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6 Essential Tips For A Stress-Free Move

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executives

 

two people packing cardboard boxes  

Let’s face it, moving to a new home is no picnic. Moving day will be here before you know it, and you feel like there’s no way on Earth you can sort through all of your belongings and pack your entire life into a moving truck in time. We know how stressful a move from one home to another can be, so we wanted to share a few helpful moving tips to make it a much easier experience.

 

 

Create a To-Do List and Pin It to Your Wall

You probably won’t remember everything you have to do in the chaos of researching moving companies, calling your insurance provider, and closing on your new home. So before you start the bulk of cleaning and decluttering, take a few minutes to compile a detailed list of the tasks you will need to complete, no matter how small. These tasks can include:

  • transferring your homeowners insurance to your new address
  • compiling a list of your emergency contacts
  • labeling your moving boxes
  • fixing a squeaky door hinge
  • meeting with friends for coffee before you leave

If it helps you stay organized, categorize your tasks by room, deadline, or importance. As you’re completing all your to-dos, make sure you check them off your list as you go. It will help you see how far you’re come in accomplishing such a gargantuan goal.

Declutter Your Home Room by Room

a person moving a stack of boxesThe less stuff you have, the less stuff you have to pack. But as we all know, one of the biggest hurdles to moving is sorting through all of your belongings and deciding which ones you won’t be taking to your new home. If decluttering your entire home seems overwhelming, don’t panic. Start small: Instead of trying to tackle the entire project in one weekend, spend an hour or two on just one room. Create three piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Go through your closets, bedrooms, and other hot spots first, then move on to the rest of your home. Remember, you can always buy books, kitchen gadgets, and other things after you move. If you have a few sentimental items you’re having a hard time getting rid of, ask a friend or neighbor for objective feedback.

 

 

Host a Yard Sale or Moving Sale

Once you’ve sorted through most of your home, host a yard sale and set out items that you planned on giving away. Sell anything that you can that day, and anything that’s left over you can donate to charity or a local thrift store.

Get Creative with Your Packing

homeowner opening cardboard boxesYou’ll be surprised at just how many small items can fit into the nooks and crannies left over in your moving boxes. After you’ve packed your bulky appliances and decorative pieces, you can fill in the spaces with smaller items to act as extra cushioning and save a bit of space in the process. Another way you can get creative with your packing is by stacking items vertically instead of horizontally. Instead of laying down dishes, bowls, plates, and other fragile items in a box, stack them upright and cushion them with socks and towels. This will prevent your glass items from shifting around during the move.

Use Cling Wrap Where You Least Expect It

Worried about bottles of shampoo, soap, lotion, or other liquids spilling out on the journey? Cling wrap is a surprisingly effective seal. Remove the tops of bottles and cover the openings with a bit of cling wrap, then twist the caps back on. Cling wrap is also easier to remove than tape. If you have clothes and jewelry packed away in drawers, surround the drawers with a thick layer of cling wrap. It’s easy to remove, and you won’t have a sticky mess to clean up later!

Create an “Open Me First” Box

After your move, unpacking can be just as stressful as packing. To avoid digging through countless boxes just to find coffee or toilet paper, create a box of the essentials and place it on the moving truck last. Here are a few items you should consider packing in this box:

  • instant coffee or tea bags
  • a first aid kit
  • tools like box cutters and screwdrivers
  • toilet paper
  • soap, shampoo, and lotion

Ask Us for More Helpful Moving Tips!

first-time home buyers moving inWe hope these moving tips come in handy, whether you’re planning to buy a home or whether you’re selling your current home. We’re more than happy to provide you with additional tips to help you prepare for your upcoming move. If you need more advice about buying or selling a home or want to know more about the area, we offer a wealth of resources to help you out. Call us and let’s talk about your plans. &nbsp:&nbsp:

 

 

 

 

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The Kruschkas are long-term Prince William County residents with more than 30 years experience as real estate professionals serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries, Manassas Park, Bristow, Brentsville, Gainesville and Haymarket

Our Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS

If you plan to buy or sell a home or property contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-499-9279. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you

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Comments (12)

Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Karen, great tips, and moving can and usually is very stressful.    Nice to you back in the Rain!  

Jul 22, 2017 09:28 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Karen Kruschka Those are very good tips for a stress free move.

Jul 22, 2017 09:34 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello karen,  Great tips for sure on this subject.  Hope you are having a great weekend.

 

Jul 22, 2017 10:00 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Those are all great tips, Karen.  I especially like the one about labeling all the boxes.

Jul 23, 2017 05:09 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Myrl Jeffcoat Thank you for the visit

Jul 23, 2017 02:09 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Karen Kruschka,

I'm so glad that Will Hamm re-blogged your post! Excellent information for someone planning a move..I really like the idea of a box labeled "Open me first!"

Jul 27, 2017 04:36 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Karen. This is thoughtful and beautifully written. A wonderful handout too.

Jul 27, 2017 08:15 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Joan Cox Thank you - good to be back

Jul 30, 2017 08:16 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

John Pusa They do work for people

Jul 30, 2017 08:18 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Will Hamm Thanks for your comment

Jul 30, 2017 08:19 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Hi Dorie Dillard As long as it has the cabernet sauvignon to help with the unpacking

Jul 30, 2017 08:24 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Sheila Anderson Thank you for the visit and comment

Jul 30, 2017 08:28 AM