29 Days To A Smooth Move

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.

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.

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