Another well requested blog post! It is no secret that coaching causes us to move more than we probably would like to. This will be our third move so while we haven’t had to move THAT many times, I am still calling this a big one. The first two times it was just us and the pup. This time we are adding in two kids to the mix and a WHOLE bunch stuff.
H is the throw and go type of packer. If you ask him, his vote would just to be throw everything away. I on the other hand like everything to be super organized and labeled to a T. I took a poll on stories and had numerous requests to share the responses. I figured a blog post was a great resource to have on hand!
Many said to hire movers- money well spent. No worries if you don’t…try these!
- label all boxes by what room they belong in. then while unloading take that box straight to that room so you don’t have stuff piled up everywhere.
- for hanging clothes: put trash bags over a section, tie at the bottom so if it falls off the hanger it isn’t lost. tie hangers together at the top with a rubber band so they are easy to carry!
- Saran Wrap containers of toys so you don’t have to box them up
- use THESE labels! put label outside of the box then scan it to know what is inside!
- use towels, sheets, blankets or extra linens to put in between breakables
- socks are a great “bubble wrap”
- pillowcases are great for large hanging frames.
- pack a suitcase for a couple of nights. this way you don’t have to worry about digging through boxes to find what you need
- make a list walking through the house/new place of everything you don’t realize you use. then, have all of that in a separate suitcase or box. for example: shower curtains, towels, trash bags, toilet paper, etc.
- bring a blow up mattress just in case
- get boxes from liquor stores. also said u-haul boxes are the best
- look on facebook marketplace or a “garage sale” group on facebook. most people are looking to give boxes away and this avoids having to buy them
- ask the cafeteria, schools, daycare to save boxes for you
- unpack and organize the areas you use the most first. bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms.
- check for appliance cords and tools!
- color code boxes with duct tape for a different room
- pack an “open first” box with all of the necessities . toilet paper, paper towels, scissors, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, conditioner, towels.
- purge BEFORE you move. less to pack, less to carry!
- make your bed as soon as you move in. no one wants to try to put on sheets at midnight after you have been moving all day.
- label the SIDE of your boxes. not the top.
- big boxes are bad. get smaller boxes. you won’t be able to pack as much and they will be easier to carry.
- apparently u-haul also has a program where you can get free boxes!
- send packages straight to your new home
- use index cards to label your boxes. then you can reuse them in two years when you move again 😂
- use dresser drawers as boxes if they can be removed
- fill suitcases with things
- pack cleaning supplies in an easy to get to area. you will most likely want to scrub down the new place
- LABEL ziplock bags with what screws and cords go to. the worst thing is getting there and not remembering what hardware went with what
- use Styrofoam plates and bowls in-between your breakable plates and bowls as padding
- setup internet and utilities BEFORE you move
- Saran Wrap silverware holders or anything that things can fall out of
- put seasonings and food in pots and pans or crockpots. don’t waste all of that space!
- pack an ice chest with drinks and snacks for the movers or helpers. or in our case, the athletes.
- take apart the lamps. AKA take the shade off. much easier to put into a box and keeps it safe
- shrink wrap furniture and tables. keeps it from getting scraped or ruined
- string necklaces through straws so they don’t get tangled
- label what’s IN the box. not just what room it goes to
- pack decor first and unpack it last
- use stuffed animals as fillers or padding
- unplug appliances at least 24 hours in advance
- take pictures of complicated setups so you can put it back together easier
- wrap large mirrors or frames in blankets
This is insanely long but hopefully super helpful! Let me know if I left anything out!
