Recently I wrote a very thorough blog post about how to stay organized before moving.
The actual moving day, however, is completely different. It’s go time! The stress is high and staying organized can be the last thing on your mind.
Below I have a couple of helpful tips and tricks to get you through moving day (many of which I have used myself to when we moved across the world!)
I want to start off with:
The Don’t Pack List
Keep these items off the truck and close to you on moving day: (Best to make an area in your home, a closet or room that will allow you to hold all this stuff, you can also use your car!)
- Important documents (e.g., passports, marriage license, birth certificates, any records containing bank account information or Social Security numbers)
- Checkbook
- Credit cards
- Medication
- Phone and charger
- Laptop and charger
- Toilet paper
- A change of clothes (one for each member of your household)
- Snacks and water (for kids and pets)
- A child’s special toy or blanket
- Jewelry
- Flashlight
- Tape measure
- Toolbox
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Cash
- Any other valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items
Moving Day!
Your Current Home:
If you can’t supervise, get someone who can. It is good to be there – there will probably be last minute packing so someone who can help with that is also good. – make sure you are there on time so your movers can start on time and finish on time
Make sure the house is getting cleaned today or tomorrow –
Do a final walk through. Lock doors and windows, make sure everything is secure, and even take a video in case new owners/tenants claim you damage anything. Double check and make sure you took everything!
Say goodbye. Take time to say a proper “so long” to your old house before things get hectic. Children, in particular, benefit from some closure. Walk through the house recalling fond memories you have, and talk about what fun you’ll create in your new home.
Your New Home:
Lay down a plastic carpet protector at the new house, if your movers haven’t already done so.
Tape the doors with colors so that movers know where to put each type of box.
Watch for damaged and missing items. If you see something is damaged, set it aside in a designated space at the end of the day you can show the foreman and start the process to claim on your insurance.
Assemble furniture. It is often worth it to have the crew do it for you – it is so much faster!
Pay the movers!
Start unpacking. If you notice any damage to your boxes, set them aside until the moving company can return to inspect them. Take photos of the damage for your records.
Try your best to get your whole family involved as well (will link to the family declutter blog post)
Enjoy your new home!
Yes, moving requires a lot of organizing, but what if there’s a room or two that just doesn’t seem to fit all your stuff properly? You’re tired, stressed and just need that little extra help to get to your ideal state of organization.
That’s where Done In A Day Declutter comes in! With this completely online service, you choose one room in your home and I help you organize and declutter the space to perfection!