Moving is a chore, especially if you don’t get organized before you start schlepping all your stuff into your new home. Have no fear – NewHomeSource has a list of everything you need for your next move, in addition to lots of tape and boxes.
1. Have a Game Plan
Start out by calculating your budget for the move. You need to know if you are moving in state, if you need a professional mover, and how many boxes you have to move. Online calculators, like this one, help with budgeting. At this stage in your move, gather up your packing tape and labels. Once that’s done, then start getting everything else you need.
2. Cleaning Supplies
Before you move, you need many cleaning supplies. You need to have paper towels and one roll of toilet paper handy for each bathroom in your new place. Have a multi-purpose cleaning spray or wipes to tackle dirt on all surfaces in your home, as well as sponges. Pick up hand soaps for each sink as well as dish soap when you unpack dishes and china. Make sure you have a collection of dust rags with these cleaning supplies as well as a broom and a dustpan. You will definitely need garbage bags, during your move. They are useful for trash collection and corralling loose objects during the last moments of your move. (They’re also clutch if you want a neat way to transport all of your pillows and cushions).
3. Don’t Store Your Tools
Next up? Bring your tool kit. You might want it to take care of planned DIYs out of the way as soon as you move in. You also need a tool kit handy in case you have to disassemble any furniture for your move and reassemble it once you’re settled in. Make sure your tool set includes a utility knife for quickly opening boxes, a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, measuring tape, and scissors. Be sure to include a flashlight in your tool kit to shed light on some crawlspaces or your garage or basement. Don’t pack your fire extinguisher. Keep it handy and benefit from peace of mind as you begin to live in your new home.
4. Don’t Forget the Little Things
One item many forget to bring along are clothing hangers. Put all of your hangers together in a clear plastic bin for transport, and grab hangers from this bin to get your clothes hung up in closets as soon as you start unpacking your clothing.
Another oft-forgotten item? Chargers. As you move, you’ll be making and fielding a lot of phone calls. As you unpack, you might even use it to provide you with an inspirational soundtrack. Keep your chargers close so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying.
Lastly, have an overnight bag with a change of clothes any medications you may need, and toiletries like a toothbrush. Bring unpacked snacks in this bag – this goes a long way to beat back any rising stress you’ll deal with during the move.
There is also one other last little thing – a corkscrew. Why? Well, you’ll want to have it on hand to help you celebrate your new space.
Christopher Smith is a freelance writer when he’s not sampling the best cuisine in his hometown of New York City. Prior to that, he worked in film and television post-production, and counts the honor of working with Eartha Kitt among his milestones.
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