It’s hard to believe, but exactly one year ago this weekend we were moving! Can I just get a big amen that we didn’t have the kind of weather we’re having now? I’m an organized person by nature, but attempting a double move with kids nearly did me in. I only wish that I had known about Moveboxer when I was prepping for our move. Moveboxer helps you simplify and manage your move, and helps you save money in the process. I’m happy to have them as a sponsor this month, as well as providing today’s guest post. Please take a few minutes to check them out!
Ways to Stay Organized While Moving by Alyssa Howard
In the jumble of all your belongings and more moving boxes than you’d ever want to see, it’s understandably difficult to stay organized while moving. At one point, it seemed like it made sense to pack the sheets with the blender, but you won’t think so when you’re frantically trying to make the bed at the new house on that first sleep-deprived night. Luckily, there are a few tips that will make your life a lot more orderly.
Labels, labels, labels
Markers and a labeling system will become your new best friends during this cardboard phase of your life. Get to know them! Depending on your living situation and the new one to which you’re relocating, label the boxes in a way that corresponds to each room in the house.
Importantly, make sure you don’t name a box “Wendy’s Room.” The movers probably don’t know who Wendy is (and understandably, as this might be their fifth job this month). Instead, say “Girl Bedroom,” for the least amount of confusion possible in a confusing time. Additionally, stay away from naming any box the dreaded, nebulous “Miscellaneous.” Really anything is better than this catch-all (and we mean, all) of moving vocabulary.
Keep like items together
While packing your neatly and adeptly labeled boxes, do not put random items together. As much as it might seem like a good idea to put that last little bookend in your bathroom box, because there’s that little bit of room left. It’s tantalizing, we know, but don’t do it, because that will torture you later when your living room bookshelf is complete but for that one bookend.
Start ahead of time
As they say, it’s never too early to start. In this case, that definitely holds true. If you’re not moving until June, but it’s March, box up those holiday wreaths because you definitely won’t be using them in the meantime (unless you spread Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus cheer year-round – in which case, more power to you).
Such great tips! I would add an additional tip: label the boxes you’ll need right away with a special symbol (we used a star.) I put a star on boxes that contained the most important things we’d need right away: bedding, towels, the macaroni and cheese pan, the coffee pot … you get the idea! When faced with what seems like 1000 boxes, it’s nice to not have to think twice about which ones to unpack first.
Thanks so much to Alyssa of Moveboxer for sharing her tips for an organized move. If you have a move in your future, I hope you’ll turn to Moveboxer to make it as smooth as possible!