Packing it Up and Moving it Out!
Let’s face it, no matter how prepared you think you are, moving is stressful . One of the worst parts of moving is packing up your current house. You are probably busy enough already, and now you are adding this huge task to your “to do” list. It can be overwhelming. One way to make it a little easier is to spread it out over several weeks instead of trying to do it all right before you move. Here is a general timeline for packing that you can use as a guide.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: PRE-PACKING - If you are lucky enough to know a full month before you have to move, take advantage of it. Pre-pack items that you won’t need or use before you move. Out of season clothing, tools and small appliances, and collectibles/knick knacks are items that you won’t miss and you can get them out of the way.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: NON-ESSENTIALS - Among the items that you didn’t pre-pack, choose those that you know you likely won’t need before moving. Books, extra linens, and kitchen items can be packed up because you likely won’t be doing much reading, and you only need enough linens, plates, and utensils for the number of people living in the home. CDs and DVDs can go as well.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: TIME TO GET SERIOUS - Yes…now it is time to really start paring down the amount of “stuff” still in your home. If you have children, allow them to choose a few toys/games to keep out, and pack up the rest. If you have a home office, clean it out and box up what you plan to take with you. Jewelry and shoes that you don’t wear daily can go as well. You may feel that two weeks is a long time to go without these items, but trust me, it will go by fast!
ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY: SEVEN DAYS AND COUNTING: Now it is time to pack up all but the few things you will need to get through the last few days at your current home. The rest of your clothes and kitchen items can go (leaving yourself what you will need until the move, of course). Go through your medicine cabinet and toss any expired medications. Pack the rest except for the ones you take daily.
TWO DAYS BEFORE MOVING DAY: NOW IT’S GETTING REAL: At this point the stress might reach maximum levels, but if you have been following the time-line and packing a bit each week, you should be almost finished! Box up your electronics (in their original packaging when possible), bathroom items, and any miscellaneous items that are left. Keep a box for essential items that you will keep with you as you are moving.
MOVING DAY: IT’S HERE! All that should be left is furniture and appliances. Whether you have hired movers to load the large items or you are doing it yourself, it will be so much more manageable with everything else already boxed up and ready to go.
IMPORTANT TIP: Label every box. You can either write what is in the box or what room the box should go to. Or both. You will be glad you did when you are unpacking!
Remember that this is simply a general guideline. You should do what is right for you and your family when it comes to packing and moving. But hopefully this will make what can be a trying and overwhelming time a little more pleasant.