The Domestic Assistants

We ALL know, moving is super stressful. After doing quite a few, we've derived a list of our top 10 things to do, (or have ready) when the time comes. 
                                    
                               Being prepared is super helpful. 

1. Before you begin to freak out, take a deep breath, and make a list. If you're doing this right, you should have a few days to wrap your mind around it. The list should encompass 2 things. 


1 of 2. Packing of a primary/secondary "ready-pack". What's a ready pack? Pretend your going on a weekend trip, somewhere faaaaaaaar away where you might need "extra" essentials to stay comfortable. It should fit in a suitcase, and be readily available. 

2 of 2 (3). A list within a list; Give yourself proper planning, go through the house and make a mental note (or you could use sticky notes) of things in the order they should be packed. Whether you hire professional help, or drag your friends along, you will all be better off knowing what goes where. 

4. Whatever you do, do it BIG. Get plenty of boxes, the sizes matter depending on the items being packed, but the main point is to always have one available until the job is done. If need be, buy them from U-Haul, where they have a buy-back program. Also, get trash bags. If you're anything like the rest of the world, you've got trash, and for some reason, when we move, there's always plenty to be thrown away. 

5. If you're DIY, get yourself a U-Haul truck, the $19.95 you'll spend will be more than worth it in the end. Remember how much stuff you have, and choose the size of truck accordingly. 

6. Get a head start on the moving; Cancel the proper utilities, start them at your new house, if you were renting, get a move-out company to finish the detailed work at your old place. 

When the move-out is done, and the move-in begins....here are your last 4 tips to make the transition smooth.

1. Remember that list, with the "ready pack"? That should be with you. Take a gander at that, and make a mental plan of how you want your new place to look. The worst thing you could do for a proper move in is to leave stuff alone. Once you get the feel, begin to bring in the furniture, or in most cases, the boxes. 

2. If you do have boxes, (hopefully they're labeled) open them immediately, not necessarily unpacked, but out in the open. If a free minute comes up, and the boxes are in the right rooms, this should be an easy way to unpack them. 

3. If you've not done it at the same time as the previous home's shut-off date, turn on the utilities, make yourself responsible for your new home. 

4. Lastly, I'm suggesting you give yourself a date. The date should be no more than a 2 week period from the time you set foot in your new home. This date is the timer for "you better be moved in".....If your having trouble, make a party out of it. Invite new friends to come over for a house-warming....When they show up give them a room, let them help.  

There you have it. Another list. Moving in or out of a home can be (and honestly shouldn't be) a grand event. You want it to be a smooth ride. Give yourself a gift, be prepared.