A Smooth Move Starts Here
“HAPPINESS DOESN’T HAVE JUST ONE ADDRESS.”
Whether you are moving across town, state lines, or an ocean, we want to offer some pre-move advice. As we have unpacked several homes this year, it’s obvious to us that preparation before you move makes life easier, yours and that of the unpacking service you use!
▶️TIP #1: DECLUTTER BEFORE AND AS YOU PACK
The pre-move declutter is tip number one for a reason. No one needs to put items in boxes that will not be used in the new space. Not only will you waste time and money packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking it, you will also be forced to find space for something you won’t use.
Here are the top areas/items to begin the declutter process:
Kids clothes (if it doesn’t fit or can’t be mended, time to let it go.)
Toys (no longer played with, broken, missing pieces, or duplicates)
Kitchen (unused small appliances, multiple of the same item, cracked/chipped/broken items, missing parts, etc.)
Glasses & mugs (your new space may not have as much room so this is a great time to edit down your drinking vessels.)
Clothes (the average woman wears 8-10% of her closet. Edit out items that are stained, ill-fitting, misshapen, or beyond repair.)
Towels (if you have towels from your wedding 10+ years ago, chances are it’s time to recycle them.)
Books (most likely you won’t read that book again. Pass along to a friend that will enjoy it.)
Outdated technology (old monitors, keyboards, VHS tapes, cassettes, even DVDs don’t need to take up space in your new home.)
That list should help get you started on the path to pre-move declutter! Here’s a popular Instagram post from our friends at The Simple Sort about some additional areas and items people need to edit.
▶️TIP #2: CREATE A TIMELINE
If you know your move is more than 1 week away, you can and should create a timeline. This will help you prioritize what to pack & when. You will also avoid packing items before you should.
Your timeline can also include reminders to pack a suitcase if your move includes travel time. Or things like:
Submit a change of address form
Register kids for new school
Switch utility companies
Schedule cleaning & unpacking services
Your timeline can be as detailed as you like. The point is to see what needs to happen next and not let things fall through the cracks during the transition.
▶️TIP #3: DON’T PREP ALONE!
The tasks of decluttering and creating a timeline should not fall solely on you- enlist some help! Kids can go through toys, clothes, and books with you. Sit down with your husband and write the timeline together. He can also take donations to the drop off or help sell items online. Neighbors and friends can watch your kids while you complete moving prep, or they can tackle things like putting boxes and furniture into storage spaces. Our favorite suggestion is to hire professional organizers to assist with your move preparations.
No matter how you choose to enlist help keep these two things in mind -- be clear and decisive with those who are helping. If you are struggling with those two things, maybe your husband or a trusted friend can be the go-to person for tasks and knowing what items should be passed along. Sometimes good communication is the best way to avoid stress.
If you are in the Chicagoland area and are looking for some help with your move, or you are moving to the North Shore Chicago area and need some unpacking assistance, we would love to discuss our moving packages with you! 👉Click here to contact us!
