A questio for all you experienced movers...

**lisettelovebug** · 06-23-2008, 10:27 AM

Well we are awaiting final approval from rural development for our mortgage. We received a letter last week saying we would get at least 123,000 and payments would be a little over $650 at this amount, this does include our subsidy (they lower your interest rate, which is currently 5.34%). We've been going to ope houses and discussing what we want and don't want. Once we're approved we havr a limited time to get a house.

So, my question is, with 2 little ones and everything else that might be going on by the time we actual close on a house, what can I be doing now to help us move more easier? Any tips for moving with little ones?

**Russ** · 06-23-2008, 10:34 AM

get off of Frugal Village and start packing everything you do not need on an everyday basis.

Pack all dishes/untensils you can live without until you move.

What makes you hurry with this? The house you are currently in? If so, you could consider a small storage unit for a month and start moving stuff there when you have time with the kids.

**vigilant20** · 06-23-2008, 10:46 AM

I agree with rccannon. I always box up everything as early as possible, donate everything I don't think is worth bringing along, and just leave what I need on a daily basis (plates, toothbrush, enough changes of clothes). As the time gets closer start boxing up extra clothes so it's all ready on the day of the move.

My last couple moves the new place opened up a week or 2 before I had to be out of my old place. So I'd take what I could carry myself in my car each night. Then on the day of the move I only had the furniture left for my friends and family to help me with. It was easier on all of us that way

**Greebo** · 06-23-2008, 10:50 AM

Yep - START PACKING NOW!!!

If you don't use it for 3 days, BOX IT UP.

Have several boxes going for different categories, and be diligent in boxing things appropriately so you can find them if you need them again. You don't want to rummage through the bedroom box for a belt only to find you threw it in the living room box.

Tips for moving with little ones. Little ones should not be placed in boxes until the day of the move. Make sure to make air holes for them.

**monkeywrangler71** · 06-23-2008, 10:50 AM

Purge, purge, purge...then pack.

**frugalfriend** · 06-23-2008, 11:05 AM

Line up someone now who can help out by watching the little ones on the actual moving day. It will make it so much easier not to be worried about them. Don't pack their favorite things (blanket, toy), keep those out and just place in the car when driving to the new house. Less stress for them and for you!

Breathe . . . and dream of your new home, makes the chore of packing more bearable!

**monkeywrangler71** · 06-23-2008, 11:15 AM

When you are packing up your last bits just before you move, have one box clearly labeled "OPEN FIRST" - bring this box with you in the car. Pack a roll of toilet paper in it, some paper towels/rags, cleaner, soap, and any items you will want immediately without having to look through boxes or waiting for boxes to arrive. Depending on how far you are going and how much stuff you have to move, you may not feel like unpacking on the day you arrive - in which case, you will want a shower curtain, some towels and bedsheets in your "open first" box.

Definitely get a baby sitter if possible, and make sure that the kids important things stay with them (favourite teddy,etc.). If you don't have anyone to watch them, it will be easier to take them to the new house at the beginning of the move (if there are going to be multiple runs). They will be excited exploring the new house, whereas waiting at the old house while their stuff is being hauled away could be distressing.

**lisettelovebug** · 06-24-2008, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by rcannon

get off of Frugal Village and start packing everything you do not need on an everyday basis.

Pack all dishes/untensils you can live without until you move.

What makes you hurry with this? The house you are currently in? If so, you could consider a small storage unit for a month and start moving stuff there when you have time with the kids.

Sorry, I'm addicted to frugal village. lol. have a hard enough time tearing myself away to do housework. lol.

We're going through rural development and there's a time limit - I can't remember how many days. I think they will only give you so many extensions before you have to go thru the app process again. For the grant we're getting we have 30 days but can ask for extensions. So we will have Final approval for both by the middle of July. So, I would say we would be moving w/in 3-5 months.

**lisettelovebug** · 06-24-2008, 08:54 AM

I was down in the basement yesterday and me and dh decided that once ds10 is out of school (Wed) they will start getting rid of a lot of stuff down there. I put a whole bunch of magazines on freecycle that were down there and will definitely be putting more on there. Along with having a rummage sale (lots of baby clothes - that lately have not been selling on ebay.. )

After the basement I think I will go through my books and get rid of all the ones that I don't love or are extremely useful in everyday life. get rid of a bunch on freecylcle. I can do this when the kids are awake too since my bookcase is in the livingroom where they play.

Maybe then I'll work on cleaning out ds's closet where I have my clothes. Most of them don't fit me (yet) anyways. I have a lot of nice clothes that if I can get this pregnancy weight off I can wear.

OOoh, maybe I'll also get rid of all the old cds we have. I don't listen to them anyways.

Thank you all for your advice.

**baxjul** · 06-24-2008, 09:33 AM

We are moving in about 2 weeks. I have everything except for what I need packed. I started with things that I don't use for now, and worked my way up. Good luck with the move!

**monkeywrangler71** · 06-24-2008, 09:57 AM

If you're purging things like books and clothes, it's easiest to pack at the same time. As you're going through your bookcase, have one box for packing and one for freecycle (and/or yard sale). Put every book in either one box or the other. Do the same with the clothes you aren't wearing.

If you are planning a yard sale, do it as soon as possible. Keeping the stuff around too long will start to overwhelm you. Once you are done the sale, freecycle anything that is left over. Then start the pack & purge again. I always found that after clearing out for a yard sale, there was usually another layer of unnecessary stuff underneath.

Make sure you completely clear out a corner or end of a room, preferably on the same level as the door, then as you start filling boxes move them all to the cleared area. You will have a better sense of what's left to do if the packed boxes are not in amidst the unpacked everyday stuff. It is also less stressful to look at, and easier on moving day.

**Mom2Many** · 06-25-2008, 07:33 PM

Leave it all and buy new stuff.

Okay that's what I want to do but it probably isn't the best/most frugal way to go about it. I agree with the purge, purge, pack poster.

**sdrjeolsen** · 06-25-2008, 07:36 PM

minor tip, but helpful. Pack up the favorite toys last and make sure they are the first box to come off the truck. Make sure beds get set up quickly as well to disrupt things as little as possible.

**magnolia24** · 06-27-2008, 01:48 AM

If the little ones are old enough let them go thru their stuff and give them their own box for stuff they can't "live" without. My kids were easier once they knew they would see their stuff again at the end of the move.And sit down with them and explain to them what is happening. When they know what is happening for that day, they are a lot more relaxed.

**Jenibelle** · 06-28-2008, 11:06 PM

A Tip for Packing...any soft items can be stored in Trash Bags instead of having to find or buy boxes. Good items for this would be blankets, pillows, linens and even clothes. For the most part these bags will still be in good enough condition to actually use as trash bags.

If at all possible transport your glassware in your personal vehicle away from all other boxes. No matter how many times you label a box fragile some movers just don't care to read that label and you'll end up having to replace things.

And finally...all good friends will help you move for Food & Drink