Stage, Pack, Move by JudyM

How to Use This Guide

ife is full of transitions and change, isn’t it? As with all change, moving will be smoother, less stressful and more satisfying if you take the time to be mindful and attend to the details. Whether or not you are a detail oriented person we have created this guide to make it easy for you to attend to and keep track of the big picture of your move and the details. You don’t have to worry if you use the guide. It is all right here and space has been provided for you to make notes on anything that makes your move unique.

The more organized you are, the less stress you will experience! This guide provides you with one simple place to keep everything you will need to manage your move whether you are moving to your first home, purchasing a new home, or downsizing. There is information on: staging to sell, simplifying & packing, reducing stress & assisting children with the transition.

Remember,

If you are attempting to “Do it all on your own” and you are experiencing a level of stress or overwhelm that seems like the mountain you will never be able to climb, consider the option of hiring a professional organizer, home stager or moving professional to simplify and buffer your burdens. Sometimes we need that hands-on, in person assistance. The expert’s advice can also be invaluable to insuring we will come out on the other side optimally. Instructions

Please

take a moment to review the “Index” and familiarize yourself with the forms that have been included.

If you are selling your home, begin with the section on “Selling Your Home: Staging to Sell” (pg.3). not Proceed to the section “Moving Checklist” (pg. 9).

• • • •

Read through the checklist and cross off any item that will not apply to your move. Begin at the top of the list and follow it step-by-step If you don't know when you are going to move or if you are moving in a timeframe that does not coincide with the timing in the checklist, ignore the heading and move from top to bottom. When completing the checklist and other forms use a pencil so that if you make a mistake or cross something off that is not complete by accident it can be easily erased and corrected. Clip a pencil in the spiral binder of this guide and/or attach with a string.

Once your move is complete and everything has been taken care of, save this guide in a handy place for easy access. After you complete the provided forms you will find that a lot of valuable information such as phone numbers, serial numbers, passwords etc. will be right here in this guide.

If you are assisting a senior family member in downsizing, take note that the process for them can be more difficult physically & emotionally than for most. They often will be more sensitive to experiencing physical symptoms from the stress. We recommended that families consult with professionals who specialize in senior downsizing. This might include a professional organizer, or a company solely devoted to senior transitions.

Moving Checklist

Before Your Move: as soon as you know you will be moving

    

Home Owners: If you are selling your current home go to the section on Staging to Sell (page 21) read and complete the form on page 24. Use the notes section on page 25 to write question you have for your Realtor, Home Stager or Professional organizer. Renting: If you renting the home you are moving from complete page 24. This form guides you in a walk through of your home to list repairs that may need to be made to get your deposits back. Create a file or folder for all moving related paperwork. Be usre to put manuals for electronics in this folder so that they can be re-assembled in your new home without having to dig through file boxes. Purchase a lockable (optional) box for storing important documents deeds, passports, identification, wills, a list of your financial accounts, social security cards, car titles, copies of tax returns, etc. Take time to visualize what your new home is like. Do this regularly throughout the process. o Begin to see how your things will be arranged o What you have room for o What is old and from the past that you don’t want in the new home o What colors you love and want in your new home o What will fit and what will not Moving Company: GET ONE! More often than not it is more cost effective than doing it on your own when you consider your physical strain, and the extended hours you will spend. Use the following box to call a few and make your decision:



Company/Contact

Phone#

Notes



If you need special travel accommodations to your new home or travel/care arrangements for children, vehicles, pets or specialty items, start planning now. Read Moving & Packing Tips on page 27.

Make notes of your plan:

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________  If you need to use storage facilities, look at your options and book it.

Company/Contact

Phone#

Notes

  

Decide if you are going to hire a cleaning service to clean your new home and the old one after the movers have left. If you do, schedule them now. If you need to find a service and will be asking for referrals use the referral form (page 19). If you do not hire a cleaning service, clean the house as you move through the packing process. Begin Change of Address form (page 17). Begin sorting and clearing through closets, drawers, desks, and other storage areas one room at a time. Donate, recycle, fix or toss unwanted, unused & broken belongings. o Designate an area in your home for items to be donated. If you are staging to sell, follow the tips in the staging section (page 21). o Designate an area in your home for borrowed items or items that you want to give away to family & friends. Consider whether you realistically have time to do this. Make a list of who gets what and place it in this area. Add to it as you go along. Having a list will make it very simple to delegate this task to someone else, or for you to look at the list and start delivering without having to go through it all again to refigure what is there. Start packing non-essential items in each room as you sort and clear. It's never too soon to begin. Read Packing Tips (page 28). o Designate an area in your home out of the way to stack & store boxes once packed and labeled. o Buy or find boxes and containers to pack your items. Use plastic bins with tight lids (manageable sizes) to move items that will be put in storage in your new home. Plastic is better for long term storage. Cardboard, glue and especially vegetable boxes attract bugs. Paper boxes from office supply stores are a great option.



