Moving + Simple Hacks To Help!

Are you moving and the reality has set in and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t let it stress you out too much, you’ve got this! We have a few things up our sleeves to help make this move a little less stressful with some simple hacks. 

Being a military company we know what PCSing season means and how hectic it can be. For those who live the civilian life the best way to explain PCSing season is… moving season. New stations, new place to live, purging your house before packing it up and saying all the goodbyes. It's a bittersweet time and can be full of emotions. Sometimes it's the hardest move but sometimes it's a move we’re so excited to make. Regardless of you situation the best advice has always been to make the most of the place you’re going to. You never know what is in store for you and your next destination. Have you moved to a place where you thought for sure you were going to hate it but then you end up loving it and not wanting to move? It happens and mostly when you least expect it. Friends become family. A unique life with all the ups and down. So, let's talk simple moving hacks. Anything we can do to make things less stressful and more SIMPLE!

Start with a ‘moving checklist’. This will keep you organized and on track. If you’re moving yourself then reserve your moving truck early and start getting boxes, tape, markers and packing materials. You can start packing early and have more time to do it well. If you plan on having movers/packers do the work for you then start organizing your home and categorizing all your things so you don’t end up with random items packed together. Give yourself a place or a room that you mark as “things not to pack”! This will be all the things you need to have now and during the move. We like to keep all of our clothes, toiletries, few toys for the kids, important paperwork, pet supplies, phone/electronic chargers, basically anything you will absolutely need with you and not packed away. Keeping some towels and extra pillows/blankets in this mix is also a great idea. Think road trip! What do you want to have on your road trip? Keep those things out of the packing areas. 

Mark your calendar for days to cancel your utilities, forward your mail to your new address and pause any subscriptions you have!

Now, let's talk HACKS!! Some of these will apply to you and some may not depending on what type of move you’re going with. You will be able to prep many of your household goods for movers as well so get creative.

While clothes are still hanging, rubber band about 15 hangers together. Then grab a garbage bag & put a hole in the opposite end of where it ties,  wrap it around a section of clothes and then tie it shut around the hangers at the top. Don't forget to tie the bottom too so the clothes are protected. 

Pack heavy books in luggage with wheels to avoid overly heavy boxes.

Store spices inside of pots, cover with lids, add to boxes

Use a pool noodle around the edges of your mirrors and picture frames to protect them from breaking.

Label the sides of the boxes instead of the top.

Color code different rooms to make it easy for movers or yourselves. Add colored labels to each room so they can match it up with each box.

Use coffee filters in-between plates.

Store knives in pot holders then tape them together.

Use clothes and scarves to wrap breakable items.

Put together an "open first" box, tote or laundry basket of essentials you'll need right away like paper towels, toothbrushes, pajamas, your toiletries, towels, clean sheets, and maybe even a pot/pan.

Keep it positive and know that it will probably have a few hiccups along the way. Moving can be one of the most stressful things in life so make sure you are mentally prepared for life’s crazy changes and you will be able to roll with the punches a little better. Life is messy but you can do it! We hope you have a fun and memorable moving season and you embrace the adventure ahead!