Tips for packing and moving from American Legend Homes

May starts off moving season and is consistently one of the busiest packing and moving months of the year. So it makes sense that May is National Moving Month! While moving into your new American Legend home is exciting, it can also be overwhelming! (So much to do!)

Let American Legend make it easier for you and your family with the below clever tips that will make for a smoother, and less stressful, process for everyone:

Make a “moving” folder: Step one – organize all new home information in one place: address, new and old utilities info, movers’ estimates and contracts, records of any deposits paid and more, all in one folder. Plan on having a hard copy the day you move so you can easily access it if there are obstacles.

Pack smart: As you are packing your boxes, write an inventory on the side of the box that includes not just the box’s destination (like “Kitchen”), but also a list of items in the box. We promise you’ll find this tip priceless when you desperately need the can opener (or a wine bottle opener!). And use different color markers for each room for easy visual tagging.

Moving 101: If you are using movers, make sure and get more than one estimate. If you are trying to save money on the move, be flexible in your moving date as a mid-week move may save you money. If you are a DIY mover and renting a truck, make sure you have a dolly for large items and rent a truck with a ramp. (You’ll thank us for this tip later.)

Purge: Don’t waste time and money packing and moving clothes you don’t wear any more or dishes you never use. Donate gently used items to a local charity.

Tips on packing clothes: Don’t take clothes out of your dresser drawers. Remove the drawers and wrap them in plastic wrap. Don’t take clothes off the hangers. You can lay them flat in a truck.

Make use of suitcases: Don’t move your suitcases empty! If they have wheels, pack them with heavy items for easy transport!

Let the kids help (or at least keep them busy): Even young children can help tape boxes (yes, you’ll go through extra tape) or have them decorate the moving boxes so you can stay focused. You can also give them a couple of empty boxes and let them make a fort so you can keep working without interruption. 

Pack a cooler on moving day: You may not have time to stop what you’re doing to grab lunch or a cold drink. Pack some snacks, sandwiches and water bottles for the big day!

Here are our favorite articles on moving and packing from Real Simple, Moving.com and Fantastic Fun and Learning. Good luck and happy moving!