Read packing tips (page 28) and mark the packing materials you will need for your move here. This will be your shopping list.

     

Tissue Newsprint (unprinted) Packing Peanuts Labels for Boxes Carpet Protection Furniture

     

Bubble Wrap Packing Tape Masking Tape Blue Painter’s Tape Furniture Sliders Boxes

    

Plastic Bins Markers 1 Gal Zip Locks Lockable Document Box Special Picture boxes Sizes: ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

    

Other: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________



Talk to o o o o o o

your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc. List each provider on Change Home Services form (page 13). Notify them of your change of address. Or, that you will no longer be using their services. If you need copies of your records, ask them for the proper procedure. Moving abroad? Find out about vaccinations, etc. Prescriptions: Get them filled to cover you throughout the moving process. Moving out of the area? Ask for referrals to new practices (use Referral Form pg. 19).



Begin Change of Home Services Form page 13. Remember if you are moving locally to leave your utilities, phone, internet services on for a least three days after your planned move and turned on in the new home three days prior to moving day. This will afford you time and flexibility for cleaning and tying up loose ends. Start making an inventory of the number of boxes you have packed and take photos/videos of valuable items & furniture. In the event that your belongings are damaged or lost during the move you will have records and evidence of their condition prior to the move.



Two-three weeks before



Increase packing efforts a notch. Use “Clearing and Packing List” (page 9) list each remaining unpacked room and each area that needs to be sorted, cleared and packed. Get out your planner and decide your Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

goal completion dates for each room. Ask yourself if you have enough time to get it all done? Do you need to take a day off work or do you need to secure some help? Then start at the top of the list and work down.

        

Continue to work on Change of Home Services and Change of Address forms. Take back library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things that may be pending in the area of returns, donations, or giveaways. Have your car(s) serviced if you are traveling long distance. Start living off your existing food and stop buying frozen or perishable food. Put aside boxes for personal, essential items that you want to take in your car (see list in next section). Start putting items in it as you come across them. Mark it “DO NOT MOVE” so your movers don't load it by mistake. Pack up your garage and any items that are stored in your yard, garden or sheds. Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel, etc. Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous; Look on your county government website for hazardous waste disposal and recycling information. Think about what you're going to do with the kids and/or pets. Maybe find a sitter for the day of the move or make reservations at a kennel.

One week before

 

Confirm your mover and any other companies involved with the move. Continue packing and marking essentials (use red marker) needed upon arrival in your new home so that you will not have to dig and search for what you need. Essentials: o Pack clothing and bathroom essentials as though you were going on vacation for one week. o Pack a set of sheets, blankets, pillows and towels for each bed. o Pack a few dishes, pots and pans, glasses, coffee/tea pot, other essential kitchen items, any staples such as sugar, salt, pepper, etc., and a few cleaning products (you never know for sure if you will have to clean before you shower, cook. Etc.). o Pack items to care for animals, i.e. litter box, leashes, beds, meds, etc. Start disassembling furniture that you don’t need now. Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid so that you don’t have to think about this for at least a week after your move. Complete your Change Home Services and Change of Address forms (page 17).

   

If you have not returned borrowed items, made donations, or given special items to friends & family, then make decisions & get them processed this week. Remember to delegate (see tips) and also schedule a donation center to pick up large items. Notes:

    

Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer, if you did not hire a cleaning service. Leave the door open to avoid mold. If you have hired a cleaning service, make a list of anything you need to communicate to the cleaning staff that was not already discussed. Finish disassembling furniture. Back-up your computer files just in case. Sort out any plants that you're taking with you. Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

       

Check that all the paperwork related to your house sale/rental/purchase is complete. Close bank accounts if necessary. Finish major packing. Pack up your PC and other electrical equipment. Write down the serial numbers in your moving book in the space provided on the bottom of page 15. Finish putting together and packing your essentials for arrival in your new home. Make sure all boxes are clearly marked/labeled (using red for essentials). Make sure you have all documents related to your move on hand. Re-read this Moving Check List to make sure you have not missed anything.

