Whether you’re moving directly into your new home, or securing storage for your belongings, there are a few things you can do to make the process a little less painful.
Start with the logistics. If you’re going into storage and know how long you’ll be there, begin by setting aside the items you know must stay with you throughout the transition. Examples would be clothing (for as many seasons as you will need), important documents and records, bills, prescriptions, personal electronics and your child’s favorite blanket/toys.
Everything else must be packed, but before you begin, purge! Take careful inventory of everything you touch. If you don’t need it, don’t use it and no longer LOVE it, get rid of it. Why pay to move and store such items? Good Will welcomes your donations.
Now you can start packing. As you do so, keep in mind your ultimate destination and the ease with which you’d like to be able to unpack and settle. Start with good materials if you can afford them-moving boxes, packing paper, packing tape and large tipped markers. Pack by room and start with the smallest room. Leave the rooms/items you use every day to be packed last.
MARK THE BOXES CAREFULLY. Identify what room the contents came from/are going to, and some of the contents. (You’ll be less cranky if you can find that coffee maker at the other end!) Mark the top of every box and at least one of the sides with this information. When you unload into your storage unit, take your time and be organized. Stack boxes by size and weight to avoid breakage. Place the boxes with the Room/Content information side facing in towards you. Should your storage stay be longer than expected, or you need to retrieve some things, this process will help you do it.
Good luck and happy trails! Denise