Red Wednesday's Wisdom

Getting Organized to Move
This post is for those of you who made it known that you could use some help in your upcoming moves.  So, if you are contemplating a move, or know that one is drawing near, now is the time to start planning and moving into action, a little bit at a time.  Avoid putting off what you can begin to do now.  Because there are so many different moving situations, I will list the general bullet points that can help you to begin the moving process with a sense of peace and joyful anticipation.
 
• It is imperative to get ready for a move by reviewing CHG #7. 
Your move is going to be so much smoother if you begin to get your “stuff” in order now.  It is time to decide what you need verses what you want.  So take advantage of this time to fish: gather, sort, let go, containerize, and take it home to rest.

• Clean and wash your treasures before the move rather than after.  It feels so good to move right into a new place and just have fun setting up and decorating.

• As you gather your “let go” items, you can save time by calling one of the charities to schedule a truck pick up.  This will keep you from making frequent trips to do drop offs.  Estimated price sheets for your donations can be obtained at any Goodwill.  And remember to get a receipt so you can itemize for tax deductions.  With good condition furniture or collectibles, consider listing them on Craig’s list, EBay, or with a resale/consignment shop.  The price tag will be comparable.  Usually you can get a little bit more by selling it yourself, and you do not have to wait for the pay off.  A basic rule of thumb is to anticipate the value to be half the price of what you paid.  If you are contemplating a moving sale, be sure you have volunteers to help you.  The pay off can be very motivating, but be sure you have the time and energy to organize.

• Gather your supplies: 
1. Packing Boxes
2. White packing paper
3. Packing tape
4. Scissors to cut tape (I prefer this), or a tape dispenser
5. Thick black Sharpie markers
6. Heavy duty black garbage bags
7. Post it’s

Determine how cost effective and time efficient you want to be.  Boxes, paper, and tape can be purchased through professional movers.  Some movers will deliver the supplies to you even if you do not use them for the actual move.  You can also go to the moving company to pick up your packing needs.  Ask the moving company if they have boxes that have been recycled from previous moves.  They will be less expensive compared to buying new ones.  Also consider if there is anyone you know who would have boxes and paper to pass on to you after their move.   Supplies can also be purchased at U-Haul and Home Depot type stores, but they can be a little more pricy than getting the supplies from a moving company.  Grocery stores can be a good source for free boxes, if they are willing to assist you.  I personally like Trader Joe’s.  They will let you know the time and day that is best suited for retrieving their boxes.  You cannot have too many boxes, especially the small to medium sized ones that are needed for heavy items like books, appliances, pottery, and heavy glass. You can always recycle what is left over.  Be sure to ask what the return policies are for unused boxes and unopened boxes or rolls of paper.  Avoid using newspaper for wrapping.  It is so messy dirty.

• Decide who is going to do the move – you (and those you know) or professionals.  If you are using professional movers then get three estimates.

• Set a moving date. 

• Do a walkthrough of your living space and determine what area is least used.  Packing will begin in that area.  For most people, this will be the storage areas, followed by dining room and living room.  Bathrooms and kitchens are the last to get packed, except for the items that are rarely used.

• When you are putting boxes together, stick with that one activity and make a number of boxes before you begin to do any packing.  If you are not using a tape dispenser, be sure to turn the edge of the tape under or you will struggle to get the end free as it sticks to the tape roll.

• Only cushion the bottom and top of a box with crumpled paper when pack- ing breakables.  I love using towels and rugs to pack and protect big heavy, breakables.  It saves on paper.

• Label the top and side of your box with room location and contents.

• Stack your boxes on the perimeter of the room with the labeling visible.

• Gather all the “like” items that are displayed in your rooms and categorize them: framed pictures, decorative breakables, floral arrangements, etc.  When you move, you may find that things look better in different rooms and don’t end up being displayed where you originally thought they would go. Unpacking these categorized items and then putting them in their new “home” will feel like shopping in a store and can be fun. 

• Heavy duty black garbage bags, or your unused suit cases and duffle bags, are great for packing shoes, purses, boots, linens, towels, pillows, bedding, and clothes that do not get hung.  Remember to label the bag with post it’s and reinforce with tape!!!  Bags are great for fillers and cushions when loading the moving truck.

• If possible, keep hanging clothes on hangers and stack as you lay them flat in your vehicle.  Wardrobe boxes can be pretty expensive when purchased new ($11.00 to $17.00 per box).  There are some cases when they are needed and more practical.

Hopefully, these pointers will lessen your feelings of being overwhelmed and help you to be more at ease and actually enjoy the process of moving.