Moving day at your old home

          

Get up early and give yourself some time to wake up peacefully. Keep as much to your routine as possible. Remove and pack bedding. Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading. Make sure your movers know your new address. Check through this moving guide and ensure that everything is complete. Give the house a final clean if necessary. Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks. Have a final walk through to check that you've remembered everything - do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves! Look in every closet and cabinet, showers, garage, etc. Make sure you have keys to your new home and drop off your current keys as you've arranged. Make sure you load everything you're taking in the car. Switch everything off, open refrigerator doors. Take some time to be still, walk around your old home to say goodbye to the space that has been your home; complete a ceremony if you like. Attention to a completion process is often a very healthy thing to do. It marks an important pivotal point in the transition.

Moving day at your new home.....

       

Take some time to walk around and connect to your new home and greet the space. Check that everything is working such as power, gas, etc. - if not, call utility companies. Supervise and direct the unloading process. Offer the movers a drink and snack. It is customary to provide a cash tip to movers. Clean before you start unpacking, or check that cleaning company has finished. Start unpacking essentials.

After Your Move



       

Unpack logically, working from essential to non-essential items. Reassemble your furniture especially dressers, buffets, and other storage type pieces. Arrange them over a period of a few days to be sure that your furniture is in a position you like before you load them up with your belongings. Don't worry about filling closets immediately. If you have special wardrobe boxes, your clothes can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly. If you are still living out of boxes after two months, get some help or take a couple of days off to get it all done. Unpack all electrical and precious items by the end of 1 week and check for damage - you may have a limited window of time for insurance claims with your movers. Register to vote if you moved out of state. Check that your mail is being forwarded to your new address. Register with doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc., if not already done. If necessary, change your driver's license and registration, etc.

Notes:

Clearing and Packing List Make a list of rooms and areas that need to be packed. Break it down into small areas as necessary, such as front bedroom closet, front bedroom dresser, etc.

◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊

◊

Room

 Notes

Started Completed

                               9

o ◊

 

Clearing and Packing List ◊ Room  Notes Started Completed

                              

                               10

o ◊ o ◊ o

    

Clearing and Packing List ◊ Room  Notes Started Completed

                           

                            11

◊ o ◊ o ◊ o ◊ o

       

Notes ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

Change Home Services Schedule new services and notify old  Local Moves: remember to leave electric & phone services on at both places, overlapping for at least three days. Turn Off Date:

________

Turn On Date:

_________

Tip: When the move is complete, all your services information is here in one spot on the New Services page. Save the guide for reference.

Shut off Old Services Name Phone Landline Contact Info/Acct # Pin # Phone# Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

Notes/end dates

Complete

     

Electric

Water/Sewage

Trash

Pool service

Lawn Service

Cable

Pin#: Internet Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Phone: Acct.: Pin#:

    

Memberships

Other: ______________

Start New Services Name Phone Landline Contact Info/Acct., Pin, Phone #’s Notes/Start dates Complete

Phone: Acct.: Pin#: Electric Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Water/Sewage Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Trash Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Pool service Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Lawn Service Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Cable Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Internet Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Memberships Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Storage Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Other: ______________ Phone: Acct. #: Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing



 14

Other: ______________

Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#:



Computer/Appliance serial numbers (if you don’t have them elsewhere):

Tip: Remember to save this guide for use in your next move. This page will have all your services information in one spot on the New Services page. Note additions and revisions on the form below.

(after the move) Notes/Start dates Complete

Contact Info/Acct., Pin, Phone #’s

Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Phone: Acct. #: Pin#: Acct. #: Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing



Pin#: Computer/Appliance serial numbers (if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have them elsewhere):

Notes

___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Change of Address Make a list of everyone to notify of your change of address.  Friends & Family Financial Institutions  Schools Doctors  Employers Vet Insurances (home, life, medical, flood, etc.) Banks Creditors Cell Phone Subscriptions

Your New Address

Name

Phone

Notes

Change of Address (con’t) Name Phone# Notes

Referrals list any referrals for your new home services Tip: Obtain two referrals for each service. This insures that you make the best choices and get the best prices. Tip: Remember to check references, qualifications, bonding and insurance when appropriate.

