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My man and I have spent the last month 100% focused on moving (and might I mention, into our OWN place), and the last two weeks physically moving into our new place. I think it's safe to say we are officially done and moved in! Last night was the first night in our new apartment. We still have a lot of adjusting to do, new routines for the pups, getting used to new noises, and dealing with all the light from our windows. Curtains are in store, ASAP.
As I look back on our move, the plans we made and the obstacles we faced, I thought it would be a great idea to put together a list of 10 tips to make your move as successful and painless as possible. Here we go:
Plan & Prioritize
My BF and I are both accountants, which means we're both A-type business-oriented budgeters and planners. We can easily take a situation and translate it into concise bullet points or a cost benefit analysis. When we first discussed moving out into our own place, back in January, our first step was to make a plan. Then, we discussed our plans with our roommates to make sure they were on board. We also set a goal for a move out date, drafted a budget and started saving.
I am well aware not everyone operates like we do. I've helped out plenty of family and friends who lack a move-out plan, and end up scrambling at the absolutely last second.
Budget
Budgeting is where we accountants get to geek out. You'd probably laugh, cringe, or cry if you saw our budget. It's nailed down to the penny. But in our opinion, its the most effective method to balance out saving and spending. It's best not to make a move until you're sure you can afford it.
Get Supplies
Boxes and boxes and boxes. Don't forget packing tape. And a Sharpie. I forgot to label a few boxes and as we unpack I've already found myself hacking into the unlabeled boxes frantically searching for whatever I misplaced. Save yourself the stress and jot down some notes on each box.
Make a Moving Schedule
We are busy people, and this may sound silly, but most of our weekends are booked a month in advance. We're either visiting family, friends, hosting, traveling etc, so it helps to set out a schedule and black out designated moving days.
Start Packing Early
We all procrastinate at one time or another, but preparing for a move should not be one of those times. My BF and I did well, the day we signed our lease we started packing. The key is to start small and work your way onto bigger things, it will help ease the mental and emotional transition from one space to the next. Begin by packing seasonal items, sweatshirts, Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, etc.
Purge
This is a tough one, especially for my BF. He still has shirts from when he was in high school! I understand it's difficult to throw something out which has sentimental meaning. I find it easiest to ask myself two questions, when was the last time I wore this? Will I wear it again? If you cannot answer either of these two questions, it's best to purge the item. Throw it away or jump to the next tip and donate!
Donate
I understand it's hard to let things go! It helps knowing whatever it is you donate is going to a second home. I prefer to donate versus throwing something away that may end up in a landfill. Plus, the accountant in me says it's good for your tax return!
Expect the Unexpected
Easier said then done, right? I think this tip is essential because not everything goes as planned. Something always changes, or something unexpected comes up. A friend who we haven't seen in 2 years is in town the same weekend we're moving? We didn't expect to not have internet for the first few days. We didn't expect we'd have to make 8 truckloads, or that we'd be driving our roommates truck that hasn't been registered since 2010! Go with the flow, and keep in mind that it's ok if something deviates from the plan
Ask for Help
Moving is a big deal, and its something not everyone can do solo. Have you tried to move a mattress by yourself? It's difficult. Go ahead and ask your dad, your brother, your cousin, or your coworker for help! Maybe you don't own a truck, but your coworker does. Ask your coworker for help, chances are he or she will be more than willing. Plus, it will make your move twice as easy!
Rest
Moving is exhausting. You have to carry furniture and big heavy boxes up and down stairs. Prevent yourself from getting burned out by taking breaks when you need them. Go get a cup of coffee or a lunch break. Take a mid-day nap if you need it. The best way to do this is to plan for resting time in your move-out schedule.
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Please forgive me for being MIA last week! Life is full of moving parts, and lately things have been a little crazy! We still do not have internet in our new place. I've had to stop myself from spontaneously yelling "plug me in!" while glaring at the lifeless modem. Good news is our moving situation is winding down, just in time for HAVEN! Bad news is I'll be running around today and tomorrow frantically preparing for the big conference. And lastly I'll be trying to ignore a few insecurities, like, I hope people talk to me! I hope I muster enough courage to meet the stars of the show! *le sigh*
That being said, I'll re-start our weekly I Spy a DIY series next week. Ciao!
Labeling boxes before the big move is important to avoid looking for items when unpacking. Searching for items is a stressful job and can be avoided by labeling boxes well.
Labeling boxes before the big move is important to avoid looking for items when unpacking. Searching for items is a stressful job and can be avoided by labeling boxes well.
Exactly! I’m kicking myself for being lazy and not labeling the second half of our boxes…
Exactly! I’m kicking myself for being lazy and not labeling the second half of our boxes…