5 Simple Strategies for a Smooth Relocation -- from a Seasoned ...

Photo: Amy Suardi/Frugal Mama

It's springtime, school is almost out, and I feel interstate moves in the air. We have moved our family five times in the last 11 years (and that was just the tail end of my moving history). Even though we won't be changing places this year (our relocation funds are finally tied up in a mortgage), I kind-of miss the exciting adventure that a new town brings.

We all know, however, that moving can be really stressful: right up there with divorce or losing a loved one. To keep the fun factor up and the angst level down, try these strategies that have really worked for us:

1.? Set Up Your Moving Headquarters

Photo: Amy Suardi/Frugal Mama

Get a two-pocket school folder to corral documents you will need for the move -- and for life in your new house: moving company estimates, real estate agent info, summer camp flyers, and hotel reservations. Make sure you keep the folder attached to your hip on the big day. (If you're more of a touch-screen sort of person, create a virtual folder for all move-related information.)

2.? (Floor)plan Ahead

Photo: Amy Suardi/Frugal Mama

Plan out how your old stuff will fit in your new house on paper or with an?online floorplan tool. By figuring things out now, you'll conserve precious energy that you'll need on the other end. Besides lightening your load by getting rid of stuff that won't fit, you'll have a ready answer to the question: "Where does this go lady?"

3. ?No Better Time to Streamline

Photo: Amy Suardi/Frugal Mama

Before packing one box, go through every closet, drawer, and room in your house and mercilessly purge. You'll be able to find better homes for your stuff if you are not stressed by boxes piling up everywhere. (I like to?donate everyday things, sell big stuff on Craiglist, and give away specialty items on Freecyle.)

Once all these difficult decisions are made and extraneous stuff is farmed out,?packing will be faster and easier.

4.? Give Your Boxes a Packing Order

Photo: Amy Suardi/Frugal Mama

Don't just label boxes with the room they will be going to: assign each box a unique number (and write it on every side).?Then keep a running?list?of the box numbers and contents. This way, you'll know exactly which box to open when you need a certain item, and you'll be able to determine if anything is missing.

To keep life as normal as possible, pack nonessentials first, like art, knick-knacks, good china, and out-of-season stuff. Slowly work up to the stuff you use more often until you are left with the essentials.

5.? Designate a Last-On, First-Off Box

Photo: Amy Suardi/Frugal Mama

One special box should be designated for bare necessities. Either keep it in the car with you, or ask the movers to load it last and unload it first. Pack it with stuff you won't want to be stuck without those first few days -- comfort items such as bedding, towels, shower liners, curtains -- as well basic supplies like soap,?paper towels, trash bags, and lightbulbs. Don't forget some nice-to-have's as well: cameras and chargers, snacks and water, and favorite toys and books.

Finally make a list, or use this family moving checklist at my blog, to remember all the niggly details like forwarding mail and getting new driver's licenses.

If you have a move coming up, know it's a stressful time and give yourself a break. Yes, it will be topsy-turvy, but it will also be a life-expanding journey. Bon voyage!

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