Moving Season Has Arrived!
The excitement of moving into a new apartment or home is full of potential and stress. Once you finally find the perfect place, you begin to dream of how you are going to fill it, the parties you will have and how you will make it your own. Then move in day arrives and somehow the closets are smaller than you remember and what used to fit into one room is now supposed to fill an entire house.
Let’s be real: moving can be the worst. The key is to plan, edit and plan some more. When clients work with us before, during and after the move it’s seamless, it’s stress free and we do all the heavy lifting.
For all you brave souls taking on a move alone, here are some tips to get you started.
Edit, edit and edit some more. Even if you are moving into a larger home, really think about what you own and if you need or use it. I find that so many of my clients move clutter just to donate it once they get to their new space. Really think about how you will function in your new home and which furniture, decor and stuff will work in the space.
Label everything. Label your boxes on at least three sides and put up labels in the new home on each room to make it easy for movers to place items correctly. And for bonus points for color coding each space or floor.
Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first. Ok, now that all of the boxes have landed in your new home: where should you start the unpacking process? I suggest the kitchen and bedrooms. Being able to make breakfast (coffee, anyone?) and get a good night’s sleep will make this entire process more enjoyable.
Don’t stress about finding a “perfect home” for everything right away. Remember you can rework the placement of your stuff once you unpack. You might find where you placed your coffee maker and coffee isn’t an ideal spot after your first few weeks. Have a little check in after the first month and assess how each space is working and what need might some adjusting.
Set a goal: one day, one week or one month to unbox everything. You want to fully settle into your home quickly so you can start living. When you hire professionals to help you will be shocked at how much will be accomplished in a day or two. Then you can focus on the fun stuff - planning a housewarming party or sitting on your porch meeting the neighbors.
Donate your boxes. Before you recycle all your empty boxes and packing paper, list them on your local “Box Dibs” group on Facebook. It’s a great way to give your boxes another life and less recycling for you to manage.
Quick Tips
Edit - The less you move, the less you have to unpack
Label - Making sure boxes are moved into the correct room will save your back and lots of time.
Set a goal - You don’t want a year to pass by and still have moving boxes in your home.