Get Ready to Move In
Part Three of Four About Moving Homes
The past two articles in my column explained how to get started in the moving process once you sell your home, and also what to do with those things you need to get rid of. This week is the next part on the subject and I will address moving into your new place. Another issue altogether!
I have moved nearly a dozen times personally as an adult and I have worked with many friends and clients with their own moves. I have developed a few practices that have helped get this done with the least amount of overwhelm and stress. I broke the ideas down into two columns; part one is here, and, next week, the last part will be available.
When packing, have a good idea which room each of the boxes will be going into, so you can mark the boxes accordingly. When I orchestrate a move, I color-code the boxes for the room it will go into. This way moving people don’t have to search for the writing on the box. Just cut up paper of a bright color and tape it onto the box when you are taping the box closed. Use this same color to later tape a piece of paper above the door to the room that the boxes will go into. When the movers or friends are bringing the boxes into your new place, they simply need to match the colors. You, of course, should write out what items are in the box so you can open them in an organized and logical fashion later.
If you are able and have the opportunity, look at a floor plan and determine where all your furniture will go before your move. Using grid paper I draw out the room to scale and make “paper doll” like pieces for the furniture. Yes, there are computer programs that can do this for you, but for one move, it’s probably easier to just make it by hand and get it done quickly. Start by coming up with a layout that will work best. Move the pieces around until they seem to be exactly what you want. That may require something to be put into another room than you initially intended or, to be removed altogether. Once you decide on your layout, tape everything into place and put it into a manila folder so you don’t damage it. Doing this process means you don’t have to move furniture all over the place to see what fits and what doesn’t, which can ruin floors, not to mention one’s back.
The first recommendation I have is to move in on a day that allows you two to four days following to really unpack and get settled. Planning ahead here will make all the difference in the world. Schedule movers as far ahead as you can so you get your preferred date and then plan to take time off from regular activities for the day before, day of, and a couple of days after. You will also want to schedule a time to shut off utilities and change your mailing address prior to the move so you don’t have unexpected expenses or miss items you need to receive. You may also need to go back to your place to do a final clean-out — and that seems to take most people longer than they thought, so plan extra time for this.
Happy Move Out Day!
Watch next week for the final part: actually moving stuff in!
Ask a question for the column and I will address it at the appropriate time. Email questions to Coach Juli, PCC Productivity Coach, at jshulem@gmail.com and put “question for column” in the subject line and they will be answered right here. Your name is not used.
