It’s official: we found out today that we can leave the DC metro area by the end of October.  This is about a month sooner than anticipated, but it’s PERFECT!  It seems like things are falling into place, that this move is meant to be.  I can’t wait to move forward, but right now, I’m looking at all OUR STUFF, thinking, “I hate moving.”  That is not going to be the case this time. I’m embracing it, and I’m going to love it!   I’ll check in each Monday here on the blog to tell you about the move management process.  So, this week is the first week. Here is what we are doing to plan and organize our move, and maybe it will be helpful to some of you at some point.

• Start a “Moving” binder or expandable file folder to keep all the information in one location. Include everything related here (e.g., the moving information, donations, sales and giveaways, storage, lodging, and other information for the destination location).
• Use food, cleaning supplies, and other perishables or consumables you don’t want to move.
• Check pricing on moving companies, trucks, and storage facilities and be ready to book in 1-2 weeks. There are several options: DIY, hire a service or a hybrid (you pack, they move).
• Make decisions about large items to sell, donate, or give away. Collect items to get rid of (for donation, sale, or throw away) throughout daily routines; keep an empty box and bags in one location and place items to get rid of.
• Research hotels or other temporary housing and book as needed.
• Enlist or hire help for the day of the move and unpacking the following days.

Packing Supplies:

• Locate and purchase boxes and other packing supplies. Determining the number of boxes needed is a bit tricky, but a moving supply company can help you calculate this based on how many household members you have and how large your home is.  Supplies will include the following:
  • Boxes in various sizes, specialized wardrobe boxes, china and silverware boxes, flat boxes, and cardboard for artwork.
  • Equipment such as dollies and hand carts will make moving large items much easier and safer.
  • Packing tape (and guns), markers, labels, box cutters (or other such knives), bubble wrap/packing peanuts, and newspaper (or unprinted newsprint, which is much less messy).
  • Packing pads, blankets, sheets (the old ones you don’t need anymore), and plastic shrink wrap (which is not very eco-friendly but sometimes is very helpful!).

Lists and Inventory:

• Number each box and add it to the list
• A short description of the contents of each box, making special notes of valuable (sentimental or monetary) items or general contents by Category ex. Lampshades, pillows, linens, china, clothes, etc.
• Label the box with the DESTINATION room location
• Work alongside packers (if you’ve hired a moving company) to be sure boxes are labeled accurately (even if they don’t have a description, you can add a number and room)

Packing-Where to start:

• Pictures and artwork, especially personal photos
• Next, remove all the small artwork from the walls. Pack smaller photos and artwork in medium-sized boxes, with newsprint wrapped around each and bubble wrap or cardboard between them.
• Small decorative non-function items. Otherwise known as Nicknacks:)
• Formal china, stemware, crystal, and serving pieces.
• Books of anything you won’t need to refer to.

Since the move is going to take up a lot of my time, I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to commit to blogging, but I’ll be popping in to share our progress and any other helpful or interesting things that come up. I am SO excited!! Can you tell?