Ask Yourself these Questions:
- When is the official move out date?
- What can we live without and get rid of before we move?
- What packing supplies do we need, and where should we get them?
- What needs to be canceled at current house and what needs to be set up at the new home: utilities, internet, address changes, doctors, etc.
- What will we need immediately after the move?
Know your Timeline. Make sure you know the date you have to be out of your house and the time frame for which you can move into the new one. If there is a time gap, plan accordingly in regards to renting storage and housing accommodations. Moving isn’t an overnight process, so make it easier by starting to gradually remove junk and pack up smaller items a couple months out.
Remove the Junk. No matter how long you’ve been in your current home, you’ve most likely acquired a lot of “stuff.” Start going through each room and figure out what you can live without. Toss old items, hold a garage sale or donate them to a local organization. The les
Snap Some Photos. Take quick photos of various TV/cable wires and other complicated assembly items to reference when you’re setting them back up in the new place.
Use Other Household Items to Help Pack Others. There are a lot of different items that you plan to take with you that can be used to help transport others. Use blankets and sheets to wrap picture frames and vases, while throwing spices and other kitchen items into trashcans, baskets or even crock-pots. They’ve all got to get to your new home somehow so why not multi-purpose them!
Buy and Resell Packing Materials. A lot of home improvement stores will have boxes for purchase, but try asking friends or other stores if they have some they’ve saved or need to dispose of. Websites like Craigslist also have free or inexpensive moving boxes available. When the move is over, break everything down and use the same resources to resell everything.
Color Coordinate Rooms with Duct Tape. Aside from labeling ALL sides of the boxes, assign each room a colored duct tape to mark the boxes so it’s even easier to identify and organize once you’re unloading.
Use Tape to Prevent Spills. Any previously opened items like shampoos, detergents, cooking oils, etc. can easily spill or leak during the moving process. Use tape to seal all lids and spouts to prevent the need for any major damage control later.
Use Zip Lock Baggies to Organize. Large zip lock bags are great for organizing kitchen items by the drawer. Use smaller sandwich bags for nails and screws taken from unassembled furniture and label them properly, so you know where they belong. This will unloading everything to its rightful place a piece of cake.
Don’t Overpack Boxes. You may be able to stuff A LOT into your boxes, but try to plan ahead by weight. Fill smaller boxes with heavier items so they stay about 50 lbs. or less, while trying to keep similar items together. Don’t overstuff large boxes with items that could break, and make sure all sides are padded with light packing materials.
Separate Your First Day Essentials. Plan an overnight bag for each person that contains his or her specific toiletries and change of clothing. This bag is also a great place for laptops and other important electronics. Anything else that you may need in the first 24 hours (i.e. trashbags, cookware, toilet paper, etc.) should be packed in a clear storage box so it sticks out from other boxes in the truck. It’ll be easy to find, so you’re prepared for the first night in your new home!
Headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois, Beechen & Dill Homes is recognized as one of Chicagoland’s most buyer-friendly and distinctive home builders. Beechen & Dill Homes has constructed an award-winning reputation over 40 years and dozens of planned communities and custom home projects in Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs. For more information, please visit beechendill.com.