Follow These 4 Tips To Stay Organized When You’re Moving On A Short Deadline

Moving is never easy, but when you have to move quickly, it can feel like a much more difficult task. With that in mind, we’ve brought you four tips on how to stay organized when you’re moving on a short deadline. Whether you’re moving for a new job that’s starting soon or because you want to be settled in time for the kids to start school, these tips will help you keep your cool as you go through the moving process.

Start by making a master to-do list for the move. Shutterstock/kitzcorner

Make a to-do list

Finding out that you need to make a move can be overwhelming, especially when it needs to happen on a tight deadline. That’s why the first thing to do in this scenario is to take the time to organize your thoughts by creating a to-do list. This will give you the structure you need to move through the rest of your move.

Start by doing a brain dump of all the little tasks you can think of related to your move. Include everything you can think of from scheduling movers to buying packing supplies or having a charitable service come pick up donations.
Then, once you’re done, write the list out once more. This time, do your best to put the tasks in a chronological order.

Once you’re done, keep the list close at hand so you can refer back to it during the moving process. Don’t be afraid to add to it any time you think of something new that you need to do. Additionally, remember to check tasks off as you complete them.

Create deadlines to help keep yourself on task. Shutterstock./Brian A Jackson

Give yourself deadlines

Once you have your to-do lists in order, your next task is to give yourself deadlines. Go through the list and create a deadline for each item. If it’s easier, you can work your way backwards from moving day.

If you need to give yourself extra incentive to finish on time, try setting some hard deadlines for yourself. For example, you could schedule your donation pick up for the same day you’ve scheduled to pack up your bedroom. Since other people are depending on you, you’ll be more likely to stay on task.

Make sure you pack in a systematic manner. Shutterstock/archideaphoto

Follow a packing system

As you pack, you’ll also want to follow a system that will help keep you as organized as possible. Every person knows what type of system will work best for them, but we have a few suggestions to help you get started:

  • Start by gathering all the packing materials you’ll need for the room,
  • Use soft items like t-shirts or oven mitts to protect more breakable items
  • Don’t pack your clothes separately from their drawers. Simply secure the drawers closed with and move them as-is.
  • Create a color-coded labeling system with markers that allows you to see where boxes belong with just a glance.
  • Make a list of all the items in each box. That way, you won’t have to go hunting for items that you need when you arrive at your destination.

No matter what type of system you create, consistency is the key. Follow the same system for all of your boxes. Not only will doing so help you become more efficient at packing as the system starts to become second nature, but it will also help you stay organized so you’ll have a better idea of what you’re unpacking when you get to your new home.

Don’t be afraid to hire movers to help get the job done. Image: Shutterstock/levelupart

Consider bringing in assistance

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to bring in assistance if it turns out that getting ready for your move is too big of a job for you to tackle on your own. Many moving companies also offer packing services that can help you get the job done in a fraction of the time of doing it alone. Of course, this assistance does come at an added cost so, just like with any other convenience service, you’re going to want to get quotes and read online reviews before hiring any particular company for the job.

If money is an issue, consider bringing in some of your family and friends to help out with this task. You could host a packing party, where your guests can enjoy food and beverages provided by you in exchange for helping you meet some of the deadlines on your to-do list.

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6 Ways to Make a Temporary Living Space Feel Like Home

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Anyone who has moved or built a new home can tell you that the process is anything but seamless. Sure, you might hear from the one unicorn homeowner who made everything work perfectly but, in most cases, moving can be complicated and messy. There might be a gap between when an old home is sold and the new home is ready, or construction completion dates can be delayed. In these instances, a temporary living space might be the only option. Whether it’s moving in with family or a short-term lease, making a temporary situation feel like home can be tricky. If you’re not staying for long, it can be a struggle to get comfortable. But you don’t need to feel like a long-term guest. Make anywhere feel like home with a few genius tips.

