Is this the September that you are moving away from home to go to college or university? Like any new adventure, it’s easier when you plan ahead and decide what you want to take with you and what can be left behind.
Here are the Diva’s Top 10 Tips for moving out...
1. Know the size of your new place. You won’t likely have as much space and you may be sharing the space you have with someone else.
2. Just pack what you’ll use. Moving is a great excuse to downsize. Let go of possessions that no longer fit your new lifestyle and edit the boxes of old toys, school notes and artwork that might be stored in your parents’ attic or basement. Remember, “less is more.”
3. Reduce duplication. If you will have roommates, call them before you pack and arrange to share things like coffee makers, micro- waves and hair dryers.
4. Concentrate on quality. Buy the best furniture you can afford. Check out garage sales and think of ways to re-purpose items other people no longer want. Make sure furniture is multi-functional, chairs are comfortable and lighting is task-specific.
5. Select low maintenance bedding and accessories. Be realistic and practical. You’ve got better things to do than laundry and cleaning.
6. Personalize your space. Pack your favorite posters, great photos of friends and family and a bulletin board to keep track of important dates and events.
7. Check out the dollar stores. Dollar stores are a great source of organizational supplies like file folders, storage boxes, stationery and lots of other neat stuff.
8. Inspect all your clothes before you pack. If you haven’t worn something in the past year, don’t take it with you. Donate it or pitch it.
9. If you forget something, it’s not a big deal. You may be moving out of the house, but you are likely moving to a place with stores that sell stuff you’ll need.
10. Phone home. If you are moving out of town, figure out your long-distance phone plan to find the most economical way of keeping in touch with friends and family.
Moving is an adventure… embrace it!
