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	15 Tips To An Organized Move

	by Maria Gracia

Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to be a stressful, CHAOTIC time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.

USE A MOVING CHECKLIST

Make yourself a moving checklist outlining EVERYTHING that needs to be done before, and after, your move.

DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE

Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and RELIABILITY. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.

ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET

You will get a lot MORE done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.

BOX IT

Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in GOOD CONDITION and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc. -- but make sure these boxes have LIDS. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and FLATTEN them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.

USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM

Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.

PACK EARLY

Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in FREQUENT USE such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.

ORDER ADDRESS LABELS

Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can FORWARD anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.

HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS

If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone BABYSIT them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won't be interrupting your progress and you'll accomplish more.

USE THE ONE ROOM RULE

Set up one room in your new home as QUICKLY as possible. This way, you'll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.

MAKE IT PET SAFE

If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel COMFORTABLE in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don't leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.

MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL

Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and DE-STRESS.

HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND

One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic TOOLBOX that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.

GET READY FOR BED

As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You'll be grateful that everything is ready for SLEEPING later on tonight when you're really tired.

GET ACQUAINTED

Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted days on your CALENDAR. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering.

Maria Gracia is the author of "Finally Organized, Finally Free" and a variety of other organizing guides -- all available directly at www.OnlineOrganizing.com. She specializes in helping people get better organized to live the kind of stress-free life they've always dreamed of. You may visit her website at www.getorganizednow.com.

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