Moving Tips for 2023
Moving can be hassle-free with a bit of preparation and planning. Whether relocating across town or the country, a few simple hacks can make the process easier. Before you make your move, check out these six strategies for inspiration:
Start Early
Planning can make any move easier. Dedicate a page or two in your journal or notebook for list-making and notes related to your relocation. There’s always a long list of things to do when moving, and it’s easier to write them down instead of trying to recall everything. Plus, you can prioritize and arrange tasks efficiently by making a list and taking notes.
If you can, start planning your move a few months ahead. While this may seem like overkill, you really can’t have too much time to get everything together. Packing is just one part of the moving process—you might also coordinate with a moving company or van rental provider. Other parts of moving include having utilities turned on and changing your mailing address. Here’s where your list comes in—jot down everything you need to do and cross it off as you do it. You may want to put deadline dates beside each item to keep yourself on a timely schedule.
Downsize Your Possessions
One of the first things you can do when planning a move is to declutter. Go through your home and trash unneeded items that can’t be recycled or donated. If you’re unsure what should stay and what should go, one idea is to create three “piles”—Yes, No, Maybe.
Your Yes pile is for your must-haves. Let’s say you’re going through your closet. Women’s tops you wear all the time are an ideal addition to this pile. Sentimental apparel and home décor you can’t bear to part with are good candidates for the Yes pile. Toss anything you haven’t worn or used for a year in the No pile—unless it fits the sentimental category.
The Maybe pile is for items you’re not sure about. This might be a favorite dress you may or may not wear again, or a certain home décor piece. Try to keep this pile to a single box’s worth of items, and put it aside. Donate the items in your No pile to a local charity or thrift shop and organize the things you’re keeping. Now, you can return to your maybes. These items can be gifted to friends or family or tucked into a closet for storage.
Choose the Right Boxes
If you’re toting men’s suits or women’s dresses, opt for wardrobe boxes to protect your garments and transport multiple items at once. For linens and everyday clothing, large stackable boxes can work well. Rather than folding clothes and bedding, roll the items into a burrito shape so that more items fit in each box. Heavy items can be packed in compact boxes for easier maneuverability.
Pack Room-by-Room
It’s easier to pack if you keep things compartmentalized. Start with the rooms you use the least and work your way to your most-used rooms. The living room and bedroom will likely be the rooms you’ll handle last. Keep a set or two of bed sheets and a comforter to use until moving day and pack the rest. Keep the boxes in each room until you’re ready to load them on the moving van, and make sure they’re precisely labeled. Write in large, legible text and specify what’s in each box. For example, sweaters and vests would be a better label than winter clothes.
Keep Important Items Accessible
Keep a tote with everything you use daily while packing. This is the last thing you’ll move, and it can likely fit in your personal vehicle. This tote can be in addition to your handbag and a duffle bag or other type of luggage that you can easily carry. Several clothing changes, bedding, bath towels, technology, chargers, a few books and games, and any self-care items can be included.
Each family member can have a bag and tote for bedding, toiletries, clothes and other essentials. Encourage your crew to pack as lightly as possible without leaving out anything they absolutely need to keep on hand.
Recruit Help
Moving day can be fun if you get friends and family involved. Ask beforehand so that loved ones can clear their schedule to help. Providing refreshments and sending thank you cards with an invitation to your housewarming party is always thoughtful.
These six tips can help you ease the process of moving. You may think of other ways to lighten the load of moving day that you can add to your notes. By planning, you can make the process as efficient as possible. From there, all that’s left is to unpack and enjoy your new home.