If a move is in your future, there’s no time like the present to start packing! Sellers, you need to declutter and clean out anyway, so might as well get started! Buyers, you have to pack up and get ready to move, so why not start now and make the process easier? I’m going to share a few tips I learned over many years of moving from house to house–I was married to a custom home builder and we moved a lot!
Tip #1–Get Real! Moving costs money and takes time. More stuff to move = more $ and more time to pack, move, unpack. So get real–unless it’s a priceless family heirloom, if you haven’t used/worn/looked at something in the past year in your current home, odds are you won’t use/wear/look at it in your new one! Get rid of it! Sell it, donate it, give it to your kids/grandkids, toss it, but don’t take it with you. This is even more important if you’re downsizing!
Tip #2–Plan Ahead! By starting early, you have the luxury of time–to think and plan. I have found this to be one of the biggest time- and sanity-savers of all! Take time to really study your new space and think about what’s going to go where. Just because you’ve used a piece of furniture in a certain room in your current home doesn’t mean it has to be in that same room in your new home. Example: I lived in a lovely home with 2 living areas. My formal living room had a sofa with 2 end tables. Moved to a home with only 1 living area. Sofa went to my daughter, end tables now in use in guest bedroom as night tables. Keep what you love the most and decide where to use it.
Tip #3–Pack Smart! Again, think about where things are going to go. Pack your boxes for where you’ll be unpacking them. And label them for the room they’re going into. Be sure to label on the side of the box so if you have stacks, you can still see where to unpack. I always used my linens to help wrap breakables. Wrap your dishes in sheets and towels to protect them and keep them clean. Oh, and see Tip #1!!
Tip #4–Pack a “need right away” box (or boxes)! Be sure you have at least 1 box that is packed with what you’re going to need to “set up house” on the first day. Some dishes (could be disposable), glasses, silverware, cleaning supplies, bathroom necessities, sheets, towels, clean clothes, pet supplies, etc. to get you through the first couple of days before you get all unpacked. If you’re moving long distance, you may get to your new home before the movers do, so bring what you’ll need to tide you over. And, of course, be sure you carry your valuables, important papers, medications, etc. with you. And be sure you’re prepared to pay the movers with certified funds if that’s what they require. Never hurts to have some cash with you also for those unexpected expenses.
Tip #5–Keep a positive attitude! Moving can be stressful–things happen, no matter how well prepared you think you are. You gotta roll with the punches! Years ago, when we moved to San Antonio, I remember following my husband in the car while he drove a U-Haul truck containing all our worldly possessions. All the way from Houston to San Antonio, I looked at the back of that truck where it said, “Adventure in Moving”. It was an adventure all right! Not my favorite kind, but it all turned out for the best! And besides, we all need a few good “war stories” to share with friends!
So, prepare, plan, pack with purpose, and embrace the experience! And have fun setting up your new household and starting a new chapter! Good luck!!
(P.S. Need a good realtor to help you with selling and/or buying? Call me! 210-363-9282!)
Sue Trautner, REALTOR
Certified Residential Specialist