Tis the season to move! I have packed and unpacked more homes this month than I can count (ok – that’s an exaggeration but there have been dozens)
In my opinion, there are few things more stressful than moving. A few tips on how to pack and unpack will hopefully help make your move easier. Of course, if you really want to take the easy route, call Simply Organized at 404-825-2105 and let us do all the work for you!
Packing
#1 You have options: I recommend hiring a professional moving company. They can do just the move for you or the packing too. Get quotes from at least 2-3 companies and ask them if you can “rent” items like wardrobe boxes from them (this will save you money and storage space after you unpack).
#2 I recommend Atlanta Peach Movers 770-447-5121 and McGregor Movers 404-630-9042
#3 Don’t Wait! Contact moving companies as soon as you know you are moving to get quotes and schedule a date. If you are packing yourself or hiring Simply Organized, start ASAP!
When it comes to DIY packing, time and preparation are key. Start as soon as you know you are moving. Do not wait until the last minute – it always takes longer than you think it will!
BOXES: Either go to the free section on Craigslist for boxes or buy them at Home Depot or Lowes (they usually have the best quality for the lowest price). You can get packing paper and bubble wrap at Walmart to save some money too. Get plenty of small and medium boxes and a few large and wardrobe.
Pack all the items you know you won’t need for the next six months first (ex. winter clothes, holiday decorations, etc.).
Label all of your boxes by ROOM and ITEMS IN BOX plus FRAGILE if their are breakables inside. This will help your movers know where to put your boxes in your new home and help you find your stuff easily.
Have the movers put the items you don’t need in the truck first and your bathroom, kitchen and bedroom items in the truck last so they will get unpacked first.
VIP: Take your most important papers and valuable in the car or on the plane with you! This should include: passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, wills, medical documents, etc. It should also include prescription medication, toiletries and anything else you need daily.
Un-packing
Congratulations! You are in your new home and now it’s time to get settled.
Start with your bedrooms you are sleeping in that night. Make sure you have a mattress with sheets on it. Put your toiletries in your bathroom and unpack any important kitchen items you have to have (for some this is a coffee pot or kid’s formula).
If you are working all day or don’t have lots of time to unpack, just tackle one box per day. You know what your needs are. Most people want their clothes, bathroom and kitchen unpacked first. Your books, DVDs, decorations, garage items, etc. can usually wait a few weeks.
Break down the boxes as you go. If your trash company will not take them, list them on Craigslist under the FREE section and put them on your curb, they will be gone in a day.
I wish you years of happiness in your new home. Please contact us if you need any help with this process 404-825-2105 or heather@simplyorganizedyou.com.