Time-saving tips for moving success

Here are a few tips to keep you sane during the moving process:

Pack at least a box a day

Packing everything at the last minute makes the pain of moving even worse, mentally and physically.  If you pack at least a box a day, you won't be stuck with having to pack the contents of the entire house the day before your move.  Also, if you pack early on, you can make sure everything is packed well and all boxes are correctly labeled.  Be specific while labeling your boxes and specify what room they should be moved into.

Have a Strategy

Figure out what needs to be packed last (things you'll need until the last minute, such as clothing and kitchen items) and start packing non-essentials such as knick-knacks, decorative items, picture frames and photo albums. Then, in the last week or so, you can tackle the kitchen, linens and clothing. Pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.

Don't run out of supplies

Ever find yourself the morning of the move out of boxes and packing tape?  Make sure you have plenty of boxes in varied sizes, lots of packing tape, bubble wrap and packing paper, magic markers for labeling and Ziploc bags for miscellaneous small items.  Start to collect boxes a few months before your move.  Instead of buying them, just pick up few up each time you're at a grocery stores or a liquor store.

Don't pack junk

Moving is also a great time for getting rid of what you don't need.  Everything you pack should be something that you will use in your new home. If it's questionable, don't bring it – trash it, donate it or sell it.  Have boxes labeled for donations and garage sale ready while you're sorting.

Move Important Items Yourself

Pack a small box to keep with you during the move – for your passport, medical and insurance records, and small valuables.  This way if you're hiring movers, you'll know these items are protected.

Have Essentials handy

In addition to your box of personal papers and valuables, pack a box with essential items you'll want to be able to find right away: pet supplies, a first aid kit, tools, medications, toilet paper, a shower curtain, towels, sheets, cleaning supplies and trash bags.  This way, when you're exhausted after moving and not ready to unpack, you won't have to hunt for items you'll need right away.