Rise and shine, Kamloops! April is here, and that means we are a step closer to move-in time. As we prepare to welcome you to your new dream home, we know how difficult it must be to decide what to bring and what to leave behind – especially for those downsizing!
To ensure you are prepared for this next step, we chatted with Kerri Muirhead, owner of Kamloops Organized, to learn how you can pack efficiently, stay organized, and reduce stress during this transition!
Decluttering & Downsizing
First, you need to decide what you want to keep, donate or let go – which is often the hardest part. However, once you figure this out, everything else will fall into place. Some common techniques Kerri recommends include:
- The six-month rule: if you haven’t used an item in the past six months, consider letting it go. This helps you assess the necessity of the item.
- Sentimental Value Assessment: Identify items that have significant emotional value. Limit yourself to a few meaningful pieces instead of keeping everything.
- Room-by-Room Approach: Tackle one room at a time. This approach prevents feeling overwhelmed by focusing on decisions specific to each space
- The Four-Box Method: Label boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” As you sort, place each item in the appropriate box.
Packing Strategies
Before starting to pack, it is also important to familiarize yourself with the layout of your new home. This will allow you to pack items according to where they will go and make unpacking easier. As you begin to pack, create an inventory and list items in each room, organizing them based on their value or frequency of use. Start with non-essential items, saving essentials for the last few days before the move. A good tip is to use coloured labels for boxes based on which room they belong to, making it easier for movers to know where to direct these. It’s also necessary to ensure you will be able to carry your boxes, making the lifting process more manageable and reducing the risk of injuries. For this, you can use smaller boxes for heavy items (i.e. books) and larger boxes for lightweight items (i.e. pillows).
Checklists for a Stress-Free Moving Day
Having some checklists ready to go will make the whole process so much smoother. Kerri recommends including the following items on your list:
Before Moving Day:
- Confirm the moving date and time with the moving company.
- Prepare an inventory list of all items being moved.
- Ensure all packing is completed the night before.
- Set aside essential items (medications, toiletries) in a separate bag.
On Moving Day:
- Review the moving checklist to ensure everything is loaded.
- Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Take pictures of your electronics setup for easier reinstallation.
- Keep important documents and items (e.g., ID, contracts) with you during the move.
Staying Organized in a New Home
Once you are settled into your new home, establishing a routine is key to ensuring the space stays as organized as possible. Develop a system for maintaining order, dedicating specific days to tackle one room or area until settled and assessing whether other items must be let go. Consider donating or discarding one item each time you acquire a new one – this policy prevents you from accumulating unnecessary things. Another great way to maintain organization is by designating storage spaces, clearly defining where items belong and using baskets or bins to categorize items.
Remember, moving is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you schedule breaks to avoid burnout and ensure a smoother and stress-free process. By following this comprehensive guide, we hope you can enjoy this transition and settle into your new home with ease. With careful planning, organization, and the right mindset, you’ll soon be able to relax and enjoy beautiful views of downtown Kamloops, luxury amenities, and the fantastic community waiting for you at City Gardens.
Welcome to this exciting new chapter of your life!
