Moving Magic
So your "home staging" was extremely successful and you sold your place! Congratulations! Now it's time to move out and with a few helpful hints you can change Moving Madness into Moving Magic. To avoid exhaustion and expense, try to do as much as you can before the movers come in.
It's all about the boxes! The classic places to find them are liquor stores or grocery stores. But you can visit your local high school for excellent boxes with lids, as schools routinely receive paper shipments. You will need more boxes than you think and you'll need boxes of all sizes. Big isn't necessarily better because if they're too heavy the bottoms can break through. Put soft, light items such as towels, baskets, or light clothing in with heavier items that need padding, such as china and glass. Label each box with the room it's heading to at the new place and the main item that's inside. You'll be glad you did when it comes to UNpacking! You can even ask the movers to place the KITCHEN boxes in the kitchen, for example, and direct them as they enter your new place.
Don't wrap things in newspaper. Contrary to popular opinion, newspaper isn't the best because you end up with black ink on everything and that makes extra washing work for you when you're unpacking. Use newsprint, tissue paper, and even linens and clothing!
And remember, save ONE box for the very end - the last to go on the truck and the first to come off, with your tea kettle, mugs and teabags, toilet tissue, hand soap, bath towel, bedding for night number one, and tools for remounting the beds.
Start packing early, doing a little at a time, as you have the time and energy. Pack things you rarely use such as the turkey roaster, extra bedding, or seasonal clothing because you probably won't miss them. Fill empty suitcases with toiletries or shoes or games or toys! Wrap pictures in blankets.
If you're moving PETS: Move them last! Set up the new litter box for kitty and lower the stress level for pets by keeping them at the old home or at the groomers until the actual move-in day is over.
If you're moving indoor PLANTS: Stop watering a few days before because dry soil is lighter than wet soil. Cover plants with plastic bags if it's cold outside.
If you're moving KIDS: See if they can stay with friends or family till you at least have the beds made up and then focus on something fun or positive about the new place to keep your child's mind off the sadness of moving.
Safety Tip: Remove light bulbs from lamps.
Time Saving Tip: Label cords coming out of electronic equipment so that it's easy to hook things back up.
Make your move a marvelous adventure and pass on any tips to your friends when it's their turn!
