Moving can be an overwhelming task with never-ending chores to cross off your list before the big day. One of the most challenging assignments to do is cleaning your house and deciding what to take to the new place. A timeline may be useful to schedule your organized move with as little stress as possible.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Tackle the basement, attic, closets, and garage. If you set up separate areas and boxes for the items you want to keep, donate, throw away, or sell, it will make your sorting much easier. Set a date to hold a garage/yard sale approximately four weeks before moving day. It will allow for time to either discard or donate anything that doesn’t sell. Try not to overthink as you sort; if you love it and use it, keep it. If not, then sell, discard, or donate.
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Now is the time to have furniture, drapes, or rugs cleaned and/or repaired. It’s also time to start collecting packing supplies. You can order these from moving companies or check online free sites for other movers ready to pass their supplies along. Seldom used items such as china or holiday decorations should now be sorted through and packed. Remember to use the same keep/sell/donate/discard system whenever you open a new drawer or closet. Some charities will even come to you with your contributions, saving you a trip.
1 Month Before Moving Day
Begin packing non-essential items. Continue to sort quickly as you empty shelf after shelf, remembering the mantra, “If I don’t love it, I’m not packing it.” As you go around your house, tidy each room as you finish packing. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom Wash windows and their frames, wipe light fixtures clean, scrub stains from walls, clean steam carpets, and hard mop floors.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Organize all your paperwork, such as bills, stocks, insurance policies, and bank account statements, and keep them all together in a well-labeled place. By now, you probably have boxes stacked to the ceiling, but don’t fret; there is light at the end of this tunnel. As you continue to pack non-essential items, it’s time to clean one of the hardest areas of the house: The kitchen. Remember to clean appliances inside and out and clean the cabinets and drawers after packing dishes and glasses. Scrub the sink and countertops, and don’t forget under the fridge.
1 Week Before Moving Day
By now, all non-essential items should be packed. Some shipping and moving companies offer cleaning services, but if you’re doing it yourself, it’s time to clean those bathrooms and bedrooms. In the bathroom, empty the medicine cabinet and throw away expired medications and cosmetics. Next, scour the entire bathroom, top to bottom. In the bedroom, wipe down shelves and clean carpets, and don’t forget to vacuum under the bed.
1 Day Before Moving
Set aside a box of essential items (soap, towels, utensils, bowls, clothes, etc.). Clearly label any items that should not be moved, and keep cash, jewelry, credit cards, and checkbooks with you.
With a little planning and organization and the help of a worldwide moving company, moving can be fun instead of stressful.
