Few things are more stressful in life than moving, even if your new location isn’t too far away. First, you have to sort through mounds of stuff you’ve accumulated throughout the years, and then you have to deal with packing and transporting it to your new location. The work isn’t over when you’re finally in your new place. You then get to sort through mountains of boxes as you try to find a new home for your prized possessions.
Just thinking about moving is enough to make anyone tired! Fortunately, embarking on a local move doesn’t have to be stressful if you first take some time to get organized.
These are a few tips to keep in mind to make even the most difficult move more manageable:
1. Be specific with your labels
It can be tempting to throw everything in a box and worry about it later, but that will only complicate things. Instead, organize your boxes by room and be specific with the label. For example, instead of storing pots and pans in a box labeled “Kitchen,” use a phrase like “Kitchen Cabinet Pots and Pans” and take guessing out of the equation.
Being specific with your labels also helps you prioritize so you can unpack your most important items first and save the rest for later.
2. Organize by color
Designate a specific marker or colored sticker for each room in your house and use them on your labels. This will make it easier to quickly identify your items when you get to your new place.
3. Keep clothes on their hangers
One of the best ways to move clothes from your closet is to keep them on their hangers and wrap a large bag around them from the bottom. Put a rubber band around the necks of the hangers to keep them all together, and then transport the entire bag to your new closet. At this point, you can hang them on the new rack and remove the bag. Easy!
4. Research traffic patterns
The last thing you want to do during your move is to sit in traffic. Pay attention to the busy travel times in your area, and schedule your local move during a time when traffic won’t be an issue.
Weekends tend to be more popular (and more expensive) for moves, so if you can schedule your move during an “off” day or season, you might save some money and time.
5. Use coolers for perishable foods
It can be tempting to throw away everything in your fridge, but if you’re moving locally, then your refrigerated foods should be fine for a few hours in coolers or insulated bags.
6. Take lots of photos
Before you start packing, take a photo of your furniture and décor. After you move, you’ll be able to see which items will look best in each room before you start sorting through boxes.
If you’re renting, photos can come in handy in case you need proof of any pre-existing damages or issues you need your landlord to address.
Local moves aren’t always fun, but they don’t have to be stressful! Taking some time to get organized can help you relax and enjoy the excitement of moving to a new place.