Moving System

I'm a pretty particular packer, and I like everything packed and organized just so.  With so many moves under our belts I have found the key to smooth and less stressful moves is organization.  (wish it meant stress Free!)

1-I get a notebook just for the move-this move is bright green and says "Move December 2010" on the front in BIG BLACK letters, just so there's no mistaking it.  Use this notebook to keep track of every detail about your move- from box inventory to moving company numbers, quotes, confirmation or reservation numbers.  Record the details for your new home, address, phone number, school phone numbers, utility hook up details-including names of those you spoke with.

2- In the notebook: create an index-listing every room and it's assigned letter & colors/destination in the new house (like if the current house has an office and the new one doesn't where is all the office stuff going to live?)

3-I added a new step this year-color coded labels.  Each room has a different color label, we'll see if that helps.

4-As I pack I label every box with it's letter and number, along with a summary of the contents on a label.  I always put the label in the upper left corner of the same side of the box.  It makes it easier for those helping you unload to know where to look to find out where to take the box.

5-I also label every box on every side, and the top with the number/letter and the room- A8-Kitchen.  That way no matter what way the people unloading are holding the box they know exactly where to take it.  It doesn't matter how well labeled and chronicled the boxes are if you can't find the dishes because someone buried the box in the office.

5-In the moving journal or notebook every room has it's own section or set of pages (they don't have to be official "sections" of the notebook).  I list every box by letter and number and a fairly complete list of contents.  It doesn't have to contain every little thing, but pretty close.  This is a life saver when you're unpacking and can't find the _____ anywhere!  Or when movers are moving you and lose some of your boxes (they were worth their weight in gold then).

6-This move some of our stuff is being put into storage, so I have red duct tape to mark these boxes clearly.

Complicated, I know, and it can slow down the whole packing process, I know.  But believe me, unpacking and getting settled is so much easier this way!  The only real down side-I can't really have anyone help me pack.  It makes me nuts.  Bummer!

Other moving tips:
*Always pay attention to how much the box weighs.  Don't just cram that box full of books, it has to be light enough to be easily be carried by a 17 year old volunteer, or a 50 year old one for that matter!  

*Have everything packed, and I do mean everything.  Nothing drives volunteer moving help batty more than unpacked riff raff everywhere on moving day.  Especially if you are expecting them to pack it up for you.




*Wardrobe boxes from a moving company are priceless when it comes to packing clothes.  They are tall-usually close to 5", and have a metal bar that goes across the top.  Just hang the clothes right on that bar, priceless I tell you!  Other bonus-all your shoes just go in the bottom, or your pjs, undearwear, socks, etc...  makes unpacking a cinch!

That's pretty much it, I've had a few people ask if I have any tips or a system after so many moves, so thought I'd share.  I know it may be a bit much, but it works for me!

If you have any tips or experiences with things that help make your moves easier I'd love to hear them!