Type

Contact Information

Notes

Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Copyright protected ÂŠ 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact: Phone: Company: Contact:

Notes ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Copyright protected ÂŠ 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

Staging to Sell T here are several options for you to consider when getting ready to sell your home. First, it is best to distinguish between what is home staging and what is preparing your home for sale. For our purposes, consider staging as placing a special emphasis on presentation and appearance rather than home repairs and The goal of home staging is to create visual appliance replacement. It's important to appeal through improvements in the home's realize that preparing a home for sale and appearance with the potential buyer in mind staging a home are not always the same thing. The investments you make can range from those of your own time and efforts to hiring a professional to assist.

and an intention of quickly selling the home for the highest price possible.

Does home staging make a difference? The 2009 HomeGain’s survey of real estate agents nationwide found that moderately priced home improvements made in preparation for sale actually yield the highest returns when a house is sold . 1. Cleaning and de-cluttering ($200 cost / $1,700 price increase / 872% ROI / 98%)

2. 3. 4. 5.   

Home staging ($300 cost / $1,780 price increase / 586% ROI / 82%) Lightening and brightening ($230 cost / $1,300 price increase / 572% ROI / 95%) Landscaping ($320 cost / $1,500 price increase / 473% ROI / 94%) Repair Plumbing ($385 cost / $1,250 price increase / 327% ROI / 88%)

The statistics show 50% less time on the market than non-staged homes. Staged homes sell at an average of 6.9% higher. Only 10% of homebuyers can visualize the potential in a home. Home staging dramatically increases the buyer’s ability to see its potential.

While major renovations and elaborate staging efforts might be made, as you can see from above, moderately priced improvements are often the most impacting. Most of them you can do yourself. It would be wise to discuss any efforts to prepare or stage your home for sale with your Realtor, especially if you are planning on spending money. Your real estate agent is the best source for advice for what level of investment will be worth Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

your while. They know the specifics of your situation that are the determining factors of which efforts in staging, repair or improvement are necessary to reach your selling goals. On page 24 there is a Home Repairs Checklist form provided calling for you to walk through your home and make notes of things you want to ask your Realtor about.

The Essentials The essential actions to take for getting your home ready to sell are curb appeal, clear and simplify, contain, clean and arrange. Curb Appeal is exactly what it sounds like. When potential buyers pull up to the curb in front of your home, you want the home to appeal to them as much as possible. This gives a good first impression. Clear and Simplify. Clearing clutter from shelves, closets, cabinets and counter tops is a big part of the home staging process. Releasing unwanted, unneeded, or unused items will simplify the atmosphere of your home allowing buyers to focus on the important features that will sell them on buying it. It will emphasize the counter top space in your kitchen, the roominess of your closets, etc. There is no reason to wait until you have a pending contract to begin releasing and clearing.

◊

Tip 1: Begin with the garage and other storage areas releasing any items that are not needed, are broken, or are unused. Starting here will create storage for other items that you clear in your home that are not needed for staging but that you want to keep. Tip 2: One-step-at-a-time! After you have made room in your garage and other storage areas, move your way through the clearing process systematically. Begin in the front yard and work your way to the front porch and then into your entry way. Work your way through the house one room at a time and finally finish off with the backyard (if you have one) A systematic approach reduces the potential for “overwhelm”. Tip 3: As you move through each room you want to keep in mind that making your home look spacious is a priority. Too much “Stuff” on counters, bookshelves and on the floor aesthetically closes in the space making it look smaller than it really is and difficult for a potential buyer to visualize their belongings in that space. Tip 4: The same is true for the insides of closets. If your home does not have ample storage for its size you may want to consult with an organizer or home stager to create some innovative storage samples to display to your buyers. Tip 5: If this process is daunting for you to the point where you are not able to overcome your sense of overwhelm, consider hiring a professional organizer. Ask them for an assessment and a step-by-step plan and/or you can have them assist you hands-on each step of the way.

