Moving form one home to another can be stressful and exciting all at the same, even more so if you are doing this with three kids, two dogs, and a cat in tow. No matter what the situation, though, it is always hectic and chaotic to some degree.
Our family has spent the last couple of weeks scouring the city for a new home. We have turned our tiny starter home into a lifetime of countless memories, but, the time for our family to have a more space is quickly approaching.
Leaving this home is going to be hard emotionally, as it serves as the foundation for our family. My husband and I purchased the house before our kids were born and we got our animals. Now, our oldest dog is 11 and our oldest child is 10. Bittersweet for sure.
Therefore, in light of making sure the move is more enjoyable, I have reread my previous article on moving tips that I thought were pretty close to genius, and have added new ones! To be able to make a move less stressful is a big plus sign in my book!
Place pillows, stuffed animals, sheets, and blankets in a large garbage bag to use as padding around other fragile items during the move. Stuffing them in between items will help prevent shifting.
Place a large X on the mirrors and glass frames. This will not prevent them from breaking, but it will help absorb shock and keep the glass in place in case that they do become broken.
Make use of luggage. Beyond boxes, use the luggage and bags you have to pack items, as well. Using rolling luggage for heavy items such as books makes moving them that much easier.
Place a foam plate in between each plate you are packing. Foam plates make a great protection – plus – they are already the shape of a plate. It also cuts down on a lot of wrapping!
Use plastic wrap to wrap up the drawers or silverware. This will help prevent drawers from opening and keep many items in their intended space.
Instead of using newspaper for protecting glass and cups, use paper lunch bags.
Make a packing supplies basket. Include: packaging tape, labels, scissors, sharpies, a screwdriver, Ziploc bags for screws, and a utility knife. Do not forget to take pictures of the back of electronics before you unplug everything.
Most people have old sheets lying around their house. One way to keep the mattresses from collecting dirt and debris during the move is too place one sheet on normal, and then place another on the bottom for complete coverage.
When it comes to moving jewelry, use toilet paper rolls to run the necklaces thru. This prevents them from knotting. Also, use an egg carton to place smaller pieces of jewelry like earrings, rings, and bracelets.
Plan against losing bolts and screws by using packaging tape to secure them to the underside of the furniture you’re disassembling.
Use storage bins for seasonal items. If you do not already pack your seasonal items in storage bins, then invest in them now! When packing all of these up, use a colored masking tape to label the outside of the storage bin. This makes it easy to know it belongs in the attic.
Use a moving key so you don’t have to write on every box. Use a colored sticker or label on each box with each colored designated to a room. Then make a moving key to show which color label belongs to which room.
Make use of all of those towels. Use your towels to wrap up fragile items. Then just run them through the washing machine before putting them into the new linen closet.
Pack the moving truck as tight as possible. The tighter you pack the better. Try to fill every nook and cranny, like a Tetris game!
Pack the truck like a moving pro! Valuables go into the cab, heavy appliances close to the cab, mattresses along the left side of the truck with furniture drawers facing the mattress, sofas on the right side of the truck, and any boxes throughout the middle and on top of items.
Packing everything into the truck can be a headache within itself. Try to have everything out on the front lawn before hand so it is all within sight. This will make it much easier to pack it in the truck.
The last thing that will make moving to a new home easier, and less time consuming, includes a simple list of must-do’s beforehand.
If you are hiring a mover, do it six weeks beforehand. Be sure to fill out change of address two weeks prior to the move.
Notify utility services two weeks before your move. Schedule them to turn off at your old home the day after your move, and turn on at the new home a couple of days prior to the move.
Take all locks and have them rekeyed at the new house on moving day.
Have records transferred to new schools.
Change addresses with all your important creditors and financial institutions. Preorder new checks with your new address. If needed, fill and transfer prescriptions a week before the move.
Withdrawal cash for unexpected expenses during the move.
Properly dispose of flammable items that cannot be transported.
Unplug and defrost the refrigerator 24 to 48 hours before.
Back up all computers in case the unthinkable happens.
Finally, don’t forget to take a family photo in your old home before leaving.
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com.