We Like to Move it Move it!!!
by Gina Kovatch
1. Printable Moving Binder – Get totally organized and prepared with The Ultimate Moving Organization Binder! This baby seriously has EVERYTHING you need for a smooth move including: a Moving Timeline Checklist, Monthly and Weekly Calendars, a Moving Budget Breakdown, a Cleaning Checklist, an Important Contacts Sheet, and MORE! Basically, it does all of the thinking for you so you can stress less and just check things off one at a time. Basically, if you’re moving, you NEED to get your hands on this ready-to-print binder. {Trust me now, and thank me later.}
2. Purge & Declutter – Use the months and weeks before your move to purge & declutter. The less stuff you have, the less you have to pack and move. Not only with this save you time and money in the long run, but it will also help get you cleaned up and organized. Consider having a garage sale, selling unwanted items online, or donating to charities, thrift stores, or friends.
3. Collect Boxes – As soon as you know you’re moving, start collecting boxes! Every time we move, I’m amazed at how many we end up going through. Here are 17 places where you can get free boxes.
4. Packing Supplies Station – Before you actually dive into the packing, consider setting up a supplies station. Just grab everything you’ll be needing (packing tape, scissors, sharpies, and labels) and throw them in a basket or box that you can tote around with you as you pack the different rooms of the house. (By the way, I totally recommend retractable sharpie markers so you aren’t constantly losing and looking for the cap.)
5. Prep Crockpot Meals – Meal planning and cooking always gets challenging once you start packing up the house. And fast food meals can get old (and expensive) fast. That’s why we LOVE this tip: prep some freezer crockpot meals in advance! That way you can pack everything in the kitchen except for your crockpot. And when you’re busy packing all day, you don’t have to worry about making dinner – just dump it and forget it. (We totally recommend using paper plates, cups, and utensils during this phase. That way you don’t have to worry about dishes at all.) If you don’t go through all of your crockpot meals, you’ll be super grateful for them in your new house when you’re busy unpacking and settling in. Just use your cooler to transport them on moving day.
6. Budget & Save – Before your move, we highly suggest sitting down and filling out this Moving Budget Breakdown and starting a moving savings fund. It’s no secret that moving can be expensive and costs can add up quickly! Don’t forget that many companies will charge you a first month’s deposit and a one-time set-up fee when turning on your utilities at your new house. There’s nothing more stressful than unexpected expenses when you’re already in the middle of a costly transition.
7. Schedule Utilities to be Set-Up – Speaking of utilities, this is one step you do NOT want to forget. Moving is stressful enough without adding in the worries of no water, heat, or electricity. Keep in mind that many companies won’t set up service over the weekend so you’ll want to call to schedule and make arrangements well in advance. Often, you’ll need to be at the house when the serviceman arrives to turn on the gas or set up the internet. We highly recommend filling out this Important Contact Sheet with the phone numbers for your new utility companies, just in case you need them. (When we moved last month, we had to call the water company because they accidentally went to the wrong house. I was super glad I had kept their information and my account number handy.) TIP: There is a free online service, Allconnect, that helps you find utilities (like internet, TV, and electricity) available to you at your new address. All you have to do is type in your address and it will provide you with the best utility options, prices, and plans near you.
8. Prepare the Kids – This is one tip that a lot of people forget. Remember that moving can be a huge transition and a little scary for a lot of kids, even if they don’t tell you so. Even though you’re going to be super busy, make sure to take a little time to talk to your kids and help ease any fears and anxieties they may have. These children’s books about moving, like Bella and Stella Come Home, Katie Moves, and Boomers Big Day are a great way to start the conversation with young children. (And here are some tips for helping teens transition.) Try to make the move a fun experience by letting them play with the boxes, researching fun things to do in your new town, and having picnics on the floor once the furniture is broken down. (Our first night in our new house, we had a family slumber party in the loft because we didn’t have time to put beds together and it has turned into such a sweet memory.)
