Moving 101
Whether this is your first big move or your fifth one, it’s a large undertaking for anyone. Normally, the excitement distracts you from the task at hand and your positive outlook can quickly be consumed with stress. No fear - we’re here to help you by giving you our top tips and tricks when it comes to moving. Consider it our Moving 101 class at Life In Jeneral.
Here’s the thing — one way or another, your things will make it to your new home. By worrying about it, you’re just adding stress to a situation that can be made easier and painless with a few simple tweaks. Read on for how to accomplish a simpler, stress-free move. Good luck!
Jen’s tips for an Easy Move
Before you do anything, it’s time for a big PURGE. We’re talking a tornado through the entire house, go-through-absolutely-everything purge. By doing this, you will not only make your move more seamless, only items that you truly want are then moved to your new location. Rid yourself of having unknown, duplicate or old items that are no longer serving you. What greater gift to start fresh in a new home filled with only your favorite things! Add in some good moving karma when you take the time to sort and donate these items to a good cause.
Questions to help the purge process:
When was this last used?
Is there proper storage for it in my new home?
Does it make me happy?
Does it still fit?
Is it damaged or stained?
Now that you’re dealing with the best of the best, it’s time to organize before you make the move. No, we’re not joking. Hear us out — once you arrive in your new home, the last thing you’re going to want to do is take everything out of the boxes and be left with the massive job of organizing. This is a moment for takeout and your drink of choice! Take your power back by doing the heavy lifting before the big day comes. Label your boxes by room and then keep like items together. Get as specific as you can. For example, if you’re packing up the bathroom, create micro labels including but not limited to under the sink storage, medicine cabinet, linens, shower/bath etc.
As soon as you’re given your shiny new keys, head into your new home and take it all in. When you’ve taken a few deep breaths, admired your new digs and revived your excitement for the move, it’s time to get down to business. The next lesson in our Moving 101 class is to map out your space.
If you’re having custom closets or drawers installed, make sure they’re all finished up. Map out where you’ll be putting everything and make it stick (by using post-it notes.) Consider daily routines and efficiency when setting up rooms and create functional, efficient spaces for everyone in the home. By doing this, you help to create systems and flows that will set you up for long term success.. and most importantly, happiness. Since we’ve already gone through everything and have a better idea of the total quantity of items we’re moving in, you can plan how things will fit and where. (Now’s the time to pat yourself on the back for saving so much time and energy.) When you’re in your new home, take everything out of the boxes and place things in their new home. Only at the end of putting everything in its place should you go through and label. Crossing this finish line is where the magic happens, trust us — run all the way through the race!
Congratulations, you’ve passed our Moving 101 class and completed your big move (hopefully with flying colors!) Moving is no small feat, but it doesn’t have to be a memory filled with dread and stress. By taking these extra steps to create a seamless move-in, you’re not only creating a happy memory, but you’re setting up your new house to be a home as soon as you step through the door.
Consider where to invest your time. Moving can take up a lot of time and energy. Should you have the means to outsource some of the heavy lifting (literally), look into what services are available around you. Here at Life In Jeneral, we handle from start to finish for your entire move. As always, we’re here for you. If you have any additional questions regarding an upcoming move, send us a note and we’ll be happy to help.
