29 Days To A Smooth Move

No two people are going to pack alike. One person will swear that room by room, everything at once, is the only way to go, while another will insist that each room will require two packing sessions—one for those items that are not used as often, then another one to get everything else.

How it should be done is an individual thing, and what works for you is the method that should be used. It is evident, however, that items such as books, seasonal decorations or ornaments, and off-season clothing can be among the earliest things packed, AFTER de-cluttering has occurred, of course. IF IT’S NOT BEING USED, DON’T PACK IT!

Once initial packing has begun, it will probably be easier to make and adhere to a packing schedule. The very act of beginning to put things in boxes and containers will enable you to see exactly what should be considered essential, and what can be packed sooner.

Garages and outbuildings can be packed almost immediately after residence and relocation arrangements have been finalized, followed by spare or guest bedrooms. Books, DVDs, and artwork can also be packed fairly early.

Bedrooms and much-used areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area, will have to wait until close to the last minute—but enough time should be allowed to make sure that packing these rooms is not a rush job, or that they are not being completely packed on the day of the move itself.

Those who work out of a home office should notify clients and other essential personnel of the move, and set a date for when the office will be “closed” at the old residence. All necessary business should be taken care prior to that date.

As long as it takes, within reason, of course.

Some rooms can be packed in a few hours; others may take two or more days. Some people may be lucky enough that once they start packing, they can do so with few, if any, interruptions; others may find themselves squeezing it in around regular jobs, as well as any necessary repair or remodeling jobs.

Some people may choose to make a packing schedule that allows for “time off” between rooms; others may make up their minds that as much as possible will be done within a certain amount of time, and will stick to that schedule.

No matter how the time for packing is allotted or occurs, there are certain things that can be done, usually well in advance of the final days, which will certainly make everything go a lot smoother.

Packing seasonal clothing, decorations, and other items can be accomplished very early. After all, it’s going to either be warm or cold, close to holidays or not, so why not go ahead and pack the things that aren’t currently being used or needed?

As packing takes place, space will appear. But, that’s OK, it will soon be used again—to hold the boxes or containers that were packed. Make sure that the space is cleaned before filling it up again.

If packing is done properly, there should be no reason for anyone to have to “live out of a box”. This is why you will want to pack all non-essential and/or seldom-used items earlier than, say, those items in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and living and eating areas.

If at all possible, set packing goals, but make them realistic and flexible. Moving in and of itself is stressful enough, without any additional stress being added. And, remember, everything will all eventually get packed.

On the day of the move, if a moving company has been engaged, one will only need to supervise the loading, transporting, unloading, and, possibly setting up. If the move is being accomplished with the help of family and/or friends, then those who are involved will need to be present and ready to go.

Rooms should be emptied individually. A re-check should be done, with attention to closets and cupboards, to ensure that everything has been removed. The room should then be swept, mopped, or vacuumed, if necessary, and the door closed.

It should be understood that a closed door means a room is emptied, cleaned, and done with. This way, there will be no chance that dirt is tracked into a clean room, or that anything is inadvertantly set down in a room and possibly forgotten.

It may be wise to keep some empty boxes and bags on hand, in the event that a closet was overlooked, or some things simply could not be packed until the last minute. The containers should be clearly labeled, and care taken to ensure that they are loaded.

Any necessary items, such as supplies needed for infant or child care, or any medications that must be taken regularly throughout the day, should be kept separate from all other items. Additionally, important papers, documents, or especially valuable items should be kept separate, secure, and accessible to the owner.

Utilities should be turned off, or arrangements should be made for them to be discontinued within the next few days. The former occupant may also want to take meter readings, and ensure that there no water damage can occur while the house is vacant.

Last looks should be taken, memories stored for future recollection, one chapter closed, and another one opened in life.

The month prior to the move is when arrangements should be made for the packing, storage, and moving of belongings. If a professional moving service will be used, the company should be chosen and the time slot reserved.

Doing this in advance will allow time for more thorough research and investigation into the services provided, as well as the expense that will be incurred. This can eliminate any problems that might otherwise occur from having to make a quick decision under a time constraint.

If the home has been “de-cluttered”, that is, all unneeded items or items that will not be moved for one reason or another have been disposed of, the moving company will be better equipped to offer a more correct estimate. This can result in a reduction of moving and packing costs.

If packing is to be done by those other than family members, the month before the move should be devoted to researching and investigating companies which offer this service, and reserving the time with the company chosen. This will allow for “comparison shopping”, so that the best services for the most value can be obtained. Arrangements can also be made, if necessary, for any additional insuring of valuables or belongings.

If it is determined that a cleaning service might be needed, the month before the move will be ample time to investigate and hire the company that best suits the purposes for which they are being engaged. Once packing has been accomplished, the company will be better able to accomplish a more thorough cleaning.

Utility and other companies which provide electrical, water, gas, and other services to the home should be contacted during the final month. Arrangements can be made at that time for the discontinuation of these services.

