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Get Organized! 5 Tips for Organizing Before you move

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Affinity Properties, Inc 509937

Your move will go a whole lot smoother and easier if you take the time to get organized before the movers arrive. Being organized before you start packing will help you move more quickly, will help you get settled quickly and will improve your moving experience overall. The following tips will help you get on track with your organization before you move.

1. Get rid of clutter before you start packing

Most people start getting rid of clutter while they are trying to pack boxes and are getting ready for the move. Rather than trying to do two jobs at once (de-cluttering and packing), why not de-clutter weeks before your move? Not only will you get your packing done faster but you'll be under less stress. You'll know that you're only taking the things that you really need. Schedule a yard sale a few weeks before your move so you sell old but still useful items to people that need them. Whatever you don't sell at the yard sale should be given away to Goodwill or another local charity.

2. Create a moving notebook or folder

This is essential to helping you move in an organized way. Your notebook will contain all of the important information related to your move, including checklists, essential numbers for your move, details about box contents and any other important information that you'll need. You can also include a small calendar in your notebook where you can schedule and track all of the tasks you need to complete before moving. Keep the number of your moving company, local utilities and your real estate agent in this notebook as well.

3. Color code your boxes

You can use colored masking tape or colored permanent markers to color code your boxes based on the room they belong in and their level of fragility. Color coding will help your family members or the movers keep things organized for you. You'll appreciate this extra step when it comes time to unpack and settle into your new place.

4. Create an welcome home box

Although most of your items should be boxed according to their room, you should have a box that contains items you'll need as soon as you arrive or within the first day or so. Your toiletries, bed linens, pajamas, coffee maker and other necessary items should be placed in a special box that will be easily accessible. This way you don't have to hunt around for things that you need while you are unpacking.

5. Consider getting a professional organizer.

If you have trouble being organized at home or are unable to get rid of the vast majority of your clutter, you should consider hiring a professional organizer for your move. Many organizers specialize in helping people move. They can also put you in touch with housecleaners, carpet cleaners and other professionals that can assist you with all of the details involved in your move.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to have an organized and somewhat relaxing move.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Realtors Property Resource can be found on the net.

William True
True Sarasota Real Estate - Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Real Estate

Goods ideas, I especially liked color coding the boxes. I'll pass them on to my buyers before they pack up to move.

Feb 18, 2010 08:23 PM
David Salvato
David Home Inspection Service Home Inspector San Bernardino - Los Angeles, CA

Keep those power seller tips coming. I know that people need this stuff.

Feb 21, 2010 01:40 AM