Everyone knows how difficult a move can be, especially if you are moving every few years. Whether you are a young family, or your children are grown and you are looking to downsize, it’s not always easy to decide what is worth keeping. Using the tips below will help make your next move simpler when packing and unpacking.
1. Is this worth keeping? This is the question that you need to keep asking yourself as you move through this process. If you have to write it on a sign and post it in your home or the room you are working in, do it. Questions to keep in mind when making the decision if something is worth keeping:
A. Is this a one of a kind?
B. Do I have an emotional attachment to it?
C. Will I miss it if I don’t keep it?
D. Am I keeping this out of guilt?
E. Am I keeping it because someone else bought it for me?
F. Could I get another if I decided I needed it again?
G. Have I used this item in the last 6 months to a year?
Using these questions as you begin the organizing and packing process will help you to make decisions quicker and easier. Chances are, everything you decide to part with you will never miss.
2. Sort before you pack. Planning ahead before you move will make the move itself less stressful. It will also make the unpacking at your new home go smoother. Before you begin packing, have the questions above handy while sorting through each drawer, closet, and space in your home. Have a donation box available as you sort through each room. Setting a timer for 15-30 minutes for each sorting session will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Organizing before you start to pack will mean less to pack, move, and unpack. This will result in saving you lots of time.
3. Create memory books. You have sorted through your belongings, but you are still uncertain what to do with special pictures made by the kids, photos, concert tickets stubs, and more. Creating a memory book doesn't have to be a big production. It can actually be quite simple if you make the decision to keep it simple. Purchasing a scrapbook from the craft store, (Hobby Lobby has coupons on their website), will get you on your way to containing your loose artwork, photos, and other special items. Trim pieces down if you need to so they fit in the sleeves of the scrapbook.
Creating a scrapbook will allow you to display your items in a special and unique way. It will also be fun for the children to look through over the years. These scrapbooks will be simple to pack as they can stack easily both vertically and horizontally in boxes.
4. Set a limit on the number of memorabilia boxes you keep. Memorabilia can really add up over the years. Between our parent’s stuff, our stuff, and our kid’s stuff, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed. I encourage you to set a limit on the number of boxes you store that are filled with memories. It is possible that over time you will find that something that seems invaluable will not seem as special over time. Especially after items have been packed away in boxes for a long time. These decisions may be made easier if you set a limit as to how many boxes you can have.
5. Create a packing list of remaining items. This tip is very simple and will be extremely helpful. Have you ever moved and wondered where you would find the baking dish you need or your child’s favorite toy? Create a list of everything you packed in each box and either tape it to the outside of the box or insert it in the box before taping up. This list can also include where each item was located when you packed it. This can be very useful if you have family and friends who help you unpack later.
6. Create a packing and unpacking system. Having a system for packing and unpacking does not need to be complicated. In fact it is to be the exact opposite. It can make moving easier for you. Make decisions on which rooms are the first to pack, which are the last, and the same for unpacking. Commit to how many boxes you will pack and unpack in a day. Instead of half unpacking boxes and living out of them, use your timer to help you stay laser-focused to complete the unpacking of your boxes.
By applying the tips above, you will find your next move to go much easier. The simpler your home is, the easier it will be to not only move, but to keep clean and organized once you are settled. Is there a tip that you have found to be useful in your moving experiences? We would love to hear them below.
Being a mother and business owner, Angela understands how important it is to be organized in the home, especially when it comes to the kitchen and meal preparation. Our lives can be busy between working and family activities. Having solutions that are easy, economical, and healthy can make the heart of the home, the kitchen, a wonderful place to be.
Angela has written a number of books on home organization with her new one releasing soon on cabinet and closet organization. You'll find her books on her Amazon author page at http://amzn.to/1zflOuh.
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