A Step-by-step Guide to an Organized Move

Moving to a new home can be thrilling, but the process of getting there often feels overwhelming. However, with a bit of organization and planning, you can turn your move into a seamless experience. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, mastering the art of an organized move is within your reach.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your move as smooth as possible:

1. Create a Timeline: Start by setting a moving date and creating a timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to accomplish leading up to the big day. Having a clear roadmap will help you stay on track and alleviate last-minute stress. Keep in mind that timelines often shift during moves, so stay flexible!

2. Declutter and Downsize: Moving presents an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings. Take inventory of your possessions and decide what you truly need and what you can live without. Donate, sell, or toss items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. For furniture, use green packing tape to indicate items that will go with you in the move and red packing tape for items that will be sold. Do all of this BEFORE you list your current house; staged houses sell faster and for more!

3. Gather Packing Supplies: Stock up on sturdy moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. Having the right supplies on hand will make the packing process much more efficient. We recommend wearing an apron or fanny pack with tape, labels, sharpies, and scissors/box cutters for both packing and unpacking. Visit our Amazon shop for some of our favorite items.

4. Pack Strategically: Begin packing well in advance of your move, starting with items that you use infrequently. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your NEW home to streamline the unpacking process later on. We suggest writing the room name on the top and side of the box. Consider creating an inventory list to keep track of your boxes.

5. Notify Utilities and Service Providers: Don’t forget to notify your utility companies, internet provider, and other service providers of your upcoming move. Schedule disconnection and reconnection dates to ensure a smooth transition of services. It’s also a good idea to order groceries to be delivered to your new home so you’re not wasting time at the store when you have so much to do!

6. Update Your Address: Update your address with the post office, as well as with banks, insurance providers, and any other relevant institutions. This will help ensure that important mail reaches you at your new address right away.

7. Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a separate box containing essential items that you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding for the first night, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies (like the coffee maker and coffee!). Don’t forget the remote!

8. Coordinate with Movers: If you’ve hired movers, communicate with them regularly leading up to the move to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Provide them with any relevant instructions or special considerations for certain items. Think ahead to have cash on hand for tips and it’s always nice to provide water and lunch for the movers.

9. Perform a Final Walkthrough: Before leaving your old home, perform a final walkthrough to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Check closets, cabinets, and other hiding spots to ensure that you haven’t left anything behind.

10. Hire a Professional to Help you Move: So many of these items can be taken off your plate with the right help. My team for example, can handle the decluttering, packing, move coordination, final walkthrough, AND unpacking and organizing your new home for a quick and fresh start! If you’re planning a move this summer, get in touch for a consult so we can help you minimize stress and maximize efficiency.

With careful planning and preparation, you’ll be on your way to an organized move and settling into your new home in no time.

Happy moving!

Susie