Make a move and you’ll be scouring
the Internet for ideas on how to best accomplish it. But know this: everything
you need to do can be done over time. With proper planning you can handle a
little bit each day, especially if you have the customary two months time
period to move. Let’s take a look at a timeline-based packing strategy for your
move.
Two Months Out
About 60 days before your move, you
should pack those items you won’t be needing again until after you arrive at
your new home. This is also a good time to declutter, by getting rid of items
you won’t use again. Donate same or hold a yard sale.
As for what to pack now, each of
the following can be included: photo albums, cookbooks, scrap books, and books.
Seasonal items, such as Christmas decorations can also be included. Out of
season clothing can also be packed as can art and any other decorations you
won’t display again until you’re in your next home.
One Month Out
Now it is time to step things up by
packing all your extra kitchen gadgets as well as most of your fragile items,
including vases, knick knacks, and glassware. Your board games and puzzles can
also be packed, but leave a few out until you move — your children may be
looking for something to entertain themselves with, especially on a rainy day.
Additional entertainment items can
also be packed ranging from DVDs to video games and from CDs
to crafts. Place these items in a specially marked box and don’t seal
immediately — you might want to retrieve something later.
Two Weeks to Go
With two weeks remaining before you
move, there is so much still to be done. Here, you might enlist the help of
friends and family to pitch in. A good approach at this point is go from room
to room and pack those items you can do without over the final two weeks.
These items can include
electronics, cords, office supplies, accessories, extra linens, and various
non-essential items. You might also need to acquire additional boxes at this
point, so visit your local retailers and make a pitch. Ask neighbors for their
newspapers, begin labeling your boxes by color, and seal up what you won’t be
needing until later.
One Week Out
You’re almost there! Now, it is time
to live like a vagabond — by putting nearly everything else in boxes and
schlepping around with what you have. This is also where you can finish “eating
down” the food you have on hand, so why not invite the neighbors and throw
yourself a wonderful going away party?
Clean out your pantry, donating
food you can’t take with you to your local food bank.
Obtain a receipt for tax purposes too. Small appliances, most dishes and
flatware, some bedding, and your excess clothes can be packed away too.
Don’t forget to pack suitcases for
your move. Also, create an “open first” box and fill it with those items you’ll
need as soon as you arrive in your new home.
One Day Away
The day before the moving truck
arrives means packing everything else. And I mean everything. Why? Because
you’ll spend the night before your move in a hotel room, allowing you and your
family to get a good night’s sleep. You can always head back home early the
next morning to greet the movers explains the North
American Moving Company.
Clean out the refrigerator, throw
out old or spoiled food, pack your toiletries, bring along the pet supplies,
and take down whatever blinds and curtains do not convey with the home. When
done, perform a final walk through to ensure that nothing has been left behind.
Check every room, open all closets, and look in each nook and cranny to ensure everything
has been packed and is ready to go.
