Moving Tip #1: List Everything in Each Box
As you pack, make a master list of everything in each box. I mean it. Everything. Not just "kitchen utensils." I want to see "vegetable peeler," "three spatulas," "two wooden spoons," "can opener," etc. This may seem excessive, ridiculous, and a waste of time. I assure you it is not. When you have moved and are trying to find the can opener or where your TV remote is, "kitchen utensils" or "entertainment extras" may not cut it. I have spent some unfortunate hours searching for items later when I could have spent five more minutes being more detailed in my lists when I packed. This will allow you to go straight to the box you need, when you need it, and save much time and frustration. You think when you are packing that you will remember easily when you are unpacking. You may not. And then you will be sad.
I keep the list on a yellow legal pad while I am packing and then spend time that evening typing it into a list in Excel. This way, I can even use the "find" feature (shortcut: ctrl f) to locate items later. I print off a master copy and put it on a clipboard that can be used to direct affairs when I am unloading and unpacking. Occasionally, I need to add a box or two by pencil to the bottom of the list, but I try not to let my perfectionism overwhelm me. (Can you tell I like to be organized?!)
* As a side note, this is an excellent time to make an inventory of what you own for home owner's or renter's insurance purposes.
Moving Tip #2: Label Each Box Clearly
There are a couple of different systems I have used for labeling my boxes and the important part in each case is to do it clearly and consistently.
I use labels (Avery labels 5163 or 8163) with my computer and print off a few of each number. At LEAST 2 labels of each box number, but 3 or 5 are better. I know these can be expensive, but remember how much time and sanity you are saving by making this move easier. You can also write the numbers in a Sharpie, but I have found it is much easier to read at a glance if done with the labels. I have done it both ways and been really grateful for the labels when I've used them. When printing the labels, if you only print two, place one on the top of the box and one on the side. Be consistent in your placement, for instance always place the top label in the upper left hand corner of the box and then the side label on the side towards you on the top right hand corner, or something like that. If you have three labels, place one on the top and two on opposite sides of the box. If you print five labels, place one on the top and one on each side of the box.
In addition to a number for each box, it is extremely helpful to also place a letter on the label indicating the room the box is moving to. You can create a code such as K for kitchen, O for Office, M for master bedroom, B for bathroom, etc. This way, when you (or anyone helping you) are moving boxes in, they can take them right to where you want them, without having to consult your list. If you don't put letters on the labels, it is helpful to have someone directing as people bring boxes in to let them know which room that numbered box should go.
Moving Tip #3: Set Up Your Bed Before You Do Anything Else
Almost the first thing you should do - perhaps before you even finish unloading all of your boxes - is set up your bed, sheets and all. This way, no matter how overwhelmed or exhausted you feel at the end of the day, you have a clean place to sleep that feels like home to you. There is nothing worse than finishing a day of unloading and not have a place to sleep except for a couch or on blankets on the floor. If you sleep in your own bed, you will feel more rested and able to face the chaos that the second day is sure to bring. Learning this trick early in our "moving career" has made all the difference for me. Do yourself a favor and try it next time. You will thank me.
Moving Tip #4: Have a Container Set Aside With Important Items
When we moved this time, I set aside a blue laundry basket (all my other laundry baskets are white) to have an easily identifiable location for all of the essentials I would need right away in our new place. I put it in my van - not in the moving trailer, not in anyone else's car - so that it would be right where I needed it. In this basket went some things that made life a lot easier. It had my purse, my keys, my master moving list on a clipboard, scissors for opening boxes, a roll of toilet paper to place in the bathroom immediately, handsoap for the bathroom, one bar of soap for the shower, paper towels, extra garbage bags (and grocery bags), remotes for the TV and DVD player, a few carefully selected DVDs for my children to watch, a few bottles of water, and a few snacks. I also included my scriptures so that I could take some extra moments to create some peace for myself amid the craziness of the first few days (or weeks) after a move. Some other helpful items to place in here are some paper plates, plastic cups, and perhaps some plastic utensils. Many of these items have come to my attention from past "learning" experiences, such as the toilet paper and soap.
Now it's your turn! What are some of your tips that I have left out here? I would love any suggestions for the next time I have to do this.
5 comments:
i love to use apple boxes when i pack because they are a good, uniform size, stack well, and you can easily access things because you can take the lid off (no need to tape!). they are not too big that the boxes get overloaded and heavy, but big enough to fit most items.
Your apple box idea is perfect. If you know far enough ahead of time, you can ask various grocery stores around if you can get boxes there for free and ask when is the best time to find some available and then pick them up when you are running errands around that time.
I hope I don't have to move for a very long time, but if I do, these are fabulous tips. I wish I had done it when I moved here! p.s. I LOVE your's and debby's monogrammed little icon thingys...do you know what I'm talking about? Love!
I know I hardly comment, but I do read your blog! These tips are right down my alley! I'm organized, but not quite as organized as you. (No master list of items.)
I write every content of each box on the outside of the box with a sharpie. This is great for knowing what is in each box, but not so great when you go to move again and use the box for something else and have to scratch out what you wrote last time. Then I label it with a colored label that says what room it goes in (each room has it's own color and I put a colored sign on the door of that room). I found it worked well when the EQ shows up to unload your truck and there's more of them than you could possibly direct and your kids need attention at the moment. We only had three misplaced boxes in the whole house and I didn't really say a word to anyone. We found it was best for the colored labels to be on the top so the person carrying could just look down and easily see where it went.
I'm so glad you're moved and hopefully feeling somewhat settled!
This post made me cringe ONLY because we just finished moving to AZ (in fact, I think I just unpacked my last box this morning) and it was a pain in the you know where! I HATE moving with a passion, can you tell?
My tip would be: NEVER move again :)
But I'm glad you are moved in and everything is going well for you guys!
Post a Comment