What to Do In the Days and Weeks Leading Up to a Move
Moving day may be very exciting, but it can also be very stressful. Preparing for your upcoming move well in advance can ensure you alleviate as much stress as possible; leaving your packing to the last minute often means running out of packing supplies, not having time to prepare items for your removalists, and so on. Note a few things you might need to do in the days and weeks leading up to a move to reduce some stress for yourself and your family.
Pack your stored items
Off-season sporting goods and clothes, holiday decorations, and other items you won't need between now and the move can be packed at any time. Boxing up those items early on means one less chore you'll need to do right before your moving day, so get that done as soon as you know when you'll be moving.
Let kids pack their own things
Younger children may have a hard time understanding a move, especially if you start putting all their items in boxes. Once you've explained to your children that you'll be moving, have them manage their own packing, with your supervision. If they pick out the toys, books, and clothes they won't need between now and the move, and know where these things are in the moving boxes, they are less likely to feel as if you're taking things away from them. This can mean less stress and trauma for them overall.
Start eating out of the fridge and cupboards
Rather than buying new groceries in the days leading up to your move, take stock of your canned goods, frozen items, and perishables in the fridge and cupboards. Since you'll need to empty your house or apartment of those things anyway, start planning your menus carefully around those items. The more of them that you can use for meals, the fewer you'll have to pack and take with you or that will go to waste during the move itself.
Get clear zipper bags for everyone's overnight needs
Once you arrive in your new home, you don't want to tear through boxes just to look for your toothbrush and shampoo. Get some oversized, clear zipper bags for everyone to pack their toiletries and essentials, and keep these all in one box. Make sure the box is clearly marked and set aside during the move; everyone can then quickly access the items they'll need for their first night and first morning in your new home.