifying that they loaded everything, so it’s vital that you’re there to coordinate and answer questions. Sign the bill of lading when you’re satisfied that everything is accounted for.
One final sweep: Before the movers pull away, do a final check of your home to make sure nothing was left behind.
I hope this helps…feel free to contact me by email (rol4u@msn.com) if I you have any questions.
Good Luck!
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