The Key to a Successful Move: Organization
Tips for making your move smooth and stress-free!
If you’ve moved before, you know there are a thousand details to keep track of and it pays to be organized from the start. If you haven’t experienced a move to a new home, these tips will be especially helpful in keeping you sane and your move on track.
Keep a Binder
Two or three months before your move create a binder specifically for your move and organize it into the following categories:
Checklists. Download our Ayer Moving Timeline for a Successful Move so you know what needs to be done before, during, and after your move.
Utilities. Keep track of utility contact information, appointments, utility contracts and pricing for the utilities in your new location. Also, collect and store info on your current utility companies so you will have information at hand when setting up utilities for your new home.
Moving Companies. Keep estimates from potential moving companies here and when you’ve signed a contract, keep it in this section.
Household Inventory. Available online or from your mover, fill out an inventory sheet so you know exactly what you own and what you will be taking with you.
Schedules. Print blank monthly calendar sheets from WORD and fill in information such as your home inspection date, final home walk-through, real estate closing, moving day and time, utility hook-up times, and more.
Loan Documents. Keep your loan documents here for easy reference until after the move; you can then file them in your home office.
Receipts. Use this section for all purchase receipts that pertain to your move or house. Receipts such as for the purchase of a ceiling fan, faucet, or door lock. If you need to return or exchange anything, the receipt will be easy to locate.
Builder. Place builder contracts, warranties, and other important paperwork here relative to building a home, renovations, or maintenance.
Donations. In preparation for your move, chances are you will donate furnishings and household goods to charitable organizations. Keep a list of all donations and donation receipts in this section.
Important Documents. Place copies of important medical records, school records, and financial documents that you may need to put your hands on in a hurry during the move.
Add some blank notepaper and a few pens so you can jot down important information on the fly.
Use a Color-coded System
Round sticker labels in different colors can be used on boxes and furniture to indicate in which room it is to be placed by the movers. A matching colored paper hung on each room’s door will direct movers to the correct location.
You can write the details of the contents of each box and place the colored sticker on the label, so you will tell at a glance what is in each box and where it is to go.
Create a Packing Strategy
Plan your packing room-by-room. Prioritize the rooms, beginning with the rooms containing non-essentials. This might be a spare bedroom/bathroom, playroom, or the basement or attic. The kitchen and bedrooms should be packed last. Download the guide Tips from the Professional Packers at Ayer Moving.
Use Zip-Top Bags for Toys
Use freezer zip-top bags to keep small toys and their parts together. The bags can then be placed into a box labeled with its contents and destination. This works for toiletries, office supplies, and kitchen utensils. To estimate the number of boxes and supplies you’ll need, use a packing calculator from realtor.com.
Prevent Cord and Cable Tangles
Tie up electric cords and cables and place them inside baggies. Each bag can be taped to its device, or as an option, fold the cord and slip it inside an empty toilet paper roll. Write the name of the device to which the cord belongs on the roll.
Moving Day Essentials Bag
Make a list of what you will need on moving day. This may include medications, basic toiletries, baby necessities, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, pet essentials, snacks, and bottled water. You might also include your wallet, extra car keys, and credit cards, as well as any important documents you may need.
Also include any electronics you use on a regular basis – your phone and tablet, for example, along with their chargers. Pack a change of clothes, pajamas, socks and underwear.
If you are moving with children, you can pack an essentials bag for each of them with a change of clothes, favorite snacks and drinks, basic toiletries, and games, a tablet, coloring book, reading materials and special blankets or stuffed animals.
Create a Tool Basket
Put basic tools in a carryall, like a basket, that you may need during your move-out and move-in. You can simply grab the basket and move it from room to room where it is needed to complete a quick fix-it.
Helpful Moving Apps
Use the power of technology to help you organize your move. Here are some you can check out:
Sortly– Described as “the ultimate organizer app,” Sortly helps users create a visual inventory of their belongings with photos, tags, notes, and more.
Nextdoor– Connect with neighbors, sell household belongings and find local home improvement professionals with the Nextdoor mobile app.
LetGo – Need to purge your stuff before a move? This mobile app makes it easy to sell your belongings at the touch of a button.
Houzz – The mobile app helps users find home remodeling professionals, as well as inspiration for home design and decor.
Planning ahead is the sure way to stay organized. These tips can help you stay calm, cool, and collected during your move and ensure that move-out and move-in are successful in every way.
If you have questions about getting organized for a pending move, call a professional moving consultant at Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. We will be happy to discuss how they can help organize your move to be stress-free.