Home office decorated with corkboard

A corkboard quickly brightens up a room and keeps it organized. Image: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

1. Utilize Removable Decor

Okay, so you’re not going to paint the walls or refinish the floors. But just because a temporary living space’s decor isn’t exactly your taste doesn’t mean you have to live with it. By bringing in a few removable pieces, you can perk up a space with your unique style. One of the best ways to make a space feel like home is with a big cork board. You can add things like pictures, memorabilia and even cute decor items you’ve picked up for your permanent space. Decorate the cork board and place it prominently and you’ll have a little bit of home.

You can also bring in smaller pieces that you’re planning to put in your permanent place. A couple of lamps or a vase can go a long way in warming up a space and making it feel like you. Just skip the oversized decor pieces. Larger pieces of furniture like couches or tables will just make moving day trickier.

Modern master bedroom

Having fewer clothes helps keep your temporary closet organized. Image: Beyond Time/Shutterstock

2. Edit Your Clothes

A temporary living space can make you feel like you’re a guest, no matter where you’re staying. Living out of a disorganized suitcase or searching through storage boxes to find your favorite shirt only makes it worse. While you might not want to move all of your clothes into a temporary closet, you can make day-to-day life easier by editing your clothing. Consider the season and the stuff you wear the most. Then, choose a week or two’s worth of clothes and accessories and put the rest in storage. Having fewer clothes might not be ideal, but it can help you settle in, hang a few things up and keep your clothes organized and neat. No moving box wrinkles here!

Small kitchen with open appliances.

Keep a few appliances and put the rest in storage. Image: Baloncici/Shutterstock

3. Pick Three Appliances

Some temporary living spaces come with appliances and some don’t. Either way, you can save yourself a lot of headache by keeping your temporary kitchen limited to three or four of your favorite appliances. Choose your most-used kitchen must-haves and limit how much you’ll have to move when it’s time to fly the coop. A few smaller appliances you love can also help you feel more at home in your temporary living space. You might be able to live without your blender or adapt to using someone else’s, but if your morning coffee is your sanctuary, definitely bring your coffee maker along. That way, whether it’s a couple of weeks or a couple of months, you won’t have to do without your favorite cup of joe made just the way you like it.

Mismatched kitchen table and chairs

Temporary furniture doesn’t have to match. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

4. Find Temporary Furniture

Moving is hard on furniture — just ask anyone who’s scratched their favorite armoire in the process. Don’t risk the wear and tear on your favorite pieces by getting temporary furniture in the meantime. While many temporary living spaces come furnished, you can add pieces as you need by checking online for temporary options. Need a nightstand? Check Craigslist or Freecycle for cheap options that you can live with for now. Then, when it’s time to move to your permanent space, you can pass on the pieces to someone else without worrying about scratches or dents. Your real favorites will stay safe in storage and can be moved directly into your new home — no harm, no foul.

Kitchen table with green apples and decor

Use everyday items as home decor. Image: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

5. Keep Decor Functional

A temporary living space doesn’t have to be dreary, but you might think twice about form and function when setting it up. Don’t make extra work for yourself by moving in a bunch of decorative items you’ll just have to move out again. Instead, choose decor pieces that function in other ways. A fruit bowl, for example, adds a much-needed pop of color while keeping healthy options front and center. A cute basket by the front door personalizes a space while helping you keep keys organized in an unfamiliar space. Even a low chest can pull double duty as a coffee table and a place to stash stuff in limbo. Make sure the decor you do bring in can do more than just sit and look pretty.

Living room with pillow accents.

Pillows and blankets are an easy way to warm up a space. Image: Aratzum/Shutterstock

6. Personalize the Space

Your temporary living space might not look like home but there’s no reason it can’t feel like home. Don’t feel guilty about adding a few things that make the space more familiar, even if you’re staying with friends or family. No one will object to a few pictures, of course, but you can also add temporary things. Textiles, like throw pillows or comfy blankets, are a great way to add personality and texture. Or use a candle that you used to have in your old home. The scent will make the space feel more familiar and help you weather the wait between temporary and permanent.

A temporary living space is less than ideal, but it’s important to remember it’s just that: temporary. Even if it’s not a perfect situation, it won’t last forever. Do your best to make a space comfortable and, no matter where you are, it’ll feel a little like home.

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