For the average person, when they hear “moving,”, especially a cross-country move, what immediately comes to mind would be the words “chaotic,” “dysfunctional,” and maybe even “ hectic”. It’s super easy to see why, when you have to move, you have so much on your plate. Plus, you’re hoping to create the perfect living space for your next home too. Moving is certainly no field trip! You’re looking for a new job or a new home; you might even need to focus on downsizing, you need to say your goodbyes and the list can go on and on.
It’s hard to manage all of this on your plate, especially with it happening all at once. With that said, since it’s so hard to manage, it’s vital to keep organized. It is absolutely possible to have a stress-free move, but it’s already about keeping organized. Not just your belongings but your schedule too. So, here’s everything you need to know to make it happen!
You’ll Need a Checklist
Whether you’re hiring professional movers or planning a DIY move, making a checklist can help your relocation stay organized. This simple step will keep you on track and avoid any last-minute stress or miscommunications. Create a color-coded system of labeling your boxes to make it easy for you and the movers to know what’s inside each box.
This will also prevent your items from being misplaced during transit, which is a common problem with long-distance moves. Creating an inventory list with a handy app like III Inventory App, or Belongings is another useful way to keep your belongings organized during a long-distance move. All of this might sound like too much work, but you’ll be thanking yourself down the road because you won’t have to scramble to question where some of your belongings went off to.
Declutter If You Can
This is a given, and most people know this, especially if you’re hiring a household moving company. Usually, the less stuff you’re moving, the easier it’s going to be. Plus, a big move is the perfect time to get rid of items you no longer need. Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to the three sets of saucepans, old textbooks from college, or unused bottles of lotion. Donating your unwanted belongings to charity will not only help you stay organized during a move, but it will also help those in need. Every single household has junk that isn’t needed, so you would be doing yourself a major favor by departing with it.
Create a Schedule that You Can Stick With
It’s fairly obvious that you’ll need to make time for the big move. In fact, it’s time-consuming to even deal with all of the packing as well. Creating a detailed, day-to-day, and week-by-week to-do list is one of the most effective ways to stay organized during a cross-country move. This will ensure that no task is forgotten and help you feel confident that you are ready for moving day. Ideally, you should start planning and packing eight weeks before your move date. This will give you plenty of time to price shop, decide if you will use professional movers, and get all the details in place.
