Useful Tips for Making Moving Less Stressful

Moving day can be so stressful!  Our family is looking to possibly make a move in the near future so I searched for some helpful moving tips as I know there must be a better way to move than the way we have done it in the past.  You know, where some items get shoved into a box with no labeling and are still sitting in your hall closet after ten years.  Not saying that is what we did (yeah, right). But throughout the years I have come across some great tips that will help with moving day.

Have each family member pack an overnight bag with their essentials.  That way you have what you need right as you walk through the doors of your new place.

Use a clear bin to store the things you will use first in the kitchen and bathrooms.  This could include toilet paper, air refresher, pans and pots you use frequently, spices and/or cooking oils, trash bags and paper towels.

On the outside of the moving boxes, list not only what is inside but also what room they should go in.  This will help the movers tremedously and ensure they go to the right rooms.  Be sure to label the boxes on the sides and not the top in case they are stacked.

Make cleaning the day of moving easier.  Walmart has a great selection of  household items to help get your new place spruced up.  Bounty paper towels are my absolute favorite as they actually stay together to get the job done.  I hate when I get the cheap ones that fall apart halfway through the cleaning job.  So annoying.  And a little spritz of Unstopables Air Refresher will help get the place smelling nice.  And don’t forget to use the Swiffer WetJet that quickly wipes up any dirt left behind.  With two pets, a messy kid (and husband) this has come in handy time and again.  And the Swiffer WetJet is so much fun to use the kids might even help out like mine did for a demo.  She loved pushing the button that releases the cleaning solution to see it squirt out at the bottom.  You just might have to replace the cleaning solution more often if they help out but that is okay as long as they are helping, right?!

If you are renting, be sure to take photographs after the place has been cleared out and cleaned up.  Just in case your landlord says the place hasn’t been cleaned.  This happened to us when we moved out of some apartments we lived in.  We had even hired a cleaning crew and the association still charged us extra money for cleaning.  We hadn’t taken a picture so I didn’t have any proof to show them.  Mistake made but lesson learned.

Make sure to let your friends and family know your new address.  Try to send out a note two weeks prior to moving day.  That way you don’t need to worry about it when you are trying to settle into your new home.

About four weeks before moving day – make some money by selling items that are too expensive to give-away on Craig’s List, or eBay.  It might be nice to have some extra cash for the move!

Arrange to have a local charity come pick up the items you decide to donate about two weeks prior to the move.

If you are moving within the same city you might want to hire a babysitter to watch the kids (and pets) on moving day.  They can keep them busy and out of the way by taking them to your local park.

About 4 weeks prior to your move fill out a change of address using this U.S. Post Office form.

Double-check your place and do a quick run-through after everything is out of the house.  Spray a little air refresher to leave the place smelling fresh and move-in ready.  Maybe even leave them a nice houseplant and note!  When we moved into our first home the previous homeowner left a nice card and some extra cash in case there was anything that needed to be fixed up.  It was such a kind gesture I want to pay that forward when we move!

Moving can be a stressful time, but quality brands like Bounty® , Swiffer® , Tide® , Unstopables™and Charmin® make your move clean and simple. We have used all these products and have found them to keep our place looking and smelling fresh.  I find the Febreze really helpful in fighting the pet smells that come with living with a cat and dog.  And the Swiffer is perfect for quick clean ups on moving day or really anytime you need to get the house looking good.  You can find the new home clean collection products at your local Walmart.

I hope these tips have helped!  Good luck with your move!