◊

Contain, any personal objects that might make it difficult for the buyer to see themselves living in your home such as family portraits, trophies, art that could be considered offensive by a conservative person. Remove them! Contain the personalized items and those that you have cleared in the simplifying process above in boxes and plastic bins. This will not only be helpful for staging, but also for getting a jump start on packing for the move after your home sells. ◊ Tip 1: Use plastic bins with lids for things that will need to be stored in your new home and new cardboard packing boxes for items that you will be unpacking and using in the new home. Boxes are less expensive, can be recycled and are not great for storing for extended periods of time because they attract bugs. If possible, measure storage areas to ensure you get bins that will fit. Tip 2: Store all of your packed boxes and bins in the garage, if you have one. Use closet shelves for items that need to be in climate controlled conditions. If you don’t have a garage, you will use your closets inside (see next tip). Tip 3: Where possible leave the closet floors empty. Neatly packed bins or boxes placed on closet shelves show the buyer how much the shelves can hold and the empty floor makes the closet appear more spacious. Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

◊

Tip 4: If you are moving into a larger home and have too much stuff for the closets to hold or to create a spacious feeling, rent a storage unit or a storage on demand unit.

Clean, your home with a fine tooth comb—this is essential! If your home is not clean it will have strong psychological effects on a potential buyer in many ways. If there are other comparable homes on a buyer’s list that are clean, the door of potential could easily slam shut. Your home will most likely be crossed off their list. ◊ ◊ Tip 1: Drain toilets to make the rings easy to clean without the toilet water diluting your cleanser. Use gloves with a scrubby sponge and vinegar for hard water build-up. Tip 2: Carpets: If you have pets and there are urine spots, get some enzyme carpet treatment. Enzymes are important because they are proteins that attach themselves to the stain and odors and break them down. This is in lieu of replacing carpet or for accidents after you have had your carpets cleaned. Tip 3: It is best not to use air fresheners and if you do, use only the very mildest neutral scents. Allergies seem to be on the rise and if your potential buyer begins to have an allergic reaction while in your home, they may continue with their tour but they will not be paying full attention to the house. Tip 4: If you have a dog, cat or bird make sure to regularly vacuum to keep the dander down to a minimum. Tip 5: If you have a large dog make sure that you bathe them regularly. If you have a cat, scoop out the litter box several times daily to insure that the house does not smell. Tip 6: Human beings are adaptable creatures. Especially with the smells in our homes. We are used to them and don’t notice. Have a friend who does not have animals come over and do a smells check for you-someone who will not be inhibited to tell you the truth.

◊

◊ ◊ ◊

Arranging, your space for staging purposes is important and there are lots of things you can do on your own. There are also, many resources online, great books in the library, or at your local bookstore that will provide you with any level of staging insights that you desire for staging your home yourself, if you have the time to invest. There are a few key points to remember as you set out to arrange your home so that it will be appealing to the potential buyer. Rooms are best arranged in an open, flowing way so that each room is inviting, uplifting, warm and comfortable. ◊ Tip 1: If you have not already done so, furniture that is visibly worn, scratched, torn or broken is best removed. If removing it leaves the room feeling empty, try to arrange it in a way that minimizes the damage. Throw blankets, pillows, furniture polish and some scratch filler can go a long way. Tip 2: Arrange each room so that it shows its purpose. For example, living rooms are conversational, entertainment areas should be arranged for conversation rather than all furniture placed for a clear view of the television. Tip 3: Multiple purposes for one room make it feel cramped and it sends a message that, “This house just isn’t big enough”. For instance, a room with toy chests, TV, office area and an eating table should be scaled down to just two purposes. Tip 4: Create a feeling of openness and flow through the house. You don’t want buyers to be greeted by the back of a couch when they walk into the room. Remove tables, shelves, etc from narrow hallways. Tip 5: The rule of thumb is: Less is more. In areas where accent displays are possible like on top of mantels, end tables, coffee tables, etc. place arrangements of no more than three items. Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

◊

Tip 6: In small bathrooms replace shower curtains that are dark with light, bright colors to create a feeling of spaciousness. Of course, light towels and accent knick-knacks help. Tip 7: Replace regular heavy curtains with sheers, or pull open the heavy curtains to let the natural light in. Tip 8: Use warm incandescent light bulbs to give your rooms a homey feeling. Tip 9: Colors should be as neutral as possible. If you have really bright colors everywhere you might try to tone it down. If your art or major furniture is brightly colored, you can achieve a lot with changing pillows, throws & knick-knacks. Also, adding plants will help to neutralize the room.

