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Packing and Moving-Getting Organized Helps!

Packing is StressfulIt doesn't matter how many times you move each time seems to bring a new set of challenges. Often the move just across town is the hardest as you think maybe I'll just throw the little things in my car and not worry about wrapping them up. It never fails that is the time you have to hit your brakes and everything goes flying.

One of the most important things you can do when you are getting ready for a move is to create a move checklist. If you are undertaking a "Do it yourself" move start scouring your local Craig's List for free moving supplies. You might be surprised to find everything you need, except perhaps the tape available for you to pick up close by.

Start clearing out your closets and bookshelves of any items that you no longer wear or books you no longer read. Remember that every box you pack is either one you have to move yourself or if you are hiring professional movers adds to the weight of your shipment and adds up in dollars.

Make sure that you have a special place in your home set aside for important papers. You don't want those to go in your moving truck, especially on a long distance move. Insurance papers, medical records, bank and credit card information and medications all needs to go with you. If you have a pet don't forget their papers as well.

Create a special box for your first night in your new home. A clean set of sheets, the always important toilet paper, paper towels and any other necessities you might need and don't want to spend hours looking for in the chaos of a move.

These are just a few simple steps to get your started.

If you find yourself facing a move either locally or across the country give me a call. As a referral specialist I help people just like you everyday make connections with great Realtors both in Northern Virginia and across the US.

Posted Sunday Oct 19
( 10/19/08 11:17AM ) —

Pat you are absolutely correct. Everytime my families have moved I reccomend a trip to the dump, have a yard sale, and then pack , box and label. Thanks, Keith

Pat: These are great tips for making a move easier. Being organized always helps, no matter project you are undertaking.


You should post this to "Stage It Forward" . We stagers love this kind of stuff.

( 10/19/08 11:26AM ) — Nicole Weidauer

All great tips! I just underwent a move of my own- boy is it awful! Moving is quite possibly the worst things to do... but if you have a plan and organize properly before the big moving day, it can go a lot smoother.


My favorite part is  the de-junking prior to the move. It feels so good to get rid of the old candle sticks you don't use anymore or old Christmas decorations.


One final tip, be sure to have cash with you so you can re-pay your moving helpers. That pizza and wings hits the spot after all that hard work!!


Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer


The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle

( 10/19/08 11:38AM ) — Kathy Fey

Planning and being organized sufficently reduces the stress with any move.

( 10/23/08 01:05PM ) — Pat Fenn

Keith-the last time I moved I figured out I didn't need ten years worth of professional magazines lying around.  It reduced moving costs signifcantly to get rid of most of them.

( 10/23/08 01:06PM ) — Pat Fenn

Michelle-thanks for your comments.  I'll have to run over to Stage it Forward and see what is up.

( 10/23/08 01:07PM ) — Pat Fenn

Thanks Nichole.  You are right that the goodies in the fridge do help to keep movers happy, especially in the middle of the summer.

( 10/23/08 01:09PM ) — Pat Fenn

Faye you are right organizing and labeling boxes so you know what to unpack does help reduce stress. 

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