Packing Checklist

I'm really big into lists, whether I do everything on the list or not, it's a place for me to get all of my thoughts out of my head and onto paper.  I began searching for moving checklists online and some details were helpful while others really didn't relate to us (most of them included suggestions for children and all had deadlines for working with movers). So I began to compile a list of my own.

Check out local grocery and liquor stores for boxes, these boxes are sturdy enough for glass so they are great for moving.  Our stores told us that they were on a schedule and that twice a week boxes would be available to pick up. So we are slowly gathering boxes to pack up what we no longer need for the next few weeks.

Depending on your situation this list will differ, it's just what we are working from.

Things to do before moving:

-Go through closets and gather unwanted items for donation 

-Schedule a date to cancel utilities 

-Notify everyone needed of change of address

-Forward mail through USPS

-Schedule movers or moving truck

-Schedule a check-up for your car

-Inventory valuables

-Set a moving date!  

Things you will need to start packing:
-Sharpie
-Boxes
-Newspaper and bubble wrap
-Paper for labels or labels
-Drop Cloths
-Bungee cords
-Packing tape

When packing boxes label the outside with a brief description of what is inside and what room it should go in.  This will be helpful if others are helping you move, they can just put the box in the room labeled.
Use newspaper for wrapping breakable items or stuffing in boxes to keep them from moving around.
Drop cloths and bungee cords will be helpful in covering and holding larger items in place.

Things you will need to unpack:
-Box cuter
-Trash bags
-Tool box
-Cleaning supplies
-Dust rags
-Broom
-Flash lights
-Light bulbs

Things you will need to access easily:
-House binder
-Toilet paper
-Paper towels
-Plastic utensils
-Paper plates
-Water bottles
-Phone charger
-Snacks and drinks for the road
-Checkbook
-Pillows and bed linens
-One washcloth and towel for each person
-Hand soap
-Over night bag per person with clothes for moving and toiletries

We plan on having a box in the car with these items so we know exactly where they are.  Our drive to our new house isn't too terribly long but after moving everything inside I'm not sure how much energy we will have to unpack that day. These things ensure that we don't have to dig through every box to find one thing that we need. Consider your everyday items when packing your boxes.

We haven't moved yet so if you have any other suggestions or ideas please let us know!!!

Our House Planning Notebook

With all of the traveling back and forth we wanted to create the notebook so all of our lists, ideas, and notes were all in one place.
We purchased a sketchbook and divided it into eight sections; one for each room of the house, the outdoor space, and a place for calendars notes and lists.
In the space for calendars we gave each month a page for the calendar and a few pages for notes about that month, like when we met who where and what appliances we looked at and how much they were.  In the sections for each space we first added a list of all the things that we wanted to be done to the space, for example what the contractor would be doing. We also added a list of items we need/want for each space so we could add notes when we find something or check it off when it is purchased.  Each space has inspirational images for each space to show our contractor how we want each space to feel as well as paint and fabric samples to reference when shopping for things to go in that room.

As our moving date draws near, another important thing in the notebook was a moving checklist.  Making the checklist now, a few months from moving makes sure that we will get everything we want done, without forgetting to do it when things get busy or waiting until last minute to finish.