We are in to prepping for the move full force now (I also have Billy Joel stuck in my head). I am so behind on my blog reading and I really miss being on here. I thought that since I am working on moving, I might as well share with you my personal moving tips. The very sad truth is that I have packed up and moved myself 15 times since 1998. So, I know a little bit about moving and packing and what you should and should not do. Here are my tips.
Don't ever get rid of all your boxes. Keep the really good sturdy ones for the next go round. Put them under your house, in the attic, garage, or basement - you never know when you will need em!
Pack up your decorative stuff first, since that will take some of the most prep work to keep it safe and intact. This is also the stuff you don't "need" to live day in and day out in your home. Next, pack the books, DVD's, CDs, off season clothes, and other things that you don't need every day. I also pack up non necessary kitchen appliances, cookware, baking dishes, and serving dishes that aren't part of the regular rotation.
Make sure you have an extra roll of packing tape, extra packing paper and extra moving boxes. Great free box sources that I have used include Chick-fil-a Waffle Fry Boxes (very sturdy and perfect "moving" size), Avon boxes (with the lid - oh these are the BOMB!), and boxes from the Liquor store. The little wine bottle inserts are great for keeping your glassware safe or creating little cubbies to manage packing small stuff.
Buy LOTS of Magic Erasers! These bad boys are fantastic for buffing out scratches and scuffs on your walls. Also, assess your cleaning supplies to see if you need some extra to use on your post move clean out. (No one offered to give me anything to say that - I just love em!)
Don't put it in the box if you aren't going to use it when you unpack it. Start a Goodwill box that you can toss that stuff in as you go.
Invest in some decent disposable plates, bowls, cups and flatware to use once you packed up your regular kitchen dishes. I also pickup a couple quick microwave meals to cook those last couple nights to ease your prep and clean up while you are taping up boxes.
Pack a "open me" first box. Mine includes the following
- Coffee pot and coffee (Priorities people!)
- A mug (Yep - made that mistake ONCE.)
- Trash bags
- A shower curtain liner, set of towels, and a bath mat
- Toilet Paper
- A roll of paper towels
- A set of sheets and a blanket
- Food bowels for the pets
- Basic toiletries
Use your luggage to pack your clothes! Don't ever move luggage empty - that is a huge waste of easily rollable space! Also pack things in trash cans and laundry baskets.
Scope out your rooms before the move and ensure you have a lamp ready for any room that doesn't have an overhead light.
As you pack your electronics, use file labels or masking tape to wrap around the cord and write what it goes to on it. This is a great way for making sure you don't misplace them or get them mixed up.
Try to plan your move so you have time built in at the end to be able to clean your old place. I like to plan a weekend to move and a weekend to clean.
Label your boxes in whatever system helps you manage where they go in the new place and how urgently you need to open them. Typically I write what is in the box and if it is FRAGILE or not. I try to be as descriptive as possible.
So those are my tips. Do have any moving tips you swear by? Trust me - I would love to hear them if you do!
