Carolyn Aspenson: The Diva of Clean (All Hail the Diva!)

The Diva of Clean is Moving!

Helpful Moving Tips

Ufda! It’s been a wild ride folks but I want off now please! There is only so much disorganization and unkown an anal-retentive can take and I’ve reached my limit!

We’re moving. Finally. We’ve been trying to do this for almost three years now. We put the house on the market, drive through all types of new and old neighborhoods and search the internet for a home. Then we change our minds (because we see how flippin’ expensive these homes are) and take the house off the market.

Well not this time. We’ve sold the house and are moving next week into our new house. Am I excited? Certainly. Once I get past all the stress and anxiety. A bigger mortgage payment. More house to clean. A new neighborhood. Where’s Walmart? Who is that strange person walking that ugly dog down the street? There’s a lot to worry about! But alas, I’m up for the challenge. I’ve got over 100 boxes packed and stored in the garage and probably another 20 or so to pack. The house seems like a shell of what it once was.

The process of moving is long, frustrating, painful at times and an anal-retentive-organizers nightmare! We’ve got boxes, full, empty, assembled and unassembled lying all over the place. Rooms are partially packed, with remnants of the life that once was overtaking the room, barely noticeable. Constantly I walk over things, jumping out of the way of a glass shelf, framed picture or something I don’t want to break. Living this way is almost like living in an old bombing field. I just don’t know where to step and it’s scary to make a move.

Moving can be exciting. It’s fun to think of all the space I’m getting, the new opportunities for decorating, the fresh walls to paint and hang all my favorite pictures on. Packing, on the other hand…well, it just sucks.

Since everyone moves at some time in their lives, I’ve tried to organize my packing in such a way that I can still live in the house (relatively speaking) while structuring the moving process to accommodate a smooth move. Success isn’t complete until Friday, July 30^th, when we stuff the truck and head to greener pastures. But so far, so good. In light of that, I thought I’d offer my fellow movers a few tricks I’ve learned throughout this lovely process.

Make a list. Keep a notebook, a sort of ‘catalog’ of each and every box and it’s major contents. Number the boxes from 1 on up so you can easily find a box if you need something from it and you’ve not go to moving it yet.
Even better, number each box starting from 1 and up PER ROOM and COLOR CODE the boxes with sharpies. Blue for bedroom, etc. You can also use stickers to color coordinate the boxes.
The more boxes, the better. You will be surprised how many boxes you will need compared to how many you THINK you’ll need.
Use bubble rap or tissue paper to wrap household goods like silverware and dishes. Don’t use newspaper unless you’re okay with washing everything before you put it away. The only paper I know of that doesn’t have ‘ink leakage’ is the Chicago Tribune. If it rubs off on your skin, it will rub off on your dishes.
Pack like with like. If you don’t know what’s going to go where, keep things in associated groups. Lights with light bulbs. Computer materials with computers, etc. This way you can go to a box, get what you need and use it without taking the whole box and unpacking it, just tossing it all over your new place.
If you’ve got cable TV and you’re keeping the cord, tape it to the back of the TV so you don’t lose it and keep your kids from watching TV while you unpack. You’ll end up feeling more nutty then them!
Back up your packing mistakes with a ‘parts box’. A box you keep in the kitchen to throw cords, remotes, plugs, etc. in when you can’t figure out what the heck it goes to!
Better yet, make this box BEFORE you pack up your house and throw it all in there and then use multiple colored stickers so you know what’s what.
Keep important papers with you. Don’t pack them because you may need them before you move or shortly after. Also, if you have a moving company, don’t pack them because though I’d like to trust everyone, you can’t. You never know who’s going through your stuff when and you don’t want that information easily accessible.
Give everyone a ‘personal box’. This box will be for them to store anything they’ll want ‘right away’ in the new house. Then you’re not running around searching for the Beanie Baby or Gameboy you knew you shouldn’t have packed but felt compelled to!

The previous are a few suggestions I have come up with based on my current experience. Since I’ve not completely moved, I thought I’d forward some info I found online that’s been helpful. Perhaps you’ll find it helpful when (and if) you move…

Moving Preparations

One Month Before Moving

Fill out change of address order form for post office.
Fill out an IRS change of address form.
Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
Set up a checking account in your new city.
Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
Make arrangements for transporting pets.
Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.

One To Two Weeks Before Moving

Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
Arrange for help on moving day.
Confirm travel reservations.
Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
Have appliances serviced for moving.
Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day

Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds.

After Arriving At New Home

Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.

I hope this helps. I’ll keep you posted on what I learn from my move! Enjoy!