Updated on May 10, 2024
Organization isn't everyone's cup of tea, but when it comes to moving and storing your belongings, it can make a world of difference. Imagine a friend of yours has asked you to help move their stuff. You get to their house, and stuff is everywhere, in and out of moving boxes, splayed everywhere, and haphazardly placed. It would probably drive you up a wall. Now imagine your moving company, helpers, or even you trying to navigate a mess like that!
The more organized you are before storing or moving, the better the outcome of your moving and storage event. Of course, that is much easier said than done. Moving can throw even the most organized household into chaos, so getting started weeks in advance is vital. It is a commitment but well worth the effort in the long run.
Here are some moving and storage tips to help you on the road to an organized move.
Tips for How to Organize a Move
Start planning as soon as you find out you have to move:
The more time you have, the more organized you can be. Come up with a moving organization list that you can follow and amend from now until moving day. Our downloadable moving checklist can help you get started on putting together the perfect moving plan and allow you to add everything you can think of. When things get busy as you dismantle your house and get closer to your moving day, your detailed moving to-do list will ensure that you will not forget anything.
Also, start gathering any moving supplies you will need: bubble wrap, moving boxes, moving blankets, etc. Start researching moving companies and pick one that will work on your schedule, not the other way around!
Get rid of things you do not need:
Go through everything in your house and put aside items to donate or sell. 1-800-PACK-RAT's portable storage containers are perfect for packing the stuff you will definitely be taking to your new home while you separate the items you are downsizing.
Some charities can even send a truck to pick up donations if you have enough or oversized items. By organizing all the items you wish to get rid of in one spot, you can easily take them yourself, have a charity pick them up, or even hold a yard sale to sell and make some extra money!
The primary focus is to pair down all of the stuff you have. The less you have, the less you need to move and the less you need to organize. It is a win-win!
It is never too early to pack:
No matter your moving date, begin packing non-essential items as soon as you start writing out your moving organization list. Time can go by quickly, and if you are dealing with change of address forms, calling utility companies, contacting your realtor, fixing up your home for the new buyer, etc., packing can get put by the wayside quickly. Don't let the moving day sneak up on you!
How to organize boxes for moving by labeling:
Label the contents of every box and go room-by-room as to where the box belongs. You can take your moving organization list a step further by tagging all boxes with color-coded tape for each room and cross reference with a tracking list. Be sure also to label very clearly and largely any boxes with fragile items. These boxes need to be packed and loaded specifically to avoid any breakage.
Leave a few boxes for last-minute items:
Despite all of this, there will still be a few things you will need to pack the day you finally start moving - that isn't a bad thing! Things like bed linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies, clothes, etc., must all be packed last so they can be unpacked at your new home first. Label them clearly with "open first" to spot them easily. If you have any valuables or important documents you need to take with you, carry them with you personally - do not pack them like all your other stuff.
Choose the right moving company
Whether you are going local or long distance, choosing a mover that works for you is vital. Organizing for a move typically meant getting everything ready for a colossal moveout all in one day; however, that has changed with the advent of portable moving containers.
1-800-PACK-RAT makes the moving process and organization for your move simpler by bringing the moving solution to you that you can pack at your pace. No more renting a moving truck in the morning and rushing to have it brought back by dusk. Take your time organizing your stuff, move the way you are comfortable doing so, and leave all the driving and stress to us!
Tips for How to Organize for Storage
Get the right storage supplies
No matter how long you plan to store your stuff, you must ensure you use quality storage supplies. While they may cost a bit more, consider buying "heavy-duty" cardboard boxes for your stuff—that way, you never have to worry about boxes being too heavy and collapsing while being stored.
Luckily, if you use a 1-800-PACK-RAT portable storage container, they are made of all-steel and are weatherproof, so you do not have to worry about the buildup and creation of mold and mildew while stored with us.
Create an inventory list of your stored stuff
This is extremely important. Many people use our containers or a self-storage facility option, put all of their stuff into the unit, and don't mark on the boxes what is inside or create a list of what is being stored. This can make the unpacking part unpleasant because simple organization wasn't done in the first place.
Color code your boxes so you can cross-reference them to a list you have, denoting what is in each box. Or write what is inside on the box itself - or even write on a piece of paper what is in the box and tape it on top so when you open it, you can see it. Any of these organizational methods will save you a lot of time in the future.
Choose a storage company that works for you
The traditional storage companies' method of storing your stuff consists of packing everything into a moving truck or your personal vehicle, driving it to their facility, unpacking, and repeating it over and over. Not to mention doing the entire storage process over again when vacating the unit. It can be hard to stay organized when there are so many additional steps to consider.
1-800-PACK-RAT makes it much simpler. We bring the storage to you. You then pack it at your pace and keep your portable storage unit for as long as needed. If you'd like to have it placed in one of our secure warehouse locations, we can pick it up and bring it there for you for as long as you need. Unlike the traditional methods, there is no driving on your part and no hassles involved.
1-800-PACK-RAT Makes Moving and Storage Organization Simple
Time is your best friend when organizing for a move or long- or short-term storage needs. Traditional methods of moving and storing your stuff do not give you the time you need to organize, pack, and move/store your stuff. But 1-800-PACK-RAT does. Our motto is "moving and storage made simple" because we take the stress out of the equation.
We give you the time you need to pack, organize, and care for everything else in your life because we know how complicated moving and storage can be. Let us help make your upcoming moving and storage event simple today!
Call us or go online for a free quote and see how we can make your life easier today!