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August 2015

ORGANIZING FOR A MOVE

I guess I don't have to tell any of you, moving is stressful! In fact, it is one of the top 5 most stressful situations. While moving can take its toll on you, there are ways to make it more bearable and less burdensome.

Below are my top 13 tips for organizing a move:

1. De-Clutter. If you know you are moving, go ahead and pare down. You only want to have things, in your new home that are useful, valuable or beautiful. You do not want to have to deal with a bunch of unwanted items as you are unpacking.

2. Pack a box with essentials for when you arrive at your new home.

This should include toilet paper, phone chargers, snacks, coffee, coffee pot, soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, paper

cups, plastic utensils, a couple of pots and pans, paper towels, garbage bags and cleaning supplies.

3. To pack hanging clothes, group several together, put a garbage bag over them and label. (see photo)

4. Change your address two weeks prior to moving.

5. Use different color labels or markers, on your boxes, for each room (i.e. Living Room is Red, Dining Room is Blue), then label the doors or wall of each of those rooms to make it easier for the movers or those helping you.

6. Take a photo of your electronics prior to taking them apart for the move. It is much easier to put them back together on the other end if you have a picture to follow.

7. Pack a bag for each person with several days worth of clothing, toiletries, the sheets for their beds and a pillow. Take these items in the car with you.

8. Pack a box of irreplaceable items and valuable jewelry. These should also go in the car with you.

9. Clearly label boxes on the top and side.

10. Number each box so you will know all boxes have arrived and if not you will know what boxes are missing. You should have a corresponding list of the numbered boxes and their contents.

11. When you take furniture apart or pictures off the wall, tape the loose parts with the item in a small plastic storage bag or keep a storage bag specified for pieces and parts. This should travel in the essentials box.

12. Use blankets, towels and sheets to wrap breakable items.

13. Keep important papers with you. This might include birth certificates, moving information, bills, closing/rental documents, insurance information or school records.

Once you arrive at your new home, make up beds, then unpack a room at a time. Always keep in mind, there is an end to the madness if you will just keep opening boxes and putting away. Then you can sit back and enjoy your new home.

LIFE COACH MOMENT