It’s no secret that moving from one home to another can be stressful, expensive and not to mention, time consuming. Her are some tips from professional home organizer Meghan Siddall Streamlined Living.
As a professional organizer, I frequently work with clients who are in the process of moving. Here are 8 ways to save you time, money and hassle during the moving process!
1
It’s a waste of time and money to pack items you’re just going to throw away once you unpack
-Expired medications (prescription and over the counter)
-Old newspapers and magazines
-Random disposable utensils (chop sticks come to mind)
-Partially burned candles
-Items with a missing corresponding lid (food storage, travel mugs, water bottles)
-Half used toiletries you no longer use
-Orphaned socks
-Old makeup
*Basically if you don’t use it and won’t miss it, get rid of it!
2
Clean out your fridge and pantry before packing
If you don’t do this on a regular basis, then you DEFINTELY should go through your fridge, freezer and pantry and toss anything expired. Also, consider donating those food items you know you’re never going to use but aren’t yet expired. This is also the perfect time to purge those sauce packets from your favorite take out or fast food restaurants as well as well as any delivery menus you know you’re never going to use.
3
Take a picture of the back of your electronics to make set up easy
Figuring out what plugs in where, when it comes to the back of your TV, can be a headache. There's a super simple solution for that! Take a picture before you unplug everything. Even better, take masking tape, write what the cord goes to and wrap it around the cords so it wraps around and back onto itself creating a tag. Then take the picture so you can read the labels. Then unplug everything, wrap them up and when it comes time to plug them back in, you're good to go!
4
Measure, measure, measure and measure once more
It is so frustrating for you (and the movers) if you try to fit large furniture through a small or narrow entry. Be sure to measure doorways as well as those places in the house that only offer tight turn areas (doorways at the end of a stairwell come to mind). I’ve witnessed this happen a few times when unpacking clients on moving day. It’s frustrating for everyone involved!
5
Pack Smarter not harder
No need to remove items from drawers to pack into a box! Use plastic wrap or Press and Seal to pack up drawers and even your desk tray and silverware. But not your junk drawer!! (see #6)
6
Confront the junk drawer
Decide if the random items in the drawer are something you truly need. Do you need those random twist ties? How about that dried up tube of Super Glue? Will you use these items in the next house or can you part with these things before moving?
7
Space Saver bags could also be called bed saver bags
The jumbo vacuum space saver bags are a great way to pack your bedding so you can easily set up the beds in your new home! They also work great for space effective storage of your extra blankets and pillows in the new home.
8
Donate Smart
If during all those hours and hours of preparing to move, you decide you can part with gently used items that are still in good shape, look into one of the several charities that will pick up your donations from your home. Epilepsy Foundation, Vietnam Veterans of America, ARC, Habitat for Humanity Restore are just a few example charities that will pick up your items. This website may have more options according to your zip code.
Visit donationtown.org to find a location near you.
+ Local Support
Our goal is to remove the stress and anxiety that can come with moving and all around homeownership by supporting you with a whole lot more than what you may expect from a real estate team.
Our job doesn't end the day you move in, that's the day it truly begins and we wouldn't have it any other way! We're here to support you with all things home related.
One of our absolute favorite resources comes from a local business called Streamlined Living.
Streamlined Living is our #1 recommended company for support with organizing and unpacking. Whether you're looking to clean up a few troublesome ares, take charge of your whole home or just want some professional help unpacking, Steamined Living should be your first call every time.
Call Streamlined Living at (303) 501-2496 or visit them online at Streamlinedco.com
Not only can they help you unpack, they also do whole home organization. You know that troublesome spot that you just can't seem to keep clutter free? That's where Streamlined Living excels!!
Ask for Meghan and tell her LIVLUX sent you to receive 10% off your first service.
