At the Betty Brigade, we often work with outside vendors to help get jobs done on time and ensure that our clients are satisfied. Moving companies, Cleaning Services, Donation Services, and Storage Locations are often on our list of phone calls as we complete projects. Since moving is often the hardest and most stressful task, especially for families, we thought we'd share some tips with you that will hopefully help make moving a little less stressful.

Moving always finds a place on the "Top 10 Most Stressful Life Events" list, but a little planning goes a long way. Moving can be a difficult experience that unfolds differently for everyone. The type of move, whether cross-country or even international, has an impact on your best-laid plans. Upsizing and downsizing can also influence your moving decisions, especially the latter which can require significant purging before a move. Whatever life hands you, there are workable moving solutions to get you into your new home smoothly. What are the keys to a successful move?

1. Take Stock

The sheer number of details requiring your attention can be overwhelming at moving time, so the first step is to take stock of exactly what needs to be done. Lists, budgets, timelines, and other organizational aids help you see the bigger picture, keeping you on task to cover all the bases. Think of moving day as a process, rather than a single calendar entry. The more you can get done ahead of time, the smoother the process will be in the end.

Start early, contacting professional movers and organizing your approach. If you need to downsize belongings, sell them online or plan a rummage sale several months ahead of your move. Once you are on the schedule with your movers, refine your timeline to reflect hard deadlines. There is no reason not to start packing. Off-season clothes, for example, can be sealed in vacuum space-saving bags and stowed under the bed until moving day. Also, your kitchen can be pared back to the essentials, prepping less-used tools and small appliances well ahead of moving day.

2. Think Ahead

Just as planning aids your exit strategy, packing with your future home in mind helps you land on your feet at the new place.  Picture your new rooms as you pack, boxing items together for particular areas of the house and donating unneeded items to charity resale shops.

Do you have access to the new home ahead of time? This incredible advantage opens all kinds of doors. If you have time to prepare your new home before moving day, use it to your best advantage by creating space you can use right away. Paint closets, so that clothes can be plugged in seamlessly on moving day. Clean the bathrooms and kitchen, which will be placed into immediate service once your family arrives. If appliances are present, make sure they work, or measure your new kitchen to ensure your incoming fridge and stove are the right sizes. Be realistic, prioritizing short-term projects that are messy and can be completed before your belongings arrive will make it easier in the end.

3. Back to Basics

Liquor boxes provide low-budget moving crates that work well for glassware and fragile housewares.  Clear bags used for linens and clothing allow you to see their contents, taking away the pressure to unpack them immediately on arrival. Clothing can also be used to pad dishes packed in boxes. Wrap mugs and glasses in socks to protect them in transit. Egg cartons work well for moving jewelry.

As the moving day nears, take the final steps to prep your kitchen appliances and strip the beds. Disassemble what you can, movers will do the rest. Coding boxes with multi-colored stickers help get them to the right rooms. You can always provide additional guidance to your movers, in person, on moving day. Looking ahead and maintaining an organized approach ensure successful moves. Use helpful tips and your own creativity to shine on moving day. Until next time – Keep It Simple!