First.......you get rid of things you don't want or need. I hate clutter and moving around has taught me to purge and be organized. The movers will seriously pack your garbage if you let them😖.
Second, you can take the time to sell things you don't want or need. Many times, I will have a garage sale before a move and sell our old gear (maybe keep a few faves.) You can make good money on it and my loyalty is always to the team my husband is coaching for❤️🏈. Also any furniture that won't work in your new place or maybe you don't need anymore. If you don't like garage sales there are almost always great ways to sell on Facebook through your town. You usually have to be accepted as a member, but I have been selling things like that for years. Especially big items.
Go through and pack room by room. I go through and update picture frames, go through closets, and pack all the things you can live without for a couple months (I start early because I have four babes (kiddos). Anything I don't think is worth selling I donate and get a slip for our taxes.
I have my kiddos help go through toys, little ones can test markers (throwing out ones that don't work), and help out packing......we are in this together and there is no "I" in team right 🏈👶🏼👦🏼👦🏻👦🏼?
I also save every single receipt for things I buy for the move (tape, packing paper, etcetera.) to deduct as moving expenses on our taxes. I try not to buy boxes. Usually you can find someone moving into town.......even one of the new football coaches. A little awkward, I know, but it's a business and you need the boxes. Plus they'll have all the wadrobes and nice dish packs. It's probably a good idea to save a few dishpacks and wardrobes when your move is over-for a rainy day (a lot can happen in a season.)
As far as packing paper goes......I often utilize blankets and pillows for fragile items. Another coach's wife also gave me a great tip (thanks Kristi M.) Go to your local newspaper and buy their unused end rolls. WAY cheaper than buying packing paper and it's nice and convenient having it on a roll.
Lastly, and an important one,.......LABEL your boxes. I will label what room it goes into and the importance of opening. What do you want to open right away (bedding, towels, coffee maker, wine opener, shower curtains,.....did I mention wine opener🍷).
After having boxed up homes for 7/9 moves.....I pretty much feel like I could be a professional mover LOL. So hopefully you can use any of these tips for a move(s)........and don't forget to wait on packing that wine opener till the end.....in your labeled box of course 😉
All I can say is "Ugh!" We stayed in the same town but had to move last summer because our landlord sold the house. My husband once scheduled an interview while we were in the hospital prepping for my c-section. Less than a month later I was packing solo with three under the age of 5 while he was starting spring ball. I'm never crazy about the move, but I always kinda feel like super woman after it's all done. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd those huge equipment boxes that come to the athletic department make great packing boxes!