Moving can be a hassle, especially when you have to juggle kids, school changes and general packing. When you are moving into your new Home Creations home before the new school year starts, you have to make sure everything is in order for a smooth experience. Here are several moving tips to help you get started.

1.  Know when to throw away or give away

Moving is the perfect time for a little cleaning! If you have way too many things to pack and you are not sure if you need it all in your new home, it is time to get rid of unwanted items. You can get rid of your items in a variety of ways such as having a garage sale, donate to charity or selling on Craigslist/eBay. You can even donate your unwanted canned food items to your local food pantry. If you have not used or thought about an item for over a year, it is time to let it go!

2.  Make sure you have the right supplies

It is important to recognize that not all packing containers are equal. Some protect your valuables better than others. Assess your belongings and make sure you get a container that will protect it the best. These general items will help you with any move:

• Foam peanuts
• Scissors/sharp knife
• Markers and labels for identifying objects
• Tissue/Newspaper/Corrugated paper rolls
• Packing tape
• Packing boxes that are discarded by your local store

3.  Safely pack your fragile items

When you start unpacking in your new home, you do not want to be surprised by broken valuables. 

4.  Transplant your plants safely

Many people do not think about their plants during the move. Whether you are moving locally, or across the country, you need to make sure your plants do not die on the way to their final destination. Living in Oklahoma, we can have extreme temperatures, especially in the summer months. Most moving companies will not move your plants since there is a lack of air in their vans, which means you will need to take on this feat yourself. You can wrap your large plants with tissue paper or an old blanket to prevent branches from breaking. With smaller plants, you can place each plant snuggly at the bottom of box using pack paper. Make sure to punch holes in the box for proper air flow and clearly mark the lids to help keep upright at all times.

5.  Moving the big things

Make sure you have a professional or someone knowledgeable disconnect your major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. If you are moving a freezer or refrigerator, you should remove all food, defrost, clean and dry the appliance.

Make sure to have the little pieces (wires, screws, remote controls, etc.) that go with your bigger items stored in a plastic bag and packed in a designated parts box. It’s also a good idea to take a picture, or draw a diagram that make hooking up your electronics in your home easier.

6.  Think about your pets

It is important to make sure your pets are happy and safe during your move. Remember, they have feelings of anxiety too, especially when they are taken out of their comfort zone. They need a little time to get used to their new surroundings and you can help by placing your pet in a secure and quiet space to calm their nerves. Surround them with their favorite toys and objects to entertain them throughout the day. Make sure your dog’s collar reflects your new address and phone number, just in case your pet gets out during the chaos and starts to wander. Once in your new home, let them wander around, with your supervision, to get used to their new digs.

7.  Stretch your budget

Keeping your move within your budget is important. Especially when you are thinking about your kids and things you may need to buy for your new home. If you are planning on selling your unwanted items through a garage sale or a website like Craigslist, it can be a way to make money in the process. If you are giving to a charity, make sure you obtain a receipt for a tax reduction.

8.  Prepare your kids for the move

When you have kids, you need to make sure they are completely comfortable with the new house and the neighborhood. Scope out the neighborhood beforehand, surveying the parks, schools and community organizations that will be available to your family once you move. All Home Creations communities offer great schools and amenities for your family. Before school starts, it would be a good idea to map out their route to the building and even get familiar with the teachers. You can get your kids excited for the move by allowing them to take part in mapping out the plan for their new room. Including them in small projects like these will boost their expectations and get them to become creatively involved, making your moving process smoother.

9. Label Correctly

Many people rush to pack and mislabel their boxes. If you do this, it will make the unpacking process a headache and can even create problems such as broken or lost items. If you have antiques or collectables that need to be handled with care, label them as fragile, do not pack or load these boxes first or last. Make sure similar items are packed together and specifically labeled on the outside of the box.

10. Hire Professionals

If your budget allows and you hire a moving professional, find out if they offer full value protection of your belongings. If so, the moving company will assume liability and you will be properly compensated for any repairs or replacement of your belongings. Moving companies can help make your experience less of a headache by providing the proper supplies, helping you pack and safely transporting your valuables. Some even provide pre-move counseling, where they will sit down with you to provide you the best tips for your upcoming move.