I’ve Moved Sixteen Times: Tips and Tricks to Have a Successful Move
Moving can be a daunting task, especially when you have kids in tow. We’re about to start our sixteenth move, and I’ll be honest, it doesn’t get any easier. However, with a little planning and organization, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Here are my top moving tips specifically designed for parents and military families.
Start Packing Early
Avoid the last-minute rush by starting to pack a few weeks in advance. This gives you plenty of time to organize your belongings and purge (get rid of things). I can’t say this enough: If you haven’t used something in the last six months, you don’t really need it!
Organize and Label Your Rooms
Labeling your rooms for the movers will help with the unpacking later! Consider color-coding your rooms, we often use different colored duck tape to help identify different boxes that belong in certain rooms. Make sure if you don’t want a room packed to label that room with DO NOT PACK! We often put all your luggage into a bathroom and mark it with tape DO NOT PACK! I usually go one step further and put a big X on the door with tape.
Pack a "Personal" Box
I always ask our movers for a personal box. This can be for all your bras, underwear, etc I really would prefer not having my movers pack my personal belongings.
Arrange for Childcare or Pet Care on Moving Day
To minimize distractions and ensure a smoother moving day, arrange for childcare or pet care. This allows you to focus on the move without worrying about your little ones or pets getting underfoot.
Take Photos of Electronics' Cable Setups
Your future self will thank you later! Before disconnecting your electronics, take photos of the cable setups. This makes it easier to reconnect everything correctly in your new home.
Notify Necessary Parties of Your Change of Address
I’ve moved now 16 times and without fail I will send a package to my old address and it will get lost in the mail. Make sure that you change your address on Amazon, Bills, etc
Separate Your Items for Different Destinations
If you’re moving with the US Goverment overseas make sure that you seperate all your items into UAB (Unaccompanied Baggage) HHG (Household goods) Storage. You want to make sure that everything is going to where it’s suppose to be going.