Monday, December 24, 2012

Moving Tip: 12 of 12

***Tip 12***

The most important moving tip that I can leave with you, is one that you may not even consider during this hetic time. HAVE FUN! This is a new adventure, a new start for you and your family. Take advantage of that and really connect with each other (or rediscover yourself). If you have children, moving is already a little scary, so seeing you having fun and laughing will only brighten their spirits.

By utilizing the other 11 tips that I have given you these past few weeks, your stress will be a lot lower and you can really enjoy this move.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Moving Tip: 11 of 12

***Tip 11***

Maps are your BEST Friend!

If you have not noticed yet, planning is KEY in any move. Whether you are moving across town, state, or the county, you need to plan out the route you will take. Be mindful of construction on the roads (if local) and toll booths (if long distance). Plan your route accordingly. If you are driving the moving truck by yourself, you will need to know what way to go. Try to avoid hills as they are harder on the trucks and will eat more gas. You may add a few hours to the trip, but it will keep your gas budget within reason. Also, think about the times that you will be going through major cities. If it is close to rush hour near a place like Washington DC, avoid that at all cost or try and head out earlier to get ahead of the traffic. Keep that map on you during the move in case you need to re-route.

Yet another awesome week of tips! We hope that you have been enjoying these as much as we have! The most important tip will be posted on Monday. I can not wait to share this last one with you! If you have any more suggestions on tips for moving or what my next cycle of fun information should be, please share! At Houses By Maria, we love to hear from you!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Moving Tip: 10 of 12

***Tip 10***

Design your house!

If you have already picked out the house, then you have a good idea of what it looks like, how big the house is, and the nooks and crannies of each room. While you are living in your old house, keep the new one in mind. Grab a pen and paper and start sketching out the rooms in the new house. Think about where you want the furniture to go, what wall should the dresser go on, what about the that weird shaped shelf that no one wants in their room, but you paid too much to let it go. The more thought you put into it now, the easier it will be when you start unloading the truck. You can direct the furniture to the correct room on the correct wall, saving you time and the panic of “IT WON’T FIT IN HERE!”

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Moving Tip: 9 of 12

***Tip 9*** 

Disassembling headache: RELIEF! 

BEFORE you take apart the furniture, take pictures of it from several angles so that you can remember what it looks like. Write down how many pieces go to it – 7 boards, write down the sizes of the boards, write down the order that you take it apart in, so that you know how to put it back together. If you have not moved in a while and have had that entertainment center for what seems like FOREVER, then you may not remember how you got it together in the first place. When you take apart the furniture any screws, nails, pieces that come from the furniture put it in a zip lock bad, label it with permanent marker and tape like crazy. (This will ensure that there will be no holes in the bag as they are easy to rip). You will also want to place them in a box that will be in the front of the truck with you or you can tape it to the furniture that it goes to. Be sure to use masking tape on the unfinished side, to make sure that the tape will hurt the paint (although I have not had this problem, I want to air on the side of caution).

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Moving Tip: 8 of 12

***Tip 8***

Use your time wisely!

A move is a BIG deal. You will want to think about how much time you will need to get everything packed. How do you work? How much time are you willing to dedicate each day to packing? Do you have other obligations such as field trips, jobs, or car pool? Make sure you give yourself enough time to pack everything in an organized manner. Do not forget to include the time it will take to disassemble furniture and find the tools to do so with. 

- Check back tomorrow and I will share with you some awesome secrets for disassembling and moving the furniture without a headache!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Moving Tip: 7 of 12

***Tip 7***

Do not move what you do not use!

Over the years, in the course of living anywhere, we tend to buy more than we need. It is just who we are. Before you start packing (and while you are packing), go through the house and REALLY think, when was the last time I used this? If you forgot you had it, or see no reason to keep

it, DON’T! Gather up everything that fits that bill and host a yard sale. Anything that you have left over, donate it. Do not lug that back in the house and take up valuable space (unless you absolutely have no choice). Earn yourself a little bit of cash for the move. Those over the road snack cravings and toll booth can sometimes sneak up on you.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Moving Tip: 6 of 12

***Tip 6***

Utilize your luggage bags!

We have those stacks of bags that we used for traveling to a family members house. Put those to good use! Put towels, shampoos, sheets, and even quick food to make during the unpacking spree (Ramen, Mac and Cheese, chips). These duffel bags are easy to pack and will be much quicker to find in the sea of boxes than another box.