◊

◊ ◊

Home Repair Check List Complete a walk through of your home. Put a √ mark and make notes for any repairs, improvements or replacements that may be needed. Contact your Realtor to discuss. Plumbing Need/Question    Bathrooms Kitchen Outside Other



Paint  ___________  ___________  ___________  Exterior Other

Need/Question



Appliances       Refrigerator Stove Dishwasher Disposal AC/heating Washer/Dryer Other

Need/Question



Amenities      Hot tub Pool Security System Built in Electronics Other

Need/Question

Use the back of this sheet for additional items

Your Realtor's Recommendations: Ask your Realtor for recommendations to resolving the issues identified in the above check list and enter contact information here. Home Stager _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Professional Organizer _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Other: _________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Other: _________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Notes:

Other: _________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Moving & Packing Tips

Synergize Your Approach: Take time to envision your new home. • • • • Begin to see how your things will be arranged. What do you have room for? What is old and from the past that you don’t want in your new home? What colors do you love and want in your new home?

• You can look online for a site that will allow you to create diagrams of room layouts. o o http://roomplanner.icovia.com http://www.jordansfurniture.com/roomplanner.asp

Form Your Team: Ask for and gain support through reaching out to friends & family. Here are some of the things that you might allow others to do. o o Change of Address and Services: complete the forms and let someone else do the calling. Clearing of items: taking things to donation centers, delivering giveaway items to friends and family.  Packing  Shopping  Cleaning  Sorting

Create Less Stress—Suggestions o o Plan and use all the materials provided in this book. Treat yourself by doing some of your favorite things: play sports; fishing; schedule massages; eat out; get a facial or mani-pedicure; walk on the beach; create some art; listen to some music; meditate. Maintain your nutrition and exercise habits. Often, when we are overly stressed the first thing we compromise is our nutrition and exercise. It is now more important than ever to maintain or use extra boosters like more exercise, energizing natural supplements, or a nap during the day. Check references of anyone you hire to reduce the potential of unforeseen challenges and issues.

Understanding the Stress of Moving At the most difficult end of the moving stress spectrum is anxiety. If you experience stress that turns into anxiety, it does not mean that you have an anxiety disorder. Neither does it mean that Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

you should reconsider your move because of it. If you are aware of the signs of stress you will be better equipped to deal with it in a healthy manner.

Some signs to watch for     Irritability Trouble concentrating Jittery Anticipating the worst  Restlessness  Paranoia  Memory lapse  A feeling of dread

Stress and anxiety can also involve physical symptoms, which can often lead to illness. If thinking about moving has coincided with feelings of sickness, then you might be exhibiting symptoms of anxiety, such as: Upset Stomach; Sweating; Twitching; Dizziness; Shortness of Breath; Muscle Tension; Headaches; Fatigue; Insomnia; Nausea. If any of these symptoms are impairing your ability to function or if you are not sure if what you are feeling is the result of illness or stress, do not hesitate to seek the assistance and care of your medical doctor. To follow are a few things you might try if your symptoms are determined to be stress related.

• • • • • •

Take a walk. Walking is a convenient way to reduce stress. Depending on your schedule, a walk can be added to any part of your day. Turn off the news. Try to turn off your television, radio, or handheld device during the day. Giving yourself a mental break will help you focus on other calming exercises. Instead, listen to music. Meditate. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you to relax by confining your movement. Take a short vacation. A quick trip might be the break you need. Going to a nearby golf course or beach can be a neutral location for rest and relaxation. Release perfection expectations. Do the absolute best you can without compromising your rest, nutrition and time to yourself. We don’t have to do “it” better than what our time will allow. KISSSS—Keep It Simple, Smile & Stay Sane

Overcoming Overwhelm

◊

If you start to feel overwhelmed at any time during your process: Stop, Breathe Deeply and Assess

1. 2.

3. 4.

Breathe: When we become anxious, our brains begin to shut down and our reactions take over. It is much better to respond than react. Breathing deeply turns the brain back on and relaxes the body. Assess: Once your brain is turned on, ask yourself, “Have I asked too much of myself? Often we are not the best judges of what we can realistically accomplish in any given period of time. Our feelings of overwhelm are purposeful. They signal us that we have overloaded ourselves. If you have overwhelm, then you may have asked too much of yourself. Pull back: Approach the process one-step-at-a-time. If the task you have chosen is too big break it down into smaller steps, take small breaks in between the steps. Set a timer, if needed, to insure you get back on task.

