Preparing for a Move
Tips On Getting Organized for Move Day
By Professional Organizer, Kim Salisbury
Moving can be overwhelming because you usually have a lot to do within a limited timeframe. However, this process need not be very stressful if you read and implement the tips below recommended by Kim Salisbury, the best Sacramento home organizer.
Things to Do To Organize Before Moving Day
Moving day is the culmination of several things that happened long before you start carrying boxes into the moving truck. The more prepared and organized you are for moving day, the less stressful it’ll be. Here are three pro tips to help you prepare for moving day:
- List the packing materials you will need. The professional home organizers at Home Method Co. point out that everyone’s moving needs are different! You may need packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap, a dolly, etc. Make a quick list of the things you need and how much so you don’t have any surprises on moving day!
- Generate a budget. You will also need to come up with a budget outlining moving expenses. This budget will be influenced by many factors materials needed to pack your items, renting a moving truck or hiring movers.
- Create a moving timeline. Experienced personal organizers in Sacramento recommend that you start from moving day and work backward when developing a timeline for the move. For example, how much time will you need to pack, and when is a realistic time you can start packing?
Questions to Answer Before Getting Set to Move
Moving is a big project, and there are a lot of decisions that will have to be made. Consider the following questions.
Can you afford to hire movers?
You may need to hire movers if you have heavy belongings or are short on time. Paying someone to move your belongings may be worth it in the long run.
Who will help you during the move?
If you don’t want to hire professional movers, you’ll need lots of help. Do you have reliable friends that can help you to pack and carry belongings into the moving vehicle? Ask your friends or family to help you move! The more people that can help out, the quicker it’ll get done.
Do you need moving insurance?
Kim Salisbury, Sacramento’s go-to home organizer, stresses that the cost of moving insurance shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Think about how valuable your belongings are. Is not having insurance to replace these items worth it to you? If you’re moving far or aren’t hiring moving professionals, paying for moving insurance is probably worth it.
Is a rental truck necessary?
A moving truck is almost always necessary if you don’t have a truck or trailer of your own. Before you make your decision, calculate the space you’ll need to move your belongings. Keep in mind the number of trips you’ll need to take. If you have big items, rent a moving truck! It’s not worth losing or breaking your items.
Decluttering Before Your Move
Bringing the things you don’t need to your new home isn’t a good use of your time and money. Kim Salisbury, a Sacramento home-organizer, highly recommends decluttering your home before the big move. That way, you can start on the right foot at the new place! Follow these simple tips for decluttering before your move:
- Start early. Decluttering a home will take some time, but it’s so worth it! Give yourself as much time as possible to do a thorough job during this preparatory stage of your move.
- Be systematic. Take one room at a time, and you will do a more thorough job.
- Make discarding items easier. As you declutter, you are likely to have a pile of trash that can quickly overwhelm you. It is best to rent a dumpster or organize a yard sale so that everything you don’t need is either sold, donated, or discarded appropriately. If you have old towels or clothes, give them to your local shelter.
- Tackle sentimental items last. It can be hard to make a quick decision regarding which items you want to keep. Kim Salisbury and her team of Sacramento home organizers recommend that you leave heirlooms, photos, and other belongings of sentimental value until the very end of the decluttering process.
Packing Tips Before Moving
Once you are through decluttering the home, your focus will shift to the important activity of packing what is left. Use these tips to make packing a breeze.
Be systematic. As you did while decluttering, it is also smart to pack one room at a time. In this way, your belongings will be organized based on the room. Don’t forget to label the boxes! Unpacking and keeping your items safe can be a nightmare if you weren’t clear when labeling the packing boxes.
Know what to pack first.
It is best to start packing the items in the rooms that you rarely use. For example, the guest room would be a good place to start rather than the kitchen. The things or rooms that you use frequently can be packed closer to moving day.
Keep smaller boxes for heavy items. Put lighter items, such as clothes, in bigger boxes, and place books and other heavy items in smaller boxes.
Pack a “first night kit.” Some items will be needed the very day or night you move into your home. These include any medication you are taking, phone chargers, clothes, toiletries, and pillows. Pack these items in a box that can be accessed quickly.
When to Start Packing
Every person is different, but Home Method Co. recommends you start packing about a month before the moving day. We recognize that in many cases, this may be easier said than done. If the move is overwhelming and you are finding it hard to organize your home, give us a call at Home Method, Co. and we get you prepared for the big move!
