At that age, we didn't have a lot of belongings and we had the help of our parents to get the larger things from point A to point B. The move was a total of twenty miles one way and there was not an ounce of organization to be seen. We were basically starting from scratch.
I get asked quite frequently about tips and tricks for moving, and in my mind I know exactly how I would do it, however, until it really happens it is hard to offer any type of real life advice.
That is where my amazing contributor, Casey from Pretty Organized, comes in! She is here to share her top tips for moving and staying organized while doing it!
Hi, IHeart Organizers!! I'm excited to share some big news with you guys: we bought a house!! While we're getting prepared for the big move, I figured I'd share a few tips with you, too. Here are my top five tips for staying sane & organized during this overwhelming {and exciting!} process.
Moving Tip #1: Start packing WAY in advance
We all tend to underestimate how much "stuff" we really have. At least a month before you move, start packing up the non-essentials. Start with out-of-season clothing, decorations, spare linens, and tools & small appliances that you won't be using regularly. As your moving date gets closer, you can start packing up the items you can live without short-term as you continue to pack & pare things down to the bare essentials. Packing always takes longer than you think, and you definitely DON'T want to be the person who's still packing when your friends arrive to help on moving day!
Moving Tip #2: Don't move junk
Don't just mindlessly pack up all of your junk & move it to the next house. Take the opportunity to declutter as much as you can with a "take no prisoners" approach! If you don't love it or use it, don't waste your time & money packing, shipping, and unpacking it. There are a bunch of charities that will actually come pick up your donations for you. Habitat for Humanity for example. Just place it in a "giveaway" box & let them do the rest of the work!
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Moving Tip #3: Stock up on good storage boxes & supplies
As far as free boxes, I prefer getting them from liquor stores instead of the grocery store. Liquor store boxes are awesome because they usually have a bunch of sizes, handy dividers, sturdy sides, & built-in handles. They are also less likely to contain rotten produce or scary bugs!
Specialty moving boxes can be helpful, too. Wardrobe boxes are a convenient way to store, move, and organize clothing without taking it off the hanger, and shrink wrap is fantastic for covering the tops of drawers so that you can keep the contents inside without worrying about spills. {It's great for covering silverware organizers, too!}
Don't forget to use containers you already have! Everything from the crockpot to your suitcases can hold items when you move.
Also, use your stuff to help cushion delicate items. Clean clothes & towels work really well and can save you a bunch of money on bubble wrap. You're also pulling double-duty in the packing department!
Moving Tip #4: Label, label, color code, and label!
Whether you get specialty labels or use color-coded Sharpies & duct tape, labeling your boxes will help everyone stay organized when you move. Be specific & keep like items together. Try not to have fifty boxes labeled "Miscellaneous" -- you won't enjoy digging through them later! If you have a big house, you may want to put a sign up on each room so people can easily figure out where everything goes & deliver boxes to the correct area without having to ask you for help. Oh, and when you label your boxes, make sure you label all of the sides so that you don't have to dig & turn everything to see what goes where!
Moving Tip #5: Have a "First Night Survival" box
Pack at least one box with the basics you'll need to survive the first day or two. Label it in a different color & pack it last so that it's easy to find. It can include an overnight bag with clothes & toiletries, basic cooking utensils, some toilet paper, shower supplies, phone chargers, etc. Nothing is more frustrating than having to look through thirty boxes trying to find your toothbrush!
What are your favorite tips & tricks to help make moving easier?
We are getting close to our move-in date & I'd love to hear your ideas -- please share in the comments below!
"My name is Casey, and I live in a sweet, tiny little house in Delaware with my hubby & our two adorable rescue dogs. As a longtime fan of Jen's phenomenal organizing skills, I am absolutely THRILLED to be a contributor for IHeart Organizing! I used to be a total mess, but after I let go of the idea of “perfect,” I found freedom. I stopped trying to fit the mold & learned how to make organization work with my natural habits, and I have become obsessed with creative organizing solutions ever since! When I'm not drooling over the latest amazing project features over here, you can find me happily tinkering away on my own blog, Pretty Organized, where I share my addiction to aesthetics, small space storage ideas, DIY projects, and all things aqua!"*header image found here
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