Anyone have a good checklist for things to pack, get rid of and do before moving?
Question:I am possibly moving within a month and its the first time I'll be out of my parents house. My head is already spinning with all of the details and what I might forget to pack. Also, what can I get rid of and what things should I buy to be on my own? Are there any websites with good checklists for these kind of things?
Answers:
when you finally decide to move, well at that time you can go buy your boxes and tape and shread. I have no idea what kind of move it will be, are you going off to college, are you married and moving, are you and your husband divorcing and you have to decide what to take? I just don't know how to gear my response.
Usually when you leave a parent's home as in maybe you're 21 then you don't have a whole lot of things to move because the furniture belongs to your parents. And, you have to be 18 and have a permanent job (and for a while) to be able to rent an apartment. Plus, in most cases you need a vehicle for transportation. So, if you have all those then let me say this:
First go thru all your clothing (and shoes) and throw out everything you can't fit into anymore, things you have outgrown and put them in a box by the door (or put a large note on that box saying "Salvation Army"). Then go thru your clothes once more and determine what fits you but you haven't worn it in a year and put those into another box and tape it closed and put it to the back of your closet.
Then ask your parents what can you take with you. They "may" let you take your bed and a dresser. Ok, then think about anyone who has a truck who might be willing to move you and a few boxes. What else do you own? Get a box for that (you can keep it folded till you need to use it).
Ok, so you have the income, the long-term job, you're over 18 and you own a car outright. So go and apply for an efficiency (starter) apartment. Can you afford to pay for an apartment, about $525, plus electric, plus phone, plus internet. plus car insurance (and car), plus your charge accounts? Plus deposits on all those, a total of about $2,000. If not, then don't move till you save that much.
flylady.net has tips for moving.
i don't know of any checklists, but i do know from personal experience that you should never take anything that you don't need. You're moving into your own space and so you want new things. Ask one of you're friends or parents to give you a housewarming party. If they agree then you should make a list that includes towels, washcloths, trashcans, sheet sets,comforters all types of bathroom supplies(except toothbrushes). For the kitchen you'll need silverware, plates, cups, cloth napkins for entertaining, a really good set of sharp knives, drinkware, IKEA has really inexpensive stemware. Don't take anything you had as a child leave it at your parents house. Always choose colors that matches your personality. Also, last but not least if you go into a new place dont bring baggage from your old life think of it as being a new birth.
If you haven't used it in 6 months, you probably don't need it. Write down your daily routine to decide what you need daily (towels, washcloths, tooth products and clothes. Pack these seperately so they are on hand from the start. Clearly mark any boxes with the room they go into. This way you save time from re-moving the boxes. It also helps if friends are assisting you to move so they know directly where to take them. Think about the things you never needed to think about at home. Salt, pepper, cookware, toilet paper etc.
Check with a local professional packing company. They can provide a check list. Of course you don't have to use their services, just get information from them. They will also provide you tips on packing and moving.
USPS also provides tips on moving.
When you have identified things that you do not want to carry then donate them or put them on Freecycle.org for someone else to use them rather than throwing it in the garbage.
Best of Luck!!
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