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<\/a>1. Plan ahead (as much as you can!)<\/h2>\n
When you\u2019re in a rush, it can be tempting to just dive right into the tasks at hand, but skipping the planning stage will cost you time later. Take a moment to organize your thoughts and supplies so that you can be properly prepared before you begin<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hoke recommends tapeless packing boxes<\/a> for homebuyers who are in a hurry. They\u2019re about 60 cents more than traditional boxes, but their innovative folding design saves time and hassle.<\/p>\n Since you\u2019re in a hurry, you\u2019re likely to think of things that need to be done on the fly. But changing course to do those little things as they pop up can seriously derail your productivity. And some things simply must be done at the last minute.<\/p>\n Keep your mind clear and focused by writing your to-do\u2019s down either on paper or in your phone. Some examples to get your list started<\/a>:<\/p>\n VanHorn says, \u201cI designate a folder that holds all paperwork associated with the move in one place.\u201d She then writes notes regarding her current residence on the inside cover and jots lists about her new home inside the back cover.<\/p>\n Assemble your moving squad early, so you\u2019re not scrambling later. Will you need movers<\/a>? At what stage will you need them \u2014 packing or loading? Can you enlist some friends to help you pack and move? When are they available?<\/p>\n Make your calls immediately, as moving company schedules are often set weeks in advance.<\/p>\n When help arrives, be prepared with forthright assignments. You have no time to waste on directionless helpers. Set each helper on course with simple, polite instructions, such as, \u201cJohn, can you please pack the books?\u201d or \u201cTerry, will you be in charge of cleaning the bathrooms, please?\u201d<\/p>\n Are there certain configurations or setups that you\u2019ll want to remember once you get to your new home? Take photos now before well-intentioned helpers start packing things in a less-than-perfect way.<\/p>\n For example, you may want to take photos of your electronics plug-ins, your closet organizers, and anything that may need to be disassembled (such as bed frames).<\/p>\n Figure out which furniture and appliances can and cannot go with you on your move. If you think you can sell or give away any items, take photos and start the rehoming process early. Schedule donation pick-up for anything that you can\u2019t get rid of on your own.<\/p>\n For items that will be making the move with you, put color-coded sticky notes or tape on items that require special handling. That way, you\u2019ll be able to give your movers and helpers good directions. For example, you could ask someone to put plastic wrap around all items with a blue tag.<\/p>\n Before you really start the packing craziness, be sure to pack a bag with all your essentials. Think as if you were vacationing for a few days.<\/p>\n In fact, Hoke tells her clients to imagine they were going to a remote cabin for the weekend. What would you need or want if you were \u201croughing it\u201d in the wilderness?<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re leaving it for new buyers or you\u2019re hoping to get a security deposit back, you\u2019ll need to clean your current residence. For ultimate time savings, consider hiring a professional cleaner to come in after you move out. Otherwise, be sure not to pack up your cleaning supplies \u2014 you\u2019ll need them at the final stage and also at your new place.<\/p>\n Artwork, decorative items, and anything that\u2019s breakable or might require extra care should be handled first and then moved out of the way. This is a good job to outsource to a careful friend who may not be able to help with heavy lifting.<\/p>\n Make sure you have plenty of soft packing material, such as bubble wrap or packing paper. Or multitask by wrapping fragile items in hand towels or table linens.<\/p>\n Suitcases and duffle bags need to be moved anyway, so you might as well fill them up with stuff!<\/p>\n Hardside luggage is great for breakable or electronic items. Softside luggage can be used for games. Duffles can be used for clothing or towels.<\/p>\n Also, if you have any original manufacturer\u2019s packaging for small appliances or other oddly shaped items, now is the time to pull it out.<\/p>\n The kitchen is one of the biggest and most complicated rooms, but it\u2019s also the room you need to use the most. That can put you in a moving conundrum because you don\u2019t want to put off a major task, but you also don\u2019t want to pack up things you may need in the final stages.<\/p>\n As a general rule, try saving most of the kitchen for last if you can. This will help you avoid the panic<\/a> of not locating a can opener when you\u2019re trying to finish up the soup in the pantry.<\/p>\n However, there are certainly some things you won\u2019t need at this stage, such as the waffle iron, wine glasses, and serving platters. If you\u2019re in a lull \u2014 or if you\u2019ve got a free helper that you trust \u2014 go ahead and pack those little-used, specialty items.<\/p>\n As you go through your things, move as quickly as possible, and make decisions about whether to keep or toss something. Put your packing items right next to your trash and donation bins, then sort as you go.<\/p>\n Be ruthless! At this point, you don\u2019t have time to question yourself. If you haven\u2019t used something in the past year, do you really want to go through the effort of moving it at this point?<\/p>\n Move trash out for pickup right away in order to clear the space. Ask a friend to drop off donations for you on their way back to their own place.<\/p>\n As you pack things up throughout your home, consider going room by room in order to give yourself some mental clarity<\/a>. Once a room is completely packed, close the door and move on to the next space. This could help protect you from feeling scattered, and it could also save time by keeping you from running back and forth between rooms.<\/p>\n However, if you\u2019ve got lots of helpers (hooray!), then it may be best to divide and conquer. Having lots of people in one room may actually waste time if you\u2019re constantly bumping into one another.<\/p>\n\n
2. Keep a running checklist<\/h2>\n
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3. Ask for help<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>4. Take photos<\/h2>\n
5. Sort the big items first<\/h2>\n
6. Pack your \u2018overnight\u2019 bag<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>7. Set aside your cleaning supplies<\/h2>\n
8. Tackle the delicate stuff<\/h2>\n
9. Pull out your luggage<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>10. Pack (most of) the kitchen last<\/h2>\n
11. Donate and toss as you pack<\/h2>\n
12. Clear one room at a time<\/h2>\n
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