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20 Tricks and Tips for an

Organized Move

by Maria Gracia Updated October 4, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some 20 tricks and tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move. 1. Use a Moving Checklist. Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move. There is one already thought out for you in my Get Organized Now! Easy Organizer. 2. Leave it behind. Avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won't be using. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later. 3. Get rid of clutter. Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale. 4. Don’t skimp on your moving service.  Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine. 5. Enlist any help you can get. You will get a lot more done with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, get them to help too. 6. Box it. Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they’re clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc….but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them. 7. Use the A-B-C System. Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won’t need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order. 8. Wrap it. You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy-duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. Kraft paper and shock-resistant corrugated paper also make excellent wrapping materials, provide cushioning and lining. 9. Mark it. Sharpies are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile, or this side up. Always identify contents of boxes in clear, bold, easy-to-be seen writing…and on all sides of the box. 10. Label it. As you’re packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different color for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you’ll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding removable colored sticker on the door frame of the room that the box will be delivered to. 11. Lighten up. Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you’re packing. 12. Pack room-by-room. Pack on a room- by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking. 13. Pack early. Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc. 14. Order address labels. Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a small amount of money to cover any postage costs. 15. Make a survival kit. Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it’s too late to unpack or the movers didn’t show up. Helpful items to include might be: non- perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flash light, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone. 16. Have someone watch the kids. If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won’t be interrupting your progress and you’ll accomplish more. 17. Use the one room rule. Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you’ll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities. 18. Make it pet safe. If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. It’s best to have a large cage for them while your doors are open and the movers are moving in and out. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don’t leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days. 19. Make the first night special. Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. Dinner can be take-out Chinese food or pizza, of course, but do something afterwards. Watch a movie together or have a game night. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress. 20. Devise a plan. Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly. Back to Moving Index