Getting Organised for The Big Move
If you've just bought a house and are madly organizing the big move, here are 5 handy tips to get you on your way to a smoother, stress-reduced relocation.
1. De-clutter
Look at your current possessions and get rid of anything that isn’t significant or valuable to you and your family. AKA: Do you really need to keep all those old menu leaflets, unused cookbooks, burnt pans, stained pillow cases, or gifts you never really liked?
As Laura Gaskill writes, “When you are considering whether to keep an item, imagine packing it, physically carrying it from your old house to the new one and unpacking it. Is it worth the effort?”
If you haven’t used it or worn it in years, it’s time to go. Moving is a good excuse for a yard sale or to donate to your local thrift store.
2. Back it up
Back up your photos and important documents onto a hard drive or USB. This will prevent stress because you will know that you've got copies of your important files (and memories) stowed somewhere safe.
3. Get snap happy
Take a photo of the back of electronics such as your TV, dvd player, stereo, and computers BEFORE everything is unhooked. This will save you the hassle of trying to match everything back up later and it's much easier than labeling every wire by hand. Instead, just refer to the photo on your phone or camera, and join the dots!
4. Hanging clothes
Rather than packing up all of your hanging clothes into valuable suitcase space, simply take small bunches of hangers (complete with clothes), tie them together (a bit of string or good elastic band works well), and pull a bin bag (or similar) over the top. Poke a hole in the base of the bag to slip the metal hanger through. This is so simple to move - just lay the clothes bunches flat in the car or van and hang straight back up. Ta-da!
5. Make an “Essentials” box
Once you’re in your new home, there’s a good chance you will just want to clean and relax before the unpacking begins. Having an “essentials” box will save you rushing out to the store late at night, or searching through all your boxes for those handy little items. Mark the box so it stands out. Include items such as toilet paper, toothbrush/toothpaste, pajamas, face wipes, coffee, snacks, throw out plates, cups and cutlery, trash bags, towels, light bulbs, basic tools, cleaning supplies and water bottles.
Bonus tip: Stay organized with a moving binder. Keep details of fundamental info such as your moving or truck rental company, to-do lists, important phone numbers, zip lock bag with USBs, insurance, and keys.