Storing Successfully Each Time

Moving to a new home can seem overwhelming, and it may seem like you just don't know where to start when it comes to packing. With a bit of preparation, however, you can organize your belongings and make it easier to get settled into your new home. Here are a few helpful hints you can use to get ready.

Color-Code Your Boxes

Your boxes all belong in specific rooms in your house, so make it easier to get everything where it belongs with colored stickers and labels. Choose one color for each room, and place that color on the boxes that coincide with the rooms. Place a piece of construction paper on the door to each room in your new home so your movers can simply match the boxes to the color on the door.

Organize Important Paperwork

Instead of worrying about how you will pack important paperwork, such as your lease, birth certificates and insurance information, invest in several binders you can use to sort this paperwork. Add plastic binder sleeves to place the documents inside so you don't have to punch holes in the paper, and label the outside of each binder. You can place them all in one box so all of your documents are neat, organized and ready to place in your home office.

Go Digital

Instead of hauling all your old DVDs and CDs to your new home, use your computer to transfer the files to hard drives. You can organize DVDs by movie type, such as drama, comedy or kids' movies. Organize your music similarly, and use a label maker to create labels for each hard drive. When they are finished, the hard drives can fit neatly in one small box. You can donate the DVDs and CDs, or sell them at a yard sale.

Pack A Moving Kit

When you get to your new home, you'll likely want to do some cleaning. You may also want to begin hanging artwork on the walls right away. Use a plastic storage bin to pack cleaning supplies, paper towels, a hammer, level and hanging hardware. Bring this box with you instead of placing it on the moving truck so it's ready to put to use when you walk in your new home.

Sort For Storage

Whether you are using a self-storage unit or you are placing items in your basement, create a plan for what will get stored while you are packing. This will make it easier to get all of your items where they need to go, and it will reduce the amount of time you spend unpacking when you move. Invest in large labels you can use to catalog all the items inside each storage box so you can find your stored items when you need them. If you will be using a separate self-storage facility, be sure to add a label with the name and address of the storage facility. This will serve as a reminder to the moving company that some items will need to be moved to a second address.

Organizing your boxes and creating a game plan for your move can make it easier to get settled in your new home. Use these tips as a guide, and talk to your moving company about any other suggestions it might have for helping you to organize your personal items before your big move. For more information, contact companies like Dixie Moving and Storage Inc.