Chris and I have moved a few times in our lives. As a preacher’s kid I knew the drill. Pack up. Say goodbyes. Move on. Make new friends. It has not been unusual for me and I tend to roll with the punches or with the moving trucks as it were.
I have learned a few things over the years. Being a corporate wife (or transfer wife as Jeni of Jeni Eats likes to call it) it was just part of the life that I married into. I did not resent it. I actually embraced it. It was always another place to discover. More friends to make. New adventures to have.
As I am preparing for another move I thought it was time to do a Moving 101 post with a few tips and hints to those of you who might also be facing a move. Even if you aren’t you might find some of these tips interesting. I am sure I will be adding to this over the next few weeks but let’s just get started with these top tips.
- Make a Moving Notebook. This has helped me every single move. You can record phone numbers, make lists, keep items that are move related and have a place to jot down questions and other things. Having one place where all of this can be found is invaluable through out the whole process. It does not have to be fancy but it does have to be functional.
- We always treat our packers and movers with respect and consideration. Learn their names. They are important as they will be handling your possessions and transporting them. It is hard work. We make sure that the fridge or cooler are stocked with drinks for them and also make sure that we have food for them to eat. It does not have to be fancy—any take out will do but it is a nice gesture. We generally give them a tip on both ends of the trip to show our appreciation as well.
- Empty all your trash cans, dishwasher, washer and dryer. It seems to be common sense but they will pack trash if you don’t take care of it. If there are clothes in the appliances those will be transported as well if you are moving them. You don’t want to lose that favorite mug by leaving it in the dishwasher.
- Pack bedding for your bed in your new place in a specific box and LABEL it clearly. If you are moving and packing yourself that is easy to do. If you have someone else doing the job for you just ask them for a box to put that stuff in and mark it yourself so that you know what it is when it comes off the truck. I always feel better when I have my bed put together in the new house.
- Know what your company will and will not move. Most have similar guidelines and they make sense. No flammable items or oils. No hazardous materials. Ask questions ahead of time so there are no surprises. I just cleaned out a kitchen drawer and know I have to find a home for these guys.
- Pack all of your remotes and cables to televisions, computers and electronics in one box CLEARLY labeled. We often just take this box with us. With multiple tv’s we also label them so that there is no mix up on the other end. It saves a lot of time and headaches. Trust me on that one.
- Donate as much as you can prior to your move. Less items = less weight = less cost. It also is very therapeutic to clean out unnecessary items. This move I am definitely downsizing and offering a lot of stuff to my friends here locally. It feels good to get rid of things and it feels even better to know that someone else that I care about is going to be able to make use of something I no longer need. Donate pantry items that you don’t want to move to your local food pantry. If you are like me you kind of want to start fresh on the other end.
- If you have pets it is much easier to not have them with you when you are packing up and on moving day. It is not always an option to relocate them but if possible find someplace less stressful for them to be.
- Make a box for the new owners of your house and put appliance manuals, garage door remotes, business cards of companies you use locally and anything else that might make their transition to their new home a bit easier. I also plan to stick in a couple of rolls of toilet paper because more times than not the cleaners don’t leave that in the house if you hire cleaning done when you vacate. If you are feeling really gracious include a gift card to a local restaurant so their first meal after the move is taken care of.
- But most importantly–-don’t stress out about unnecessary things. There is only so much you can do in a limited period of time. Get done what you can and don’t worry about the list of things that are impossible to accomplish. It will all work out. Trust me. I know.
44 Comments
Leave a commentExcellent advice! I haven’t moved in 20+ years..but some of this would be helpful just making my life here easier. Especially the getting rid of stuff and the manuals all in one spot. Hmmmm…..
It is the simple things that make it easier. I am so over clutter these days and it is all going, going, gone!!! Well, maybe….all except the teapots!
You may be moving but your compassion, wit and friendships will always linger on with those of us who have crossed paths with you.
Thanks so much, Ozzie. It was great to see you yesterday. We will always keep in touch, right? The beauty of social media!
I hope your move goes smoothly. I’m glad your days apart are soon to end.
Me, too! Thanks for stopping by, Christine! I hope all is well with you!
I’m a 6 move corporate wife until we settled into small business life. I found that taking along some things in the car helped prep my new house before the movers arrived- sometimes it can be a week! Vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies to clean as you move out the door and into your new space. Measuring tape, knife cutter, sissors for new kitchen shelf paper. Shower curtain, bath mat and a few towels so bathroom is functional. Clean sheets and bedding ready to make beds asap. Valuables- jewelry box and collections.
Ditto your practice on feeding the team and notebook!
