Moving Tips

**monkeywrangler71** · 07-09-2010, 10:01 AM

A lot of people move this time of year, what are your best tips for moving day and the lead up before moving day?

Everyone always says get a babysitter on moving day, that wasn't a possiblility for us when we moved out and it was a very difficult day. My best advice for anyone who has to have small kids at home, is to keep healthy snacks available. We were eating junk most of the day, then the (wonderful) neighbour next door came over with a plate of fruit for the kids. They were much less cranky afterwards.

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-09-2010, 10:33 AM

Get a couple of big black markers and label every box, not just with room, but with contents.

Stay hydrated.

Make sure pets are secure. Even normally timid and relaxed animals will get excited and bolt if given a chance.

**spyzvixxen** · 07-09-2010, 02:16 PM

We just moved with an 18 month old and it was not a picnic even with just the one. I strongly suggest a babysitter as well. The other tip is expect the unexpected....upon disassembling our water bed - it was full of mold - we had to use the U-haul (extra mileage/gas) and clear out our EF for a new bed THAT DAY. Yikes!!!

**shoiji** · 07-09-2010, 04:35 PM

Put all very important papers in a different box or suitcase and take with you in the car instead of letting movers move it.

Pack a box with food that you will need as soon as you arrive at the new home. Same with cleaning and eating supplies.

Figure out before moving where you will place the furniture. Have a little floorplan made up.

**CultureTransitionGal** · 07-09-2010, 05:41 PM

Leading up to the move, if you have time/patience, it's always good to number your boxes, and write the contents of each on a sheet of paper so you can get to the ones you need first, quickly. If you don't have time for that, at least count the overall number so you know that you end up with as many as you packed!

I agree - you should leave out FOOD and WATER - food you'll want right after the movers go, and whatever supplies you need to eat it the timeframe you don't have your boxes. You'll want to have a scissor, knife, and extension cords easily handy so you can open boxes up, and plug in lights your first night. Lightbulbs, too!

Think about curtains for the windows your first night, if there aren't any, and soap and towels to shower - you'll need it after the move is over.

Also, don't underestimate, or forget, to prepare for your life AFTER you relocate. It's always good to start figuring out how you'll begin your new social life, find activities, plug into your new community, etc. Most people forget this step, find themselves unpacked, and then overwhelmed and depressed - so try to make sure to remember to prepare!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-09-2010, 07:14 PM

I recommend purging your belongings at least a couple of months in advance. Be brutal and vigilant. If you aren't, then you end up bringing items along with you that you don't really need.

On the month leading up to moving day, make meals that use up items that are perishable before your canned and boxed goods. Try to bring in as little as you'll need to sustain your family. I'd also try to have quick meals during the week of the move and on the day of the move, have lots of fruits and veggies and water available.

When packing, keep items that are alike in the same box. Don't try to pack your boxes too heavily. Mark each box with the room name instead of trying to put the name of all items on it.