For most, moving is stressful, time-consuming, and challenging. For some, it’s all in a day’s work.
Growing up near the US Naval Base in Groton, CT many of my childhood friends were from military families. Kids came and went each summer as their fathers and mothers were transferred to their next post. I think back to those days as the dog days of summer are upon us…military families everywhere are starting the arduous task of moving again. But, was it really that arduous for them? In reality, some of these families were expert movers. One friend’s family moved 26 times in 30 years. They had moved so many times they could pack and unpack at break-neck speed, creating a warm and inviting home overnight.
In my non-military community in northern New Jersey it’s not that much different. Summer is upon us and families are on the move — maybe just across town but it’s still moving, in the worse sense of the word. Moving is high on the list of stressors for most, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you’re planning a move, consider these Smartly Organized tips to make moving smooth and easy:
1. Create a Personalized Moving Binder.
Use a 3-ring notebook with dividers and pockets to keep all your real-estate paperwork, bids, contracts, floor plans, measurements, and photos together. Include a calendar for scheduling and tracking your to-do list.
2. Start Planning Your Move Early.
Sorting, purging, organizing, and packing takes time — lots of it. Start with items or spaces that are seldom-used, like holiday dishes or the guest room. Be sure to build in extra time and spare boxes, especially if you’re packing on your own.
3. Purge before Moving.
The tendency of most people is to pack it all and figure it out later. DON’T. DO. THIS. Someone once said, “Don’t trash your move by moving your trash.” Moving companies will pack every last leftover soy sauce from Chinese take-out–so you need to purge now.
4. Goodwill or Good Fortune?
Do you want to sell or donate furniture or other items? CraigsList, eBay, estate sales, consignment, or garage sales are all fabulous ways to recoup a few bucks but don’t wait or you will be leaving money on the table. See #2 above. Even donating items can be challenging with the stricter guidelines at various centers.
5. Pack for the Unpack.
Think about your new space and pack accordingly. Don’t just pack up each room in your current home and assume it will be unpacked exactly the same on the other side. Spaces rarely align. When unpacking, it’s key to see all the items in a particular category before assigning a new home. Consolidate by category when packing.
6. Pack for your First Night.
There’s nothing worse than rummaging through boxes looking for your child’s favorite bedtime story, your toothbrush, or medications. Create an Open Me First box as well as an Essentials box with things like toilet paper, cleaning products, and pet food. The first night in your new home will go much more smoothly.
7. Unpack like a Pro after Moving.
Have all your tools and supplies handy: box cutter, furniture sliders, hammer, picture hanging hooks, light bulbs, etc. Unpack the kitchen first, then set up beds, and finally bathrooms. Purge again while you are unpacking. Flatten boxes as you go and recycle gently-used moving boxes to others to free up space.
If all this gives you angst, consider hiring a professional organizer to help. Like military families on
the move, a professional organizer can help you every step of the way and get you unpacked and settled into your new home with speed and precision.
As for me, I did get too close to one particular friend and lived through middle school in fear that her father would be transferred yet again (I think she’d moved every year until 6th grade). Luckily, by the end of middle school her father retired and decided to stay in Connecticut. Ironically, their last and final move many years later was to a house closer than ever to my own parents. And they did it with the same military precision, as always!