Moving is one of the most stressful events that can happen during the course of your lifetime. Yes, it can be extremely exciting, but just getting organized can be a chore! Here are some tips to help ease the stress.
Make a list — Create an excel spreadsheet, use a notebook… whichever you prefer. Just write everything down! Number the boxes and put a heading on them i.e. Kitchen dishes. Use your list to detail what’s in each box so that when it comes to unpacking you know exactly what’s in the box so that you’re not opening 10 different boxes just to find the can opener!
Have plenty of supplies — You’ll need far more boxes than you think! Make sure you have plenty so you’re not running around at the last minute trying to find some. Sure, you can pick up freebies at the liquor store (sometimes), but it’s often worth the money to buy really good moving boxes and packing to ensure that your belongings remain in one piece. Also make sure you have plenty of packing material, packing tape and markers.
Use wardrobe boxes — Wardrobe boxes are fantastic! You simply empty your closets into the hanging boxes and move away! It’s far easier than putting garbage bags or plastic over your hanging items and really worth the money. When cleaning out the closets, take the shoes, hats, mitts and other items in the closet and throw them into shopping bags and put on the floor of the box so all closet items stay together. Wardrobe boxes are also great for comforters, pillows and bulky linen closet items.
Color Code – Designate a color to the living room, kitchen, etc. and then mark each moving box with the appropriate color of the room. Each box will be easily identifiable to whoever’s moving.
Rubbermaid Tubs – Are great for moving! Use these to pack up off season clothes and shoes. Also great for all of your bathroom items that may be a tad wet or messy – shampoos, shower caddies, all your “under the sink” items, etc. Also terrific for detergent and all your cleaning supplies.
Use Ziploc bags – Put cables from televisions and other appliances in a zippered bag and then affix to the appliance so they don’t get separated. You can also use them for all your wall screws and nails and small parts to furniture, etc. Tape the bag to the item the small parts belong to.
Prepare a cleaning kit – If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it. The cleaning kit will also be convenient when you get to your new place!
Use your luggage – Fill your luggage with bedding, towels and other household items. Pack one suitcase with your personal toiletries and changes of clothes for the moving period to avoid searching through boxes for your pajamas!
Rent a truck - If you’re moving a short distance you may be tempted to pile everything into your car and make a few extra tips. This can turn into a LOT of extra trips and a lot of extra work and gas.
Keep valuables with you –Make sure you keep any jewelry, important papers, etc. with you – not with your movers. This includes insurance documentation, birth certificates – anything you consider valuable.
Moving may not be the most enjoyable task, but being organized can make it far less stressful!
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Many economists are expecting a brighter year for housing, citing positive economic data in recent months. The U.S. housing market is beginning to mount a turnaround this year, building toward a solid recovery in 2013, says chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders. Chief Economist David Crowe calls for U.S. sales of new homes and single-family home construction to improve this year compared to 2011. “I’m looking at 2012 as sort of a ramping event to get a much more solid recovery in 2013,” Crowe said. The economist sees sales of new, single-family homes climbing 19 percent this year to 360,000, up from 303,000 last year. Next year, he expects those sales to rise by a whopping 40 percent to 505,000. [Read Article]
