Get Your Move On

(Image courtesy of Jason Saul)

Though moving to a new place is exciting, we all know that it can be a stressful time. Between packing up rooms, organizing boxes, downsizing items and coordinating your move times, it can quickly become a daunting experience.

If you’re not looking forward to your move, we can help! With these simple steps courtesy of renters.apartments.com you’ll be packed up and ready to go in no time! Don’t believe us? Keep reading to find out how!

Create a Timeline

As soon as you know your moving date, write it down on a calendar. Then, you know exactly when all the packing has to be finished. You can also schedule the movers, fill out a change of address form at the post office and write a reminder to contact utility companies about switching service.

Organize the Supplies

With your timeline in place, get down to business. Make sure you have enough supplies before you start packing, though. Otherwise, you’ll become frustrated and lose you packing momentum. Suggested packing supplies include:

• Packing tape
• Boxes, suitcases and bins of all sizes
• Permanent markers in several colors
• Cushioning materials including bubble wrap, foam, towels and sheets

Get Rid of Stuff

The less stuff you own, the less you have to move. That means you save time and money because you don’t have to pack up stuff you no longer need, want, use or love or pay someone to move all your unwanted stuff.

• If the items are broken or have missing pieces, toss them.
• Sell gently used items at a yard sale or consignment shop, and apply the money you make going toward moving expenses.
• Donate gently used items to a charity.

Pack Each Room

You are now ready to begin the packing process. Start with the items you don’t use very often. They might include books, artwork or collectibles. Remember that heavy items go on the bottom of the box, and wrap fragile items securely in cushioning materials.

You should also give each box a label. Use a different colored marker for each room, and include the contents, room and number. So, the first box of kitchen items you pack might be labeled, “Baking Dishes, Kitchen, 1” while a bedroom box might have the label, "Sheets, Master Bedroom 25." On a master list, record each box number along with its contents. This system ensures you can also easily find your baking dishes or bed sheets in an instant, and it helps your movers place each box in the right room of your new home.

Remember to consult your packing plan throughout the moving process. It keeps you organized and reminds you to turn the utilities on in the new apartment or verify that the movers will arrive on time. It also reduces the stress of a move and makes setting up your new home easier. With your plan, you’re set to unpack, host a fun apartment warming party and tell all your friends how to pack for a move.