Just about a year ago while I was away with friends at a blogging conference my husband decided he had found the perfect house for us. Within minutes I was googling the address, and searching for any image I could view of this new place I would soon call home.
With my two friends huddled over along with a bottle of wine we were in disbelief. My husband was blinded by the gorgeous yard and couldn’t see the wood paneling that went from floor to ceiling in a couple of rooms.
After my friends had their jokes, I did the next best thing any blogger would do I created a wood paneling pinterest board, and searched for lists on how to make the move a smooth transition into that 70’s show.
With a little organization and planning, you can make the transition as pain-free as possible. Here are a few tips for moving courtesy of FiOS to make it easier you know so I can enjoy more time catching up with my shows that had to be recorded so I can pack etc. Worst job ever, just saying.
Before the Move
- Decide whether you’ll do it yourself or hire professionals. If you’re moving across the country, you can either rent a moving truck or hire a full-service moving company. If you choose the latter method, ask friends for recommendations, and get at least three written estimates. Spring and summer are the busiest times for movers. Contact the companies as far in advance as possible to make sure they are available on the dates that you need them. Be sure to follow up to confirm details a week before the big day.
- Start early—and simplify. Start packing a few boxes a week as you prepare for your move. Label each by room and also by weight (light, medium, and heavy). This will make it easier to load the truck and unload once you get there. Have your movers bring each box to its specified room, hey you already paid them no sense in you doing anything more than unpacking.
https://www.instagram.com/p/1nntHrFo97/?taken-by=geaninecilenti
To save on storage and transport take only the things you love and leave the rest behind. Focus on keeping what is useful and beautiful. Do you really need that gigantic bread machine that you used once, five years ago? Sort items into three categories: pack, “freecycle”donate, or sell unwanted items at a garage sale or online on sites such as Craigslist.
- Invest in sturdy boxes. If you’re moving yourself, make sure the boxes you choose are durable enough to hold your possessions, especially if you’re moving out of state or cross-country. You can purchase boxes at storage and mail supply stores, or ask offices, schools, and retailers if they have any they may be willing to give away for free.And invest in good packing tape. It’s worth the money.
If you’d like to choose a sustainable moving solution, a quick Google search will turn up a number of companies that offer green alternatives—recycled plastic bins that can be rented and returned.
In addition to being better for the environment, the benefits of green boxes include durability, ease of stacking the uniform-sized containers in the truck, and easy-to-grip handles that won’t rip like cardboard flaps. Plus, you won’t have to worry about breaking down and throwing away a pile of cardboard. Most movers will let you use green boxes even if they don’t offer them, but it’s a good idea to check with them to be sure.
- Organize important papers. In previous years I have been so guilty in putting valuable documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, jewelry and other valuables in a “SAFE PLACE”. You know you have done the same, put things in the Safe Place that takes you forever to remember where it is. So instead, include a folder with important real estate papers such as leases, deeds, and closing documents you’ll need for your new home, and keep it in the car with you.
- Pack a suitcase or two. Include everything you need for the first couple of nights: sheets, towels, personal supplies like shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, along with napkins, paper plates, and utensils and a couple sets of clothes for each person in your household. Live out of your suitcases for the first few days while you get settled so you don’t have to dig through dozens of boxes to find your blow dryer!
- Set aside a special “cleaning supplies” box. Load it up with household cleaning items you’ll need once you get there: dish soap, cleaning supplies, rubber gloves, etc. Keep this in the car with you, also.
Whether you’re a new or existing Verizon customer, they’ve made it easy to set up or transfer your Internet, TV, and phone service. To make things as simple as possible, you can keep your current Verizon.net email address, and you may even be able to keep your current phone number. They’ve provided a printable checklist below to help make things easier.
If you’ve never had the chance to experience the benefits of a 100% fiber- optic network, now is the perfect time to upgrade to FiOS. With a 100% fiber-optic network, your entertainment will go off the charts with a TV picture so clear and Internet speed so fast you’ll wish you had made the move before. Fits is the only thing in our new house that reminded me immediately of the decade we are in!
Switching to FiOS is another smart move in the right direction. Find out if FiOS is available in your new neighborhood. Thankfully we didn’t move far so I this was one less worry for me 🙂
What do you find most stressful about moving?
Are there any tips you think I should have included in my list?
Disclosure:This post was sponsored on behalf of Verizon. All opinions stated are my own. Thank you for supporting School Yard Style!
Moving with a family is stressful! Thank you for your tips
Love all your tips. Moving is no fun, but doing these things will definitely make it go more smoothly.
Moving is the worst, but these are great tips. I also suggest making a to do list and investing in good bubble wrap or packing paper. Newspaper is find, but I find it can leave marks. Also, Uhaul offers affordable options for movers who will unpack and pack the uhaul for you. They do a great job and don’t charge a tone of money.
I’ll be moving in a few months, and DEFINITELY needed this list! You really covered everything – I totally appreciate it! My sister is moving this weekend. I’ll be sure she sees the list, too!
These are good tips. The organizing and packing is my least favorite part. I tend to procrastinate big time!
I think these are really helpful tips. It’s important to be organized. Normally making a list and following a schedule would help. I haven’t moved in a long time!
Great tips! I actually love moving, the whole experience. It’s like you said take what you need leave what you don’t. It’s like a fresh start. every room will be spic and span, and have only the things you need in them.
these are amazing tips! i know how stressful is moving !i recently moved from italy to UK. OMG what a stress it was
We just have a move last month, I wish I have read this post a month ago. I will share it to my friends!
Thank you for these tips, we have just moved a month ago but I will take note of this for next time.
Such a timely post for me. A good one to read before the next big move of our family. Thanks for this.
It is very helpful if you will hire professionals to do the job. Although, that can be expensive but you will save a lot of headaches!
Moving can be simpler if we pack things ahead of time. Packing the unusual things in the house one day at a time will be a great help.
Such a good tips. I always remember this tips when we are moving. glad you share this.
These are great tips! I have moved at least 15 times in my life and it can definitely be stressful.
Thanks for this tips, Absolutely need this we are moving next week
I love this stress free tips. we are moving tomorrow and This is a great tips for me
I really appreciate your heads up about using suitcases to pack things like extra clothes and toiletries. I’ve been preparing for our move with the assumption that we’re going to be able to unpack everything by the time we get there, but after thinking about it, that’s rarely ever the case. To make sure we aren’t caught off guard after relocating, once I’m done hiring a nearby residential moving company, I’ll prepare a couple of suitcases and put our cleaning and bathing essentials in there right away.
Organizing important papers beforehand was something I definitely agree with. As much as I trust a moving company to handle my things, I wouldn’t want any kind of deed or important paper to be misplaced. I’ll make sure I pack all of them in a suitcase I can carry before I have the residential movers handle the rest.
Contacting a moving company beforehand to prepare for the relocation is a sensible idea. Since you would want to make sure that everything will be moved safely and properly, conversing with the experts and planning how everything will be moved will help you achieve that. As early as now, I’ll go and look for any movers we can hire and have them stop by for some planning.