Moving Tips 101

Whether it's across the street or out of the country, moving an entire household is no easy task. I would know because I am moving tomorrow. Although my move will be just a trip across town, my type A personality has forced me to make lists, do rereplacement online, and go through every closet, desk, and drawer more than once.

But even if you take a more laidback approach to moving day, here are A Few Easy Tips To Help The Move Go More Smoothly:

Organize, Organize, Organize

Don't underestimate the power of knowing where things should be, and finding them there. This rule would ldeally apply to everything all the time, but during a move, it's especially important.

Label boxes with the appropriate room's name. Make piles to give away, to recycle, to donate, to sell, and to keep.

Order the truck/movers ahead of time. On moving day, organize boxes and furniture in the truck to keep rooms together, if possible. Know who's coming to help you and which pizza place is delivering your lunch on the day of the big move.

Order takeout.  Have a fun, festive "Last Supper" at the old place, then order takeout for the day-of move - and the first meal in the new place. It's so much easier than waiting until the last minute to finish packing up the kitchen, and there's something about eating Chinese takeout on paper plates that is pleasantly reminiscent of Ramen noodle college days.

Purge Before Packing

If you don't intend to do this, I'd strongly reconsider. Moving into a new space is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. That being said, don't go overboard. It's easy to get caught up in clearing things out, but remember that replacing things costs time and money, so even if those towels are a little threadbare, make sure that you can afford to let them go.

Start Earlier Than You Think You Should

Moving takes time, especially if you intend to purge before packing. Start a few months before the big day and your move will go much more smoothly. 

More importanty, remember that time is money, and that time is valuable. The longer you wait, the more you will be tempted to throw away something sound or worse, neglect something obvious, because you are strapped for time. So remember: Early is on time and on time is late!

Write It Down!

I can not emphasize enough the power of organization. Not only does moving mean you have to shake up your old, dusty decoration boxes, but you have to do things you might let slide 'til the last minute - like deal with the address switch. This involves remembering to forward mail from the post office, change your address in (many, many) online accounts, and send out an alert email to friends and family who want to update their address books. Or, you know, iCals.

One way to keep yourself in check is to create a master list of tasks that need to be accomplished one month, two weeks, one week, one day before the move, and stick to it.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

So often, we tend to think that we can do it all by ourselves. That we don't need help and that asking for any is a sign of weakness. I am here to tell you that NO, this is not the case! I don't know where I would be today if my mom had not helped me pack, label, and stack for this move. And I still remember the Great Relocation of '08, when two high school buddies came to help me move out of a college apartment at the last minute. Many tears and unneccessary trips to the dumpster were spared that night with just a little help from my friends.

So, in closing, I just want to emphasize a few key points:

1: Organize.

2. Purge.

3. Ask for help

And finally, and possibly most importantly,

4. Start sooner than you think you should.

Follow these tips, and soon you will hold the keys to your new, organized home!

Any moving tips or tricks you'd like to share? We know you have them! Please tell us in the comments section below!

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