Packing Tips

◊

Items to Purchase (see Moving Checklist, page 5)

◊ ◊

◊ ◊ ◊

Pack your things in boxes that are manageable sizes for you to pick up. Even if you have movers you may need to carry boxes around in your new home, or your existing home during the packing process. You want them to be manageable for you. Use plastic bins to pack items that you will be storing at the new home (not using). The glue in paper boxes attracts bugs and does not last as long as plastic. If possible, measure spaces where you intend to store your bins before you buy them so you can purchase the appropriate sizes. Start with several boxes for sorting. Pack like items with like items. Always have a box for items to donate or give to people you know (more about this in the Moving Check List). Use large plastic bags to store pens, contents of desk drawers and any other small loose items such as toiletries, etc. Again, like things together with like. Zip Lock bags are great for packing breakables. Place one breakable item in a bag, blow up the bag with air and seal it. Place a layer of crumbled newspaper or tissue to serve as a cushion and place the filled plastic bags on it. Place another layer of newspaper and place another layer of plastic bags and so on . . . Use dish towels, wash clothes, hand towels, sheets, and pillow cases as packing material where you might otherwise use newsprint paper to fill crevices or wrap things. Make sure you leave enough towels, sheets, etc. to pack with the essential you will need immediately upon arrival in your new home. Blankets can be used as padding for large items such as mirrors, lamps, statutes, etc.

◊

Labeling Tips

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Make sure you use a large and dark permanent marker for your labeling. Label what room each box is to go in, and list contents of each box, so you know what is in it before you unpack. Write "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" on any box containing delicate or easily broken objects. Label any boxes that you plan on taking yourself as "Do Not Move." You might use a red marker on these boxes. For boxes that you will need right away, label them in red as "Pack Last”. This way, the movers will put them on the truck last and unload them first. Remember to label the top and at least one side of each box to ensure that your labels will be seen.

Electronics

◊ ◊ ◊

Remove the ink or toner cartridges and place them in plastic bags. This way, you will avoid potential damage should the ink or toner leak out during the move. Place all paperwork involving your electronics, such as receipts, bills, repair invoices, and manuals, in an easily accessible folder. If you think you will have trouble reconnecting all of the wires for your electronics, take a piece of paper and make a sketch of the hook-ups. Put a number next to each plug on your sketch. Label the cords by wrapping them with masking tape and writing the corresponding plug number from your sketch on it. One of the most important items you own is your computer. In the weeks before your move, begin backing up all of your files in case something happens that causes the computer to lose its memory. Use compact disks, an external hard drive or a memory sticks.

◊

Art

◊ ◊

If you have any high-value artwork, complete an inventory, have it appraised and properly insured. If your budget allows, let a professional handle your most valuable pieces. Always verify their liability insurance and reputation. If you pack your art yourself, use special picture boxes for paintings and mirrors. Unlike your typical moving boxes, picture boxes are large, flat, and adjustable, perfect for protecting framed artwork.

◊ ◊ ◊

Corner protectors are very helpful as well. Made of cardboard, paper, bubble wrap, foam, or plastic, they will cushion your artwork when it is the box. When packing sculptures, you will need standard packing supplies like unprinted newsprint, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. When packing a painting, mirror, or framed photograph put two strips of masking tape over the glass beginning with an X shape add two more strips making the shape of a star. If the glass breaks, the tape will keep it from shattering and scratching the underlying picture. After taping, put on the corner protectors and wrap the frame in bubble wrap and/or newsprint. If the item isn't covered in glass, you need to take some extra precautions:

◊



Packing materials may chemically interact with the paint or stick to it resulting in damage to your art. Cover the paintings in unprinted newsprint paper followed by a layer of bubble wrap. Then place them in a box.

During the Move Carpets & Flooring

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Plan on protecting your carpets, floors, and walls. With all of the traffic going in and out of your home things can get pretty dirty or stained. Remember to protect both the home you are leaving and your new home. First, ask your movers what precautions they take and whether there are any extra costs involved. One of the best ways to prevent any damage to your carpet is to purchase a special selfadhesive plastic film made for protecting carpets. If you don't want to spend the money on the plastic film, there are several other things you can do. Place bed sheets, blankets, towels, or drop cloths over your carpet. If you have any old rolls of carpet lying around, it will work nicely. Caution: while these materials save on outgoing cash, they can easily bunch up and possibly cause someone to trip. Use extra care when walking over them.

