Every move requires homeowners to handle a wide array of logistics. In this complex situation, it’s easy to become scattered and disorganized. Unfortunately, a lack of organization can lead to miscommunication, item loss or damage, and stress.

In this blog, we provide six strategies that can help you organize your household move from start to finish.

1. Create Checklists

Your move involves numerous steps that must occur at specific times. The phases of your move may blend together in your mind, making it more difficult to keep track of each task you must complete.

As you begin the process of organizing your move, sit down with any other adults involved in the process and create checklists for each phase of your move. For example, you may have a checklist for packing, one for setting up in your new hometown, and one for transferring your utilities, bills and address.

2. Keep Your Documents Together

In addition to your checklists from the previous section, you will likely begin to collect other moving documents early on in the process as well. For example, you may have paperwork for your mover, a copy of your lease and receipts for packing materials.

If possible, keep these documents together so that you don’t accidentally pack or throw out anything important. One of the best tactics for keeping documents together is to invest in a heavy-duty binder you can fill with page protectors. Page protectors can also allow you to keep keys and other small items with the relevant documents.

3. Put Together an Item Inventory

Along with the documents you receive from moving and real estate industry professionals, as well as your own checklists, plan to create an item inventory as you pack. This inventory ensures that you know what you bring with you and enlightens your movers as well.

Organize your inventory using whatever method best fits your situation. For example, if you are packing a particularly large home, you may want to create an individual inventory for each box as well as a broader inventory for all your items to keep your master list at a reasonable length.

4. Reserve in Advance

The more time you can give yourself for each step of your move, the less likely your move is to become disorganized. As soon as you know the broad timeline for your move, check whether you can start to reserve the services you’ll need.

Start with reserving your movers. Discuss your options with your chosen moving company to determine if you need to reserve storage, transportation or other moving services separately.

5. Track Your Labeling System

In your effort to organize your move, the literal organization tools are, of course, essential. As you create your labeling system, consider making a key for the colors and techniques you use that will go in your moving binder for reference.

You can learn more about creating an effective labeling system in our previous blog – 3 Labeling Tips That Will Make Your Next Move a Breeze

6. Use Mover Recommendations

In addition to the organization that you create on your own, you should also use the professional resources available to you. Consult with your movers if you need to find other services. For example, if you need to ship your belongings via boat, your movers may have a recommendation for a shipping company.

Many moving companies also provide containers and materials, packing guidelines and other recommendations that can help you have your best possible move.

Use these tips to ensure that your move is as efficient and stress-free as possible. For expert help moving to, from and anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands, entrust your move to Island Movers, Inc.