top of page
Writer's pictureChrista Rainey

The Ultimate Guide To Moving (Freebie Included)

If you always have the perfect moving experience and have never experienced the chaos and overwhelming aspects of moving... this article is not for you.


But, if you're like me and dread the moving process and are open to ideas on how to make it easier for you and the people you know... keep reading.



It is a goal of mine to share valuable content... FOR FREE that is both relevant and relatable.


Something I've learned to be very true is this: both good entertainment and good tools are derived from (mostly) messy reality.


REALITY = RELATABLE

And since the reality of moving is that: moving is terrible, I've come up with an amazing tool for people who may find themselves overwhelmed with moving to-do's!


You will need it next time you move (after you've sworn you'll never move again) and it's something you should, no doubt, GIVE TO YOUR FRIENDS & REAL ESTATE CLIENTS!


At the end of this blog, you will see the link to THE BEST MOVING CHECKLIST EVER.

Before we dive in, I want to share a couple of things I wish someone had told me before we made the last move. I'm all about learning from others mistakes - so please, by all means, learn from mine!


First things first: Expectations... lower them.

Think about the last time you were angry... Now ask yourself, was it because you expected something specific to happen, a better result, or dare I say, you just expected too much?


Most anger is a result of expectations gone wrong. When it comes to moving, it's a great idea to be realistic with yourself, your family & those you are working with during real estate transactions.


One thing you can count on is... TO COUNT ON NO ONE and sadly, here is a list of REAListic expectations for moving:

-Don't expect things to go smoothly.

-Don't expect people to hold up their end of the deal.

-Expect to make less than you wanted on the sale.

-Expect to spend more than you wanted on the purchase.


While that list sounds pretty negative, I promise it will help you in the long run. On a more positive note, I would recommend you focus on having a heart of gratitude. Don't forget that your attitude has a ripple effect that will likely come back around to you.


Also, on the bright side we experienced an overwhelming amount of unexpected joys once the moving dust settled. Positive things we couldn't have known about: like an amazing view while taking the dogs for a walk, a nearby restaurant with an incredible local menu - these things made right all the wrongs!


Less stuff, less stress.

Once it's official that you're moving, one of your first thoughts is probably the closets you've been meaning to organize or the corners that seem to always be cluttered and out of control. Well, that's one good thing about moving: it forces you to deal with those areas you've been putting off.


If you haven't watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, this would be a great binge to motivate you to get rid of things you haven't used in a while and likely won't use in the new place!


Now that you know of a good example to follow, let's explore what you shouldn't do.


It's no secret that grocery companies pay for a lot of labor just to move product around. It seems to be one unending process of moving: moving product from warehouse to the truck, from the truck to the loading dock, from the loading dock to the staging area, and from the staging area to the shelf so the products can end up in a shopper's basket. During checkout it goes from the conveyor belt to a bag and from the bag to a basket - that is at least 6 touches per item - all that time adds up and is something you should avoid!


What I'm trying to tell you is to be conscience of how many times you move each item.


The fewer times you touch it to move it, the more efficient you are!


You'll never regret being prepared.

Timelines, make them. But going back to the expectations rant... expect them to change! Knowing that time is money, I suggest you invest your time in planning for the move. Don't wait until the last minute to think through the big and little things.


And speaking of timeline, here is a great starting point for what would be "ideal" one month before moving day:


4 weeks out: Start decluttering & purging (discard, donate or sell items you don't need)

3 weeks out: Start organizing spaces used the least (i.e. guest rooms, backyard, etc.)

2 weeks out: Start boxing the spaces you have decluttered (label boxes with detail)

1 week out: Start setting aside essentials (pack your suitcase for hotel, rental, etc.)


And now for the good stuff - here's the link to THE BEST MOVING CHECKLIST EVER.


If you like your friends, tolerate your family, & love your clients SHARE the list with them. You will thank me because they will thank you!


Feel free to email me anything I may have left out, but I think you'll see it's quite comprehensive. Enjoy!



99 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page