Furniture

◊ ◊ ◊

Attach felt pads to the bottoms of your furniture to prevent scratching. You may even want to keep these pads on after you move to avoid any future damage. You can use furniture sliders which are specially made round disks that you can place under the corners and can usually be found at hardware stores. They come in sets of differing sizes. You can also use a blanket to slide your larger pieces of furniture. Place furniture on the blanket by tipping from side-to-side. Always be certain to have enough physical assistance to insure that the furniture can be manipulated with the least amount of risk to your safety. Attempting to move or manipulate any furniture on your own or while alone is not advised.

Children All humans have a difficult time with change and because our homes represent our most basic needs and foundation for food, shelter, safety and love, for children, moving can be an exceptionally difficult and even traumatic experience. It may spark feelings of sadness, depressed mood, and anger which they may or may not have the skills or means to express easily. How they react and make it through this transition will depend on two things, their particular personality and how parents assist them in navigating through the experience. It is best to be open and honest with children about what is coming and to be firm in your reassurance that everything will be ok. With a little patience, this will be a relatively simple process if you are moving under pleasant circumstances. However, if your move is due to unpleasant circumstances such as foreclosure, loss of a family member, or a decline in your family income it can complicate your children’s transition emotionally.

Stay focused on the positives, while not covering up the difficulties. Teach them that facing things head on will result in a positive outcome no matter what the circumstances are now.

There are two essential hints for parents to remember. One, if you have not dealt with how the unpleasantness is affecting you; you will not be able to assist your children effectively. Attempting to hide your feelings or tell them everything is ok when underneath it is not will not work. They will sense it and will become unnecessarily confused. Therefore, deal with your emotions before you attempt to guide them through theirs. Seek professional assistance for yourself if needed. Well trained outside influence will provide you with an objective view that you may not otherwise be able to achieve yourself. Copyright protected © 2009, by Judith E. Mauer: Creatively Organizing

Regardless of the circumstances, once you are ready to share your decision and prepare your child for the move don’t hold back from being age appropriately open with them. Share why you decided to begin looking for a new home, where you will be looking and when you expect it to occur. Two, is patience. Children need to express their emotions and often it will express itself through inappropriate behavior. Rules and boundaries that they have readily followed and maintained previously may be crossed or broken. Don’t be shocked by this, expect it. Be prepared to pay particular attention to providing consistent consequences as normal. Be patient and take special care not discipline from a place of your own reaction or anger. Children need to know that you love them enough to maintain the rules. It helps them to feel secure and builds their confidence in you and the decision you have made to move. Change is naturally difficult for anyone of any age and it is our job as parents to take advantage of the moving process as a teaching/learning opportunity. Moving is a ripe occasion for children to develop skills for navigating change. These are skills that will serve them well throughout the rest of their lives. There is one thing that is certain about life for all of us: change is inevitable.

Specific Tips o Show them pictures of the new school building and playground and help them to build a positive vision for where they are headed. Whenever possible, engage your children in the process. Take them with you when you visit and let them look at homes with you. Ask for their input about improvement projects. If they are old enough, allow them to help with the cleaning, repairing, and packing (under supervision of course!). The most difficult part about moving is leaving friends behind. Give the child ample support while they say goodbye to friends, and make sure they know that you'll still be able to talk and occasionally get together. Closure is important, have a going away party for them. Take the children to your new home for a pre-move visit, if possible. This will help them to acclimate to their new environment. Create a ceremony of some sort after the movers have left with everything, when your home is empty to allow for closure and mark the ending of one phase and the beginning of a new phase. Allow children to walk around the empty space and talk about anything they need to discuss. After you arrive at the new home, get settled in by unpacking your essentials. Putting aside the other “to dos”, spend some quality time with your children. Have a celebration dinner with their favorite foods, watch a movie, read together, etc.

o o o o o

Green Practices: Remember to recycle your packing materials. Peanuts & Styrofoam are often accepted at packing and shipping stores (UPS is one of them). Most counties have a recycle resource guide that can be found on the county government website under Waste Management. They typically include detailed information on how to recycle any item that you release. These sites also offer information about how and where to dispose of hazardous materials such as prescription drugs, paint, neon light bulbs, etc.

To order more Moving Guides www.creativelyorganizing.com 727-420-9941

Guides are customizable Attention! Professional Organizers and Moving Companies: Your logo and company information can be inserted on the cover Attention Realtors! This guide makes a wonderful gift For Realtors to give to their new listings As it addresses staging, de-cluttering and home repairs that sometimes Are awkward topics to approach.