Getting Organized
1. Start early- Almost everyone has more stuff than they think they do, and almost no one leaves enough time to pack it.
2. Room Lists– Start by forming two room lists, one for your current place and one for future place. This will help you manage what has to go where.
3. Room Inventory- Go to each room and write down the types of things that need to be packed: furniture items, length of shelving, closets, etc.
4. Time Allotment- Make sure to leave enough time. The most common timeframe reported by people moving is that it takes a month to pack. One study reported that it takes 4-5 hours to pack an average dorm room, so that should give you an idea of what's involved.
5. Calendar- Pull out a calendar and plan by day when each room will be completed.
6. Delegation- If you're moving with custom gable box family members, agree with them exactly while tasks they will be doing and the date they will be finished.
7. Track your progress- at least once per week track where you are against the date on the calendar. Revise your plan if you're falling behind.
Finding Great Movers
8. Only hire the best- If you choose to hire professional movers, do your research and hire good ones. Poor quality movers really can be worse than none at all.
9. Referrals- Get referrals from local real estate agents and friends who have moved recently.
10. Licensing- Only consider movers that are licensed, bonded and insured.
11. Research- Investigate your potential movers through the U.S. Department of Transportation, MovingScam-dot-com and the Better Business Bureau.
12. Estimates- Evaluate a minimum of 3 movers based on in-home estimates of goods to be moved.
13. Price- Price isn't the only factor- extremely low bids indicate a desperate mover.
14. Estimates- Ask for written “Binding Not-To-Exceed” estimates.
15. Avoid “rogue movers”- if you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts! Never agree to move your possessions with anyone you don't trust.
General Packing
16. Pack a suitcase- For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you're all going on a 3-day vacation, including changes of clothes, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, etc. Keep the suitcases separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car, at your new workplace, etc. so you'll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes.
17. Create “Open Me First” boxes- Pick one or two boxes per room as “Open Me First” boxes. Put in them the things you'll need first at your new location. Then mark the sides of the boxes so you'll know which ones are which.
18. One at a time- Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized.
19. Less is more- Use packing as a way to clean out belongings for donations, a yard sale, and/or the recycling center. Aim to eliminate 1/3 of your belongings. You'll save time and expense.
20. Off the floor- Instead of the floor, use a completely cleared-off table top or counter in each room for packing boxes. You'll find you get much more accomplished.
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