Deciding what needs to be kept and what can be or will be disposed of before packing for a move is essential. This process will reduce the amount of packing and unpacking that must be done.

Careful consideration into what will be moved and what can be disposed of will also reduce moving costs, especially if a professional moving company is being retained. If the process of elimination can be achieved before the moving company representative comes to determine the amount of property to be moved and, subsequently, how much it will cost, this is all the better. One cannot be charged for items that will not be moved.

It is sometimes difficult to decide what must be disposed of; however, the benefit of efficient elimination is seen in the additional space that is gained. There is always room for items that hold sentimental value, as long as good judgement is exercised in determining whether or not something is considered in that category. A family heirloom—definitely; a ten-year-old magazine article—no.

The period before a move is a good time to determine which paper items truly need to be retained, and which ones can be disposed of. Of course, any important documentation should be kept. Ideally, it should have already been separated and securely stored. If there is any doubt as to whether or not a document, especially if it appears to have legal or official status, should be kept, it is probably wise to retain the document.

If time permits, one may wish to dispose of unwanted or unneeded property through a yard or garage sale, or by online auction. This will not only serve to dispose of the items, but will generate additional revenue. Donations to charity are still a very good choice.

Boxes are best packing belongings. They come in many sizes, and, when packed properly, can hold several items. A fairly sturdy box will only need a little extra tape at stress points to further strengthen it.

It is important that boxes can be easily handled. It does no good to pack a large box as full as it will go if the box cannot be moved with relative ease once it has been packed. Also, while they may hold more, larger boxes will require more space in the transport vehicle, and indeed may not allow for the vehicle to be packed in such a way that all available space can be used.

Clothing, bedding, and other “soft” items can be packed in bags; however, care must be taken to ensure that the bags are either properly labeled to where no error can be made as to what bags contain belongings and what bags may contain garbage, refuse, or even items marked for charity or giveaway.

Packing containers should be loaded in such a way as to make the most use of all available space. Larger objects should be placed inside first, then the area around the item packed with smaller items.

Proper labeling is very important for those who are moving. Boxes can usually be written on directly; however,it may be necessary to find a means of properly labeling a bag. Labeling should not only reflect the contents, but also where the particular container should go.

Unpacking will probably take longer than initial packing. Again, this is where proper labeling and wise use of moving containers is crucial. Items that will be needed immediately should be packed and labeled accordingly; other articles can then be unpacked as time as necessity dictates. Unpacking may take up to two months to complete.

There are probably as many ways to pack as there are packing containers and materials. Therefore, the best way to pack will be the way that best suits the individual person or family.

It will probably take approximately four weeks for packing to be completed. Therefore, thought should be given as to what can be packed immediately, and what may need to be packed later.

It is always a good idea to begin the process of elimination before any actual packing is begun. There is no need to pack something if it is not going to be moved and used in the new location.

Once all unnecessary items have been taken care of, seasonal clothing and items as well as belongings in any lesser-used rooms can be packed. Books, videos, DVDs, and things of that nature can be packed, as can items in any garages, outbuildings, or storage areas. Once the items in garages, outbuildings, or storage areas are packed, the resulting space can be used to store the already packed items.

Essential items, of course, will have to be packed over the last few days; however, bedroom items that can be spared can be packed. This can include extra bed clothing, and decorative throws or pillows. Likewise, clothing can be packed, especially if one takes into account the wardrobe needs over the final weeks and plans accordingly.

Home offices should be packed with consideration to fulfilling of current commitments. Those items that must be used daily should be left out, but other items, such as old files and lesser-used equipment can be packed.

The kitchen should not be packed until as close to the actual move date as possible. Bathroom items and other personal belongings may have to be packed on the very day of moving.

One to two days is required for the average room to be packed. If cleaning the room, and/or any needed repairs or renovations is done at the time of packing, it may require a few more days. How and when a room is packed is up to the owner.

If at all possible, packing should be spread out over a reasonable length of time. Packing is hard and not much fun; therefore, breaking the chore down into smaller pieces will help. “Downsizing”, of course, should be accomplished before packing is even begun.

Large cupboards and storage spaces should be packed first. Care should be taken not to forget attics and basements during this packing time. Once the items have been packed, these areas can be used for storing the packed belongings.

Items that are not needed in the near future as well as those not used very often, or are seasonal should be packed first, also. This will actually free up space that can be used to stored packed goods, if necessary.

Packing should be done with consideration to how often something is used. If careful consideration is given, there will be no need to frequently pack and unpack boxes, or feel as though one is living out of a box.

Children’s toys that are not being played with as much can be packed early. It is important to make sure, however, that any necessary “lovies” remain accessible to children. Likewise, favorite toys should not be put away too soon. Children will need to retain a sense of security during this otherwise stressful time.

Although parting with items may be hard, one would be wise to consider the space in the new home. It may be necessary to rid oneself of some more non-essential items.