Best of luck to you in your new home! Lorraine
Lorraine, you get it! I think we would get along famously from your list of things which is pretty much identical to mine. Box cutter—always have a couple on the other end, right? And I loved the shelf paper comment because that is the first thing I have to do in a new place regardless of anything else. Funny thing is that I must have instilled that in my son as he does the same thing. Thanks for stopping by!
Great suggestions! I moved a lot for a few years with my parents and could have used some of these ideas!
Thanks, Gretchen. Not a complete list but some ideas to get your started if you are moving.
Great tips, Beth Ann. You clearly know the drill! Good luck on moving day. I hope it goes without a hitch.
Thanks, Jackie. I am sure something will pop up but at least I have a plan.
Great post! Having just been through it with my daughter and family, there’s a lot to think about and coordinate.
There is a lot to think about, right? Crazy!
Great list Beth Ann! Boy do I wish I could hire movers. Hubby leaves in three weeks and I’m on my own to take care of everything here. I know you know what that’s like too.
You can do it. I know you can. Take a lot of deep breaths!
Thanks Beth Ann! All the best with your move too!
I am the polar opposite of you, having moved very little during my life. My husband and I have been in our current house now since 1984. I lived my entire childhood on the same farm, although not in the same house. I moved most often during my college and early adult years.
Sounds like you have this moving down to a science.
Funny how we settle into the lives that we are living, right? I love being in new places and discovering new things but knowing that this place in NC will be a place we will be for a long time makes me excited as well.
Great tips! I am always impressed with your ability to jump in happily to your next adventure. That is a gift that not many people have.
Oh Mary Ellen—I so owe you some time . I have been crazy wrapped up in stuff. When I get a lull I will call. Hey–I am a poet. 🙂 Love you!
Thank you for all of your wisdom! This post gave me some more ideas for things to make today easier.
Yay! Glad it could help a bit. Hugs.
Yes, I believe so! Shelf paper is your first signature on a new house that it’s yours! Consider cute scrapbook paper too in drawers! Best of luck in your new adventure- it’s all a good thing!
Oh yes!!! Scrap paper I have!!! I also use placemats on my fridge shelves!!!
How very thoughtful of you, not only are you helping your readers but, your consideration of the movers, the pets and the new owners is beyond commendable. Best of luck with your new place.
Well hey—-you gotta treat people right in this world. 🙂
As ye sow, so shall ye reap..
🙂
Great advice. I’ve only moved a couple of times, and each time was just a few miles away. (In fact, once, I just moved across the street!). You have some wonderful pointers in this post.
Thanks Dianna. Any move can be traumatic even if it is a short one. You still have a lot to do to prepare.
I love that you are so upbeat about moving! We moved a lot when I was small and I hated it. We never moved far, though, so that may be why. I never had to change schools or anything. I have said it a million times, I know, but I just wish I had a little you to carry in my pocket. You are so sweet and upbeat!
Aw, sweet. Thanks, Miranda. It is part of life and I have chosen to embrace it rather than focus on all of the work and little things that don’t go right. I would drive myself nuts if I did. I will work on the little me for your pocket. 🙂
How could you possibly have amassed so many lighters? That’s just crazy!
I don’t know! I guess whenever I saw them at the check out I bought one because I thought I needed one. Ridiculous.
I know you will be OK as you have done it before. I am so happy that you and Chris can be together in one home now.
I am not sure how we will be able to adjust after all of this time! 🙂 I may have to whip him back into shape.
These are great tips! I think all the lighters are hilarious 😉
I might have a couple of lighters for you. 🙂
[…] and so we’ve been saying goodbye to North Iowa together. She’s been like my corporate move mentor since she understands what it’s like to move for her husband’s job and start over again […]
Good tips! I’ve moved quite a bit too and adhere to all the things you posted here. We’ve stayed put for several years in our current house and as we’ve accumulated way too much stuff here, I keep saying to my husband that it’s time to move again just so we can purge!
As always, good advice! As chronic movers ourselves, I would add that it is always nice to carry an inflatable bed with you as the movers have a window of several days that they might show up. So you will need to be located in your new home, just in case… But the movers will prolly take several more days to get there. Happy Moving, Beth!
Exactly! We are staying in a hotel on this end for a couple of nights till the closing. And since closing in NC is not till later in August we are hanging out in Alabama till then but I am pretty sure there will be an aerobed in our future. 🙂 Chronic movers is a great phrase. I may steal it.
[…] and so we’ve been saying goodbye to North Iowa together. She’s been like my corporate move mentor since she understands what it’s like to move for her husband’s job and start over again […]