Five Weeks to an Easier Move

Everyone knows that moving to a new place -- whether it’s across town or across the country -- can be a major headache. There are so many things to keep track of, and it’s easy to get lost, frustrated and exhausted with all the details. But there are things you can do to make your move run much more smoothly. With just five weeks, you can plan and execute an easier move:

•    Five Weeks Out: Plan. This is where you’re laying the groundwork for your move. Do your research. Ask friends for recommendations for moving companies. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you’re going to hire a service to clean the place you are leaving, this is the time to set that up. If you have a journey that’s going to take more than one day, this is the time to make hotel reservations or call friends who are along the way.

•    Four Weeks Out: Prep. Make a list of what you will need to get packed and how you plan to get them: boxes, butcher paper or newspaper, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, etc. This is the week to run around and gather everything. Have your materials ready to go so you’re not wasting time running to Home Depot at 9pm two days before you have to leave town. This is also the time to get things prepared at your destination: fill out forms for forwarding your mail, contact utilities companies, confirm arrival with any landlords, etc. Keep any paperwork in a folder specifically set aside for the move.

•    Three Weeks Out: Prioritize. A house or apartment contains a lot of stuff. Most of it you don’t use on a day-to-day basis. Make a list of the “early out” stuff -- for example, if it’s July, you know you definitely won’t need any of your winter gear. This way, when packing week comes, you can go right to these designated places and start boxing things up. This is also a good week to start saying good-bye to friends, colleagues, neighbors and family members.

•    Two Weeks Out: Pack and Prune. Pick a system that works best for you. This might mean going room by room, or it might mean making a list of similar items and attacking it that way. And consider this: Moving is a great opportunity to simplify. You have to go through this stuff anyway. Why not free yourself from things you’re no longer using? For each room, start piles designated for Throwing, Recycling, or Give Away. If you haven’t used it in the last year, chances are you will not use it and don’t need it. Every box worth of stuff you get rid of is one less box you have to unpack at your destination!

•    One Week Out: Pare Down. Keep it simple. This is not the week to entertain friends at your place. Meet them out (the break might be nice), or have a friend host a farewell party if you have time. Better yet, ask your close buddies to help you pack, and treat them to pizza and beer as a thank-you. Meals should be easy and require a minimum of prep work (salads, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese and crackers are all good options). Keep a week’s worth of clothes, the toiletries you need, the dishes you need. Clothes and toiletries will go in your suitcase, and anything else you need immediate access to will go in boxes labeled “Essentials.” These items will go into your car (or in the very back of the moving van if you don’t have a car) so you will have them as soon as you arrive at your destination. Check the weather forecast. If you know you’re going to need it, make sure you can get to it: the last thing you need is to be hunting around for your rain jacket in a downpour.

Moving takes a lot of mental, physical and emotional energy. But with a little planning, you can minimize hassle, stress and fatigue and can maximize your energy, time and good moments with friends and family.