Essential Moving Tools

When it comes to essential moving tools, lists and inventory are lifesaving. After over ten years of helping clients with move management and moving several times myself over the last decade, I have compiled some helpful tips to keep your move progressing while minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed.

No matter your circumstances, you are likely to pack a few things on your own, and a good moving company can help you calculate the number of boxes you will have based on your home, number of rooms, and household members. For example, when we moved locally to SC two years ago, we had approximately ninety boxes for two people.

Essential Moving Tools & Strategy:

• My move management strategy includes breaking up packing into categories.
• This is excellent for DIY moves or if you are selling your home and must declutter for staging.
• Pack photographs, home accessories, linens, fine china, unnecessary kitchen items, and some clothing (out of season).
• Purge, donate, sell….repeat:)
• Pack a little bit at a time rather than try to cram it all into the last week or so. This will vary based on your schedule and circumstances.
• Create a dedicated packing area (keep supplies here). This can be a corner of a room, the garage, or a storage unit.
• Pace yourself and try to pack 2-4 boxes a day (5 days a week). Doing this lets you at least partially calculate how long it will take to pack fully.
• A moving company will have you packed in a day or two.

Create a comprehensive move portfolio:

1. Have a dedicated spot for all your moving-related paperwork (contracts, inventory, notes, etc.)
2. As you pack, keep track of more details, and don’t try to remember everything.
3. Your list can be digital or on paper.
4. No detail is too small. For example, if you are temporarily storing items, note the location of the key or combination code.
5. Note where your very important papers are. Keep track of these during your move, especially if you have any temporary housing between locations. This is often the case for remodels, new construction, or long-distance moves.

Create a moving 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)

With these essential moving tools, you will know what’s in each box and where it goes when you unpack. As a bonus, this inventory can serve insurance purposes if needed.

Related articles

• Moving Monday::Where to Begin with Packing (hkpowerstudio.wordpress.com)