Making Moving SIMPLER! Part 1

So you’re ready to move are you? Well maybe it’s not moving day yet (good grief!) but you can still get prepared weeks ahead of time. Here are some things you can do to help alleviate some of the stress of moving:

Moving Mindset

First of all get into the right mindset. Think of your move as a step in the right direction, a positive state of affairs. And just think of the incredible apartment that awaits you! Embrace the possibilities and try to have fun with it.

Start as early as a month before moving day to begin sorting through old clothing, shoes, toys, books, magazines and odds and ends. Get rid of items that are broken and pack up items that you no longer use. Then call up local charities such as the Salvation Army to come pick up your donations. In my town a number of charitable organizations have set up large bins in high traffic areas such as parking lots of shopping malls where people can drop off items they wish to donate. Remember one man’s (or woman’s) garbage is another one’s treasure!

If it’s summertime consider having a yard sale or renting a table at your local flea market. The extra bucks you earn no doubt will come in handy!

Moving Boxes

Inquire about boxes from your grocery stores, department stores and liquor stores, etc. Purchasing boxes from a moving company can run you into more money than you may want to spend. If your move is local look for other sources for boxes.

Don’t forget to buy packing tape, string and a black permanent marker for initializing each box’s contents.

Another great device worth investing in for moving is bungee cords. They come in handy for securing fold out couches, hideabeds, dresser drawers and many other pieces of tricky furniture, both as they are being moved into the truck and while on route to your new home. Bungee cords can be purchased for next to nothing at most hardware stores. Even your local dollar store should have them in stock. If you’re not sure if they do or not- ask!

Plastic totes (Rubbermaid for example) are better than cardboard boxes for moving and can be used for storage once you’re in your new place. They come in a variety of sizes and many have small handles on each side for easier carrying. Plus they come in all sorts of nice colors, practically every color of the rainbow!
(smiles) Consider investing in a few.

Whether you pack your stuff in rubber totes, boxes or both, grab your magic marker and jot down what room the contents of each are for. It’s a good idea to make a list of a few items in the boxes so it will jog your memory once you get to your new home.

Stay tuned for some more moving ideas in part two! 

~Anika Logan

Anika Logan has lived in her share of apartments over the years and has plenty of decorating ideas, not to mention pearls of wisdom to pass on to you. If you have an apartment question/dilemma, look no further-Anika will provide the answers!