We sold our townhouse and moved in with my husband’s parents while we found and closed on the new house and so our moving situation was a little different from most. We had to put much of our stuff into storage for a few months and so I researched and learned some nifty tricks to help organize the move.
Today, I’m going to share those moving tips with YOU!
1. Number and inventory EVERY box.–I initially thought this was going to be SO much work, but it actually wasn’t at all. Every time I packed a box, I jotted down the things that were in there in a little notebook that was organized by room (ie: Master Bedroom MBR:#1, MBR#2, etc). This totally saved us the other day because my husband was looking for his hunting binoculars and the notebook told him right where to find them!
2. Color code boxes with duct tape.–I found these amazingly fun duct tape patterns at Michaels and used them to categorize boxes with their matching rooms or zones in the new house (example: Zebra=kitchen stuff, Multi-colored=kids bedroom). This made it easier for us to unload the boxes into the correct areas when we got to the new house. Nobody had to be asking, “where does this box go?” as the tape is bright and easy to understand.
3. Move all the easy stuff yourself and have the movers move the “hard” stuff.-- It is so smart to move all of the boxes and light, easy furniture yourself as it saves LOADS of money with the movers. We only left the most heavy and awkward furniture for the movers and they were in and out in less than 2 hours! Our estimate was over $1,200 and paid less than $700 because of the extra work we put into it. Also, make sure you take all the beds and shelves apart before the movers get there. Another tip for saving money on movers is to have them move you during the week instead of the weekend.
4. Start early and do a little at a time.–Unless it can’t be helped, starting early with the packing is such a life saver. I did a little each day and it never really seemed that difficult to tackle because of that.
5. Trust that the Lord has this move under control. He’s a pretty good “mountain mover.” I have amazing stories of how God was clearly working to put the perfect home in our path. He is so Good and cares about the big (and little) events in our lives. For that, I’m so thankful.
Hugs,
Every time I have moved I have wished I inventoried the boxes. I get better each time at actually labeling them well, but keeping and inventory and numbering seems so much easier in the long run! Hoping our next move isn’t for a LONG time, but will keep this in mind for then.
Thanks for the tips, even though I’ll be moving for the 7th time in 6.5 yrs I am in no way even close to having it down pat. I’m heading out tonight for some duct tape, enjoy your new place!!!!
These are great tips! I’ll make the most of them the next time we move! I hope the upacking & settling in process is going well!