Guide to Planning Your Move

Moving does not have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Use this “Guide to Planning Your Move” to turn a chore into a stressless adventure.

Step 1: Planning Your Move

Moving has a lot of moving parts. Break down the whole process into four (4) stages:

• Preparing
• Moving
• Cleaning the old place
• Unpacking at your new home

Common questions to ask when planning your move include:

• What is the moving budget?
• What supplies are needed?
• What should go in the essentials box?
• What special accommodations do the family and pets need?
• How to feed the moving crew and the family during the move?
• Do you need a moving van or a pickup truck?
• When to schedule All-In Hauling to do your pre-move junk pickup?

Have fun with it! There is no set design. You can:

• Make a flow chart
• Create a treasure map – Every milestone is a stop on your way to where “X” marks the spot (the new place). Have a car magnet that you can move to show your progress
• Give everyone a chore – so everyone feels included (ex . Little people are responsible for petting the dog or cat during the move to keep the animal calm)
• Create a chart with stars for when something gets done

Once you have your game plan, post it on the fridge. Then everyone knows what is going on and when.

Step 2: Gather Supplies

When planning your move, don’t forget to gather your packing supplies. Most people automatically buy tape, bubble wrap, and find boxes but skip preparing for a safe move.

Schedule your mid-packing junk pickup during the week when the kids are at school. Use that time to get rid of old toys without the drama!

Before you go out and purchase bubble wrap, look at what you already have.

Here are some overlooked packaging materials you already have:

• Use blankets and sheets to wrap lamps and pictures
• Use tops and sweaters to wrap up fragile items
• Use wine boxes as shoe storage
• Socks fit over and fill wine glasses easily
• Drawers make great fragile storage when packed amongst your clothing

Pro Tip: Never use big boxes. Keep the size of your boxes no bigger than a box of paper.

It is tempting to load your books into one big box. You may think you are speeding up the move. But who is going to lift that?

Safety first: Prevent injury and potentially be sued by limiting the size of boxes you gather. Save your big boxes for fluffy, lightweight items like pillows and stuffed animals.

Step 3: Designate Your Recycle, Trash & Donate locations

It never fails.

When you start packing, you discover that your things have multiplied. You have more books, magazines, old toys, recyclable cans, bottles, and plastic items than you know what to do with.

To “thin the herd”, designate separate areas for trash, donation, and recycling. As you separate what goes with you from what does not, bag it up and put it in the designated areas.

When you have your moving date, set an appointment for All-In Hauling to come by and pick it up. We offer no-contact and curbside pickups. We recommend the middle of the day during the week to avoid crying over old toys.

Step 4: Prepare Your Essentials Box

What is an “essentials box”?

An essentials box is a catch-all. You need these items as soon as you open the door to your new place. Plan on someone needing the bathroom, something to drink, or hungry. Being prepared with these basics makes the process simpler.

Buy local restaurant gift certificates before the move. Then use the gift certificates to plan your meals during the move and the first few days in the new place.

When planning your move, stock your essentials box with the tools and snacks you need to get the new place up and running. This box goes in the car when you travel to your new home.

Keep this box simple but don’t forget what each family member needs – including your pets.

A typical essentials box includes:

• Toilet paper & dental care items
• Box knife & Scissors
• Coffee pot with coffee or tea and a mug for each family member
• Tape & garbage bags
• Daily medicines & first aid kit
• Small tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, level, a picture hanging kit, nails, etc.)
• Gift certificates for local restaurants – use this to eat during the move
• Pet basics (leash, shot records, food, water, litter box, poop scooper/bags, etc.)
• A child’s toy
• Flashlight and candles
• Dishwashing liquid and tub
• Cleaning bucket with multi-surface cleaner, rags, and towels

Step 5: Start Room by Room Packing

Once you have gathered your supplies, it is time to start packing.

But where do you start?

Your schedule usually determines which room you do first. For limited-time situations, go for essentials first, then head for the cluttered corners.

Assuming this is not an emergency move, designate your donation and trash location. Then set up your appointment with All-In Hauling to pick them up on a specific date.

Having a time deadline prevents procrastination and provides motivation.

With your pickup appointment set, write a loose schedule of which rooms to pack and when. Then stage the packing supplies appropriately. If you use a “treasure map style” moving plan, consider each room as a stop along the path to where “X” marks the spot!

Use your clothing, bedding, and winter coats to wrap delicate items instead of purchasing excess bubble wrap. (This also counts as a time saver since you don’t have to pack them separately!)

Then cross off each room as you complete it.

Always plan for last-minute packing. Save a few boxes and tape for those last minute items!

The Family Act

Not everyone will be as motivated as you to get things packed. Please don’t expect them to get right on the packing. Moving can be scary for children. For teens, moving may include losing their friends.

Here are some strategies you can use:

• Get the whole family to pack one room at a time. Leaving only the absolute bare essentials for the day before last-minute packing. Give everyone a chore and try to make a game of it
• Some parents suggest weeding out their children’s things while their child is not there. Then put the older toys in the donation pile.

If you must pack with your young child present, consider going through your child’s things to limit separation anxiety.

Use the opportunity to teach generosity and the art of letting go.

Moving Rule of Thumb: If you have not used it, thought of it, or looked for it in the last six months, it is time to pass it on.

Planning your move doesn’t have to be elaborate or complex. However, the more you feel prepared, the easier the move will be.

Don’t forget to call All-In Hauling at (936) 445-8159 schedule your pickup!

Curbside pickup is available.