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So, you’ve decided to
take the big leap and move. Whether it is to downsize or expand your
space, if you feel kind of anxious and a bit overwhelmed, you are not
alone.
Moving homes is right up there on the stress list of life’s
events along with marriage, having a child, a new job, a family
passing, and a divorce. Maybe there is a way that we can look at a move
as an adventure, a new chapter in your life. Think of it this way,
while the time needed to prepare for a move may seem overwhelming, it
is really only for a defined period of time. And yes, there is light at
the end of the tunnel.
Don’t be surprised if you feel sad or a sense of bittersweet as a
move can trigger the movie of your life flashing before your eyes. Why?
Because your home may represent one or more of the following:
- Your first big investment
- Your first home as a married couple
- Where you raised your children
- Your choice of home after the children moved out
This list can be part of the emotion that ties you to hanging onto your
stuff. Because of sentimental attachment, and sometimes, the fear of
the unknown.
I’ll list some practical tips for move preparation later, but for
now let’s focus on saying goodbye to some of your stuff, making
room for what you do want in your new home.
Decluttering
The move is an opportunity for you to choose to bring only what you
really use and love. It is also the one of the best times to declutter
on a grand scale.
Bedding:
Is it time to replace the mattresses and pillows? This is the perfect
time to make a bedding purchase and have the old bed picked up and the
new bed delivered to your new address.
Carpeting & Dry Cleaning:
Having your articles picked up or dropped off for cleaning, then
retrieved when in the new home will save you the trouble of moving them.
Kitchenware:
Still having dinner for twelve? Consider donating your china dinner set
to a silent auction or holiday season sale; raise money for one of your
local charities or hospitals.
Books:
Some booksellers still make a courtesy calls at homes to peruse books
and make offers of purchase. Also, some local sales and charities will
accept books.
Toys and videos:
Some children may be best prepared to decide with their parents on what
to give away once they are settled into a new routine and their new
room.
Cleaned and serviceable toys
and videos are welcome at various day cares and hospitals. Call to
verify their policies on receiving used toys.
Antiques and household items:
Consider inviting buyers to your home to make offers or perhaps have an
estate sale after a move. If you move before the house is sold, items
you are not moving can be held back and used for Home Staging purposes.
Planning Tips
Bills: Pay all outstanding bills and indicate your new address and move date on the payment receipts.
Banking:
Advise banks, credit cards companies, and financial institutions and
your financial advisor of the new address. Order cheques with new
address if needed.
Post office:
Use the change of address system for a minimum of three months. Save
incoming mail with change of address stickers on the envelopes. Use
these as your reminders of who to call or write to advise of your
change of address.
Essential Items
Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately at the new
home, and bring it with you by car on the day of the move. Recommended
items include:
- Cell phones and cell chargers.
- Address books.
- Bank cards, cheque books, and sets of house keys to both homes.
- Cleaning supplies including vacuum
cleaner, paper towels, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, dish
soap, dish cloth and dish towel.
- Groceries, bottled water, some prepared meals if possible.
- Bed linen, bath and hygiene products, toothbrushes and other toiletries, hangers, and enough clothing and shoes for three days.
- Tools (hammer, screwdriver, nails & screws, scotch tape, tape measure, box cutter, scissors, pens and paper).
- Some cutlery, glasses, mugs, plates, and bowls, napkins and placemats.
Important Documents and Files
Pack important and sentimental documents separately for easy access
such as: children’s health records, passports, birth
certificates, family records, insurance information, CDs with the back
up of all computer files, computer software CDs, warrantees on
electronics and appliances, photo albums, and current bank statements
and investment statements. It is best to transport this with you
instead of on the moving
Kathleen Murphy is the Director of Organizing Optionsä, a full service organizing company based in Montreal.
Tel: 514-402-0709
www.organizingoptions.com
kathleen@organizingoptions.com
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