It's no secret - moving is stressful! First of all, there is organizing it all! Then there is packing, discarding, cleaning, and paperwork. If you don't keep it all together - everything you need for your move to be organized - then there is also constant searching, questioning, and unpreparedness. If you found this post, I imagine being unprepared is the last thing you intend on being, so here is what you should have in your move notebook...
| To-Do's/Notebook: Make lists in your separate notebook just for your move. Keep it with you always. When you think of anything related to your move, jot it down. Calendar/Timeline: Stay ahead of the game by creating a timeline of events and projects to meet your move deadline. A little bit each day goes a long way, especially if you have a need to declutter and/or downsize. |  |
"A little bit each day goes a long way."
Important Papers: Keep all important papers in your notebook to have on you when you ever need it. Your new home contract, your move contract, tips for decluttering, articles on downsizing, and resources to use during your transition, are all good things for this section of your notebook.
Questions & Answers: You are likely to think of questions at inopportune times... in the middle of the night, or while you're making dinner, etc... write them down to remember to ask at a better time. Actually, write them down whether you are getting the answer right away or not. If you have the question and its answer down, you can refer to it if you ever need to.
Floor Plans: This is an important one! Have you thought to measure your furniture you intend to bring, and your new space? Having a plan for placement of every item that is coming with you is a definite must! There is nothing worse than bringing way to much to your new home, and having to leave it in boxes, because there is no room for it. Keep your measured floor plan(s) in your notebook and save time and frustration on move-in day by having a plan. This is something I do for my clients, especially seniors who are downsizing and can't bring everything. Here is a link to free grid paper: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/grid_paper_0.5cm_square_blue.pdf. This is what I use to draw from scratch, as many blueprints and floor plans given by communities aren't accurate. It's time consuming if you aren't used to doing it, but it is very much worth the time upfront!
If finances allow, think about hiring a Professional Organizer or Move Manager. A Real Estate Agent may be able to refer you to one, or get recommendations from friends, seniors' residences, or senior centers. Also, you may visit the National Association of Professional Organizers at www.napo.net and the National Association of Senior Move Managers at www.nasmm.org. This specialist can help you ensure your entire move is organized. My clients get their "My Move Notebook" and space planning service at no cost, just by using my team to pack, move, unpack, and set up their new home.
Nicole Ramer
Professional Organizer and Senior Move Manager®
www.OrganizedByNicole.com
321.624.1690
Questions & Answers: You are likely to think of questions at inopportune times... in the middle of the night, or while you're making dinner, etc... write them down to remember to ask at a better time. Actually, write them down whether you are getting the answer right away or not. If you have the question and its answer down, you can refer to it if you ever need to.
Floor Plans: This is an important one! Have you thought to measure your furniture you intend to bring, and your new space? Having a plan for placement of every item that is coming with you is a definite must! There is nothing worse than bringing way to much to your new home, and having to leave it in boxes, because there is no room for it. Keep your measured floor plan(s) in your notebook and save time and frustration on move-in day by having a plan. This is something I do for my clients, especially seniors who are downsizing and can't bring everything. Here is a link to free grid paper: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/grid_paper_0.5cm_square_blue.pdf. This is what I use to draw from scratch, as many blueprints and floor plans given by communities aren't accurate. It's time consuming if you aren't used to doing it, but it is very much worth the time upfront!
If finances allow, think about hiring a Professional Organizer or Move Manager. A Real Estate Agent may be able to refer you to one, or get recommendations from friends, seniors' residences, or senior centers. Also, you may visit the National Association of Professional Organizers at www.napo.net and the National Association of Senior Move Managers at www.nasmm.org. This specialist can help you ensure your entire move is organized. My clients get their "My Move Notebook" and space planning service at no cost, just by using my team to pack, move, unpack, and set up their new home.
Nicole Ramer
Professional Organizer and Senior Move Manager®
www.OrganizedByNicole.com
321.624.1690
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