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January 23, 2019

Getting Organized for Your Move: How to Stay on Top of the Chaos

The average American will move over 11 times during their life. Americans move more than people in most of the other countries in the world.

So no matter who you are, getting organized for a move is something you’ll need sooner or later.

But you’re in luck. Here are our five best tips for getting ready to move with as little stress as possible!

1. Make a Moving Binder

A moving binder serves many purposes. It can be the home for all the essential physical paperwork involved in your move as well as a place for inspiration. Here are a few essentials you should include:

A moving calendar (more details below)
Packing checklist
Moving contracts
Donation receipts
Invoices and receipts for moving services and equipment
Room plan or layout
Decor inspiration

Your moving binder will act as a central location for all your essential moving papers. That way you’ll never be looking long for something you need.

2. The Key to Getting Organized is a Moving Calendar

Once you have a move-in date, then it’s time to make a moving calendar.

Take your packing checklist and plan out your entire move on the calendar by working backward from your move-in date. Be as detailed as possible and consider adding these types of events to your timeline:

Donation day: every member of the family goes through his clothing, toys, books, etc. to donate unused, unnecessary items)
Recycle day: if there are unused, unnecessary items that aren’t in suitable condition for donation, then sort them and recycle them at the appropriate locations
Essentials shopping day: select a day when you purchase essential moving items

These dates and many more will help you stay organized as you prepare to move.

3. Book Your Moving Company ASAP

One of the best things you can do to be ready and organized for your move is to book your movers as soon as you know that you’re relocating.

You would never want to find out too late that your preferred moving company is already booked and unavailable. Plus, booking ahead of time will allow you to prepare for your movers. They might have special instructions based on your situation or needs.

4. Stock Up on the Essentials

Stocking up on a few important items will help make moving day and all that leads up to it a lot easier.

Here are a few things to have on your list:

boxes/other moving containers
packing tape
colored tape
permanent markers
garbage bags
cleaning supplies

Create a “moving command center” where all these supplies stay so that they’re always easy to find.

5. Color Code Your Boxes

Give each room in your home an assigned color. Then purchase a roll of tape in each color associated with your room. Each bedroom and living space should have a unique color.

While you’re packing up a room, mark each box or moving container with a visible stripe of colored tape. Make corresponding colored signs for each room and post them at the entrance to each of the rooms in the new home, so the movers know which room they are to take the box into.