How to Get Organized for a Move

If you've ever had to move before, you know that it is one of the most stressful and chaotic experiences in life. You're packing up your entire life and deciding where everything goes. It can be very overwhelming, especially if you haven't moved in a while. So how do you get organized for a move? Whether it is your first or fifth time moving, there are always steps to make the process easier. Starting early is key, so here are some steps you can take to get organized for your next move.

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Make a list of everything that must be packed

Start by making a list of all the items in your house that need to be moved. This may seem like an obvious first step, but sometimes it's easy to forget little things that eventually add up. Write down every book on your bookshelf, every picture and knickknack (you'll be surprised by how much stuff you own), and every piece of furniture. Keep this list with you as you pack to ensure nothing gets forgotten. You can never be too prepared, so it's best to take the time now to list everything you own and what needs to be packed.

See also: Moving Timeline – Week by Week Moving Checklist

Break it down into categories

One trick that people often use for packing is breaking down everything you own into categories. You can have a box for books, a box for your bathroom items, and so on. It makes the process more manageable when you don't have to pack hundreds of similar items in one container. Plus, it also looks nice when you arrive at your new home and have an organized way to unpack.

Create an inventory of your belongings

Take this list and go through every item one by one, taking note of the exact condition, size, and any important information or serial numbers. Taking photos is also helpful, so you have a visual of all your possessions. This step is important because it gives the person packing everything up an idea of what to expect and how much space everything will take up.

See also: How to Perform a Home Inventory when Moving

Color code moving boxes

This is something you can do as you pack. You can use different colored markers or stickers to mark similar items' boxes. For example, all your books will be in one box, and your clothes will be packed up together. This saves time on moving day because it's easier to find specific items when they can all be found in one box.

Also Read: Box Labeling Tips

Note any damage or stains on each item

Sometimes people forget about how things get damaged during a move, and the person who ends up receiving everything has no idea what to expect. In addition to noting the condition of your belongings, you should also take a moment to write down any damages, stains, or missing pieces. This can be especially useful if you plan on selling items during or after the move.

Make a list of any new purchases before the move-out date

It's always good to have a running list of any new purchases, and this is especially true for your upcoming move. If you don't do this step ahead of time, you may find yourself rushing to the store a few days before your move, and that can be very stressful. Keep a list of any new items you purchase during this time, so it's easier to keep track of everything moving forward.

Make a list of things you will need after the move-out date

In addition to what you will need before the move, it's also a good idea to keep track of everything you are planning on needing after the move. This includes anything from toiletries to appliances. You don't want to find yourself rushing into Walmart at midnight two days before you move out because you forgot your toothbrush or your new shampoo.

Pack a box of items to donate

Partway through the moving process, you'll start to have a lot of extra space in your boxes and containers. This is an excellent time to pack up any items that won't be missed from your home and can be donated or given away. If you're unsure of where to donate items, check with your local Goodwill or Salvation Army to find out what they need and if there is a donation pick-up service available.

Be efficient with packing liquids

Most people forget to think about all the liquids they'll need for their move. Well, if you don't want your clothes and other items to be ruined en route to your new home, it's a good idea to take care of these items early in the process. A good idea is to buy your liquids earlier in the process, or if you're not planning on buying any new bottles of shampoo or detergent before moving out, then pack up what you already have.

Consider a moving truck

If you're not sure how efficient your car is going to be when it comes to moving, then you may want to consider renting a moving truck. This will ensure that all your items arrive unscathed and in good condition without taking up too much space in your vehicle. It also saves time because you won't have to worry about taking multiple trips or getting lost like you would if you were using a car.

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Bottom Line

Moving can be a very stressful event, but it doesn't have to be if you take the proper precautions ahead of time. Taking a few simple steps can make moving day much easier and less hectic for everyone involved. The more organized you are, the better off everyone will be on move-out day.

FAQs

What is a popular method for getting organized for a move? 

There are many different techniques people use to get organized for a move. One of the more popular techniques is writing down all your purchases before the move-out date and marking the boxes containing similar items with different colored stickers or markers. This makes it easier to sort through all your boxes and ensure nothing is missing.

What are some tips for packing liquids?

It's always a good idea to pack your liquid items early in the moving process. You can do this by either purchasing them early or, if you already have what you need at home, then pack up those bottles as soon as possible. Liquids can be very messy and difficult to transport, so taking care of them as early as possible will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

What is a good option for renting furniture?

Many people rent furniture if they don't own any pieces that won't fit into their new home or if they're planning on eventually replacing these items. This is also an appealing option because you don't have to worry about selling your old furniture or finding a buyer if you're moving into a new home that isn't already furnished.

How does renting a truck save time?

You won't have to worry about hiring a moving company or renting a U-Haul for your move if you're planning on renting a truck. This will save you time because you won't have to spend any additional money, and it can be much easier juggling all your belongings in one vehicle rather than multiple smaller ones.

See also: Best Moving Companies in the U.S.

What is a popular reason why people consider renting a truck?

People often rent trucks if they don't want to risk damage to their car or plan on moving more items than what will comfortably fit into their vehicle. This can make hauling all your things much easier if you plan to rent a truck. Also, it might be challenging to find parking for your vehicle in some areas depending on how accessible public transit is.

What is the difference between a mover and a rental truck?

A mover is an individual or company that will transport all your belongings to your new home. On the other hand, renting a truck simply refers to the act of renting a vehicle with which you can transport these items on your own. A moving service also offers additional services such as organizing your things for transport and unpacking them in your new home.

What are some helpful tips when moving with children?

If you're planning on taking the kids along with you during the move, it's essential to keep them entertained while packing up all their belongings so they don't get tired of helping. You could show them where everything goes once you arrive at your new home or give them more personal items to box up on their own.

What are some common problems people run into when moving?

Common problems include losing important paperwork, forgetting about breakables, and dealing with hidden damage due to poor packing techniques. It's essential to take the time to ensure that nothing is forgotten or overlooked before you go ahead and start moving.

What are some common packing mistakes?

The three most common packing mistakes include:

• Not labeling items clearly.
• Failing to protect fragile items.
• Leaving too much space in boxes.

These simple steps will help reduce the risk of damage during transport and ensure that all your belongings arrive safely at their new location without being damaged.

What are some tips for hiring a moving company?

There are many benefits to hiring a moving company, including the fact that they can transport all your items in one vehicle, so you won't have to worry about renting multiple trucks or hiring multiple movers for the job. This will allow you to save time and money throughout the moving process because all your belongings are being moved in one fell swoop rather than being broken up into multiple different shipments or requiring multiple trips with a truck or U-Haul.

How does hiring a moving company save you money?

Hiring a moving company to complete your relocation can help save you money because it's often cheaper than renting a truck and hiring an entirely new workforce of movers for the task. This will spare you the time and effort that comes with compiling all these workers and your belongings into a single-vehicle for transport.

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