Our family is about to embark on a very big adventure…we are moving cross country in about six weeks! We moved a lot when we were first married, and all through school, but we’ve lived in our current town for nine years. We made a big move when we went to graduate school, but we had one baby, and knew it would be temporary. Now, with five kids, a house to sell, a house to buy, a relocation company, and all the ins and outs of changing pretty much every aspect in our life, there is a lot of information to keep track of. To help me navigate through the process, I created a moving organization binder–one that is equipped to hold every bit of information I gather through this moving experience.
Keeping organized is the best way for me manage my stress level–when I know things are in place, and I’m not forgetting anything important, I function much better. :) There is so much vital information to keep track of, and having it all in one place ensures easy access and that you won’t lose a thing! It also doesn’t take up much space, and eliminates piles of papers that might stack up otherwise.
I started with a regular white 1.5 inch binder, and 10 plastic dividers with pockets. I bought the dividers that had the tabs you can put through the printer–I love the look of neatly typed and labeled tabs the best!
I printed out the following tabs:
I also included plastic business card pages in several of the sections, notepaper in each section, and a plastic pouch to hold receipts in the receipt section.
This binder has already become my saving grace, and I love that I can take it with me wherever I go. I’m so, so glad I have it!
My life is going to be pretty crazy over the next few weeks, and I hope you’ll forgive me if I’m here just a little less until we get moved. I am excited to decorate a new house, and all the projects that will come of it!
If you have any advice or tips on moving, selling or buying a home, helping kids adjust, or anything else you can think of, I’d love to hear it!
Amy says
What a great idea! I’m snagging it now and just had a quick question: What is the distinction between the “New Area Info” section and the “Relocation Info” section? And where would you put info about postal service change of address, etc? Thank you!
Simply Kierste says
Hi Amy–great questions! The New Area section would be where I would put things like the postal service change, info about schools, shopping, doctors–any information about our new area that I wanted to look over and keep. I also kept lists of energy companies, phone and cable options, etc. The Relocation Info was stuff related to our relocation company–paperwork, contracts, things to do, etc. Hope that helps! If you have any other questions, please let me know!!! xoxo
Shannon says
We’ve relocated 5 times in 5 years (soon to be 6 in 6) for job transfers. I use a similar system every time–it really works as long as you don’t misplace the binder….
Simply Kierste says
Lol. Yes, that would be a problem!! :)
Ellain says
We are moving in about six months and I absolutely love this idea! I was wondering if I could get an idea of what to put on a moving checklist?
Simply Kierste says
Sure! It depends on your circumstances, but I have a checklist for both the new house and old house:
MOVING AWAY:
-canceling all utilities & services
-thank you notes/gifts to teachers, friends, neighbors, etc.
-calling doctors to get copies of medical records and immunizations
-move-out house items: calling a professional cleaner, carpet cleaning, etc.
-file a change of address with the post office
-notify everyone with change of address
-any specific to-do items related to the sale of your old home and purchase of new home (this was quite a bit of my list)
-moving truck? movers? Anything related to the coordination of the physical moving.
-Giving away food, cleaning items away, since they can’t be placed on a moving truck (when using a company)
-if moving yourself, finding boxes
-Going through clothes and household items, giving away or selling what you don’t need
-Changing auto insurance–it will be a different quote based on where you’re moving
MOVING IN:
-setting up new utilizes and services
-contacting new doctors and dentists; start the process sooner than later, it can take awhile!
-contacting the post office with your new address–double checking it’s right
-registering your vehicles, researching the process before going–it will save a lot of time!
-finding a new bank if necessary, and getting accounts set up (we’ve always had to)
Hopefully this helps! Some things will be specific to you, but these are all things that pretty much everyone has to do. If you have any other questions, please let me know! Good luck with your move!! xoxo
Meghan says
Hi there! I’ve used several of your printables before and adore them! Especially the one for “guests” which we have often! I was wondering though now that we’re moving, where to find your printables for the moving binder. I’m in desperate need of some organization for this move! Thank you!!! Love your web site, blog and pins so much :) very talented and creative.
Simply Kierste says
Meghan, I’m so glad my printables have come in handy! I must admit, the “guests” is one of my favorites. :) I actually made the moving binder before I started really sharing printables, so I never posted them! What kind would you be interested in for moving?
Meghan says
Thanks for replying! I just don’t even know where to begin with this move (haha), but we are only moving about 5 minutes from our current house, just upsizing … so I know I need any printables you have that will help me organize except the relocation & new area information. Thank you again so much and my email is: mccoyroy@gmail.com. Meghan
Caroline @ Blonde Highlights says
Do you have a printable for that cute binder cover? We’re just in the beginning stages of moving and I don’t know why I didn’t think of making a binder before!
Simply Kierste says
I don’t have one, I’m sorry! I just typed the text I wanted, printed it out onto white card stock, then matted it onto scrapbook paper and slid it into the binder. I’ll have to put a printable on my to-do list. :) Good luck with your move!!! xoxo
Maggie says
Did you ever happen to post this to printables? :) I need ideas of moving checklist current and new town.
Simply Kierste says
Maggie, I’m so sorry! I haven’t been able to get to it yet. :( I really need to do this–thank you for the reminder!! xoxo
Marla says
We are moving and it’s getting down to the wire. I have a binder of stuff, but definitely not as organized as you. I like your idea, and probably saves on headaches searching for things.
Also I love your theme. I noticed the design is by nifty thrifty things. Did she customize it for you?
Simply Kierste says
She did! I designed the header, and she did everything else! She’s the best!!!
Anastasia says
I feel like I take of the stress when I clean and organize, lol, I know I sound like some crazy woman, but it’s true! This post has been a really nice read, thanks Kierste! I’m so glad there are others like me out there, haha! :)
Simply Kierste says
You don’t sound crazy to me, lol! :) So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks so much for stopping by!! xoxo
Judy Blackman says
What would you consider new area information? Would that include restaurants, grocery shopping, shopping, utilities? We mare hopefully moving to an area that we are slightly familiar with but not totally. I want to be prepared. Thanks
Simply Kierste says
Yes, to all of them! I would include: restaurants (fast food and pizza delivery too!), dry cleaning, grocery stores, post office, other shopping like Target & Walmart, utilities, favorite parks and other local family favorite activities, churches, and anything else that might be unique to your town that a newbie would appreciate knowing.
Hope that helps!! Thanks for stopping by!! xoxo
Mandy Tirado says
Thanks for this! We’re moving about 8 hours away down to San Francisco area sometime next year and I’m one of those way ahead of the game people. I’m already preparing us slowly. I have an extra binge, so I’m excited to get started on this! :) How did your move go? (I’m new to your blog)
Mandy Tirado says
Whoops! Autocorrect fail. I meant to type binder, not binge. ;)
Simply Kierste says
I’m with you–I like to be prepared, so you’re smart to start now! The move went great, and the binder helped A TON. Good luck with your move–hope this helps!!! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’m glad you found me :) xoxo
Kayla Sifuentes says
Hello,
I just found this article and I love all of the tabs. I was wondering if you have created any printables you wouldn’t mind sharing? I am making a short move, within the same city, but I want to stay as organized as possible.
Thanks in advance!
Simply Kierste says
Hi, Kayla! This has been on my list forever, and I haven’t had time to do it yet. I’m so sorry! I wish I had some to send you. If you have any questions though, let me know!! xoxo
Roberta says
Hello! I’m going to set up a binder for our up-coming move. Can you share about “guests” that another poster commented on?