What Is a Moving Binder and How Can It Help You With Your Relocation?
Posted in Moving Essentials on August 2, 2020
If you ever moved before, then you probably already know what kind of a mess is waiting for you, again. And it is not just about the stuff, it is the mess in your head which makes you forget things and lose important papers. So this time, try using a moving binder to keep all of your essential documents in one place before putting your entire life in boxes.
Creating a moving binder will help you plan your relocation.
Tips on How to Make and Actually Use a Moving Binder Instead of a Single Checklist
For those of you who have not heard about it and are probably wondering what’s a moving binder and how to create one, here is a brief answer. It is an essential factor in organizing important documents, as well as planning a move to another city, along with a relocation budget and a calendar. It is a place where you can keep all the essential papers such as a moving checklist, printables, to-do lists, new apartment checklists, receipts, documents, contracts, and the household inventory list, which is especially important if you’re getting packing services.
It will keep you organized and you will always have all the information in one place. And the best part is that you can create it on your own terms. If you were always into scrapbooks, stationery, and DIY projects, this can turn into a fun activity, too. Forget about stress and worrying whether you forgot something, and prepare to see how stress-free relocation can be once you are well-organized.
Cancel Everything You’re Doing and Make a Moving Binder First
Are you still looking for house hunting tips or have you already started packing fragile items? Perhaps you are on the phone with movers all the time? Is the situation slowly becoming a bit overwhelming? Thankfully, the gods of proper planning have spoken and provided us with the solution to many of our relocation problems. Instead of multitasking without a clear goal in sight, dedicate some time to organize everything before it gets out of control. Although creating a moving binder should be your first move, before you actually do anything, it is never too late to bring some order into your relocation.
Sometimes a binder can help you more than a checklist.
How to Make a Moving Binder Step by Step?
The first step would be to buy all the essential supplies:
- a binder – a 1.5 or 2 inches thick should do the trick
- colored pocket dividers
- zipper pouch
- post-it notes
- sheet protectors
- a pencil and a pen
If you are still house hunting, you can create your mood board or write down the phone numbers of different real estate agents. Use various printables to help you stay organized; you can write down a list for every room or box, so you always know what is where. You can customize the cover and perhaps post a picture of your dream house, or some funny moving-related quote.
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How to Arrange the Folder?
A poorly organized folder would not help much. The chaos from your head would just spill over to that bunch of unsorted papers, and you will actually need more time to find what you are looking for. Imagine your movers calling you to ask how many boxes you have for the storage unit, and then having to go through papers for 10 minutes until you find the storage list. That is not the way these things work. Prioritize things and organize your move in a logical way.
For example, include the documents and contracts first, use one section only for moving services, another one for things to do after the move, and so on. Group things in a certain order so that everything makes sense afterward. Perhaps you will not always be there to take care of certain tasks, so keep in mind that other members of your family should also be able to use it easily and do not get lost in it. To get an idea of all the things you can include, here are some ideas of how you can arrange your papers.
You can divide your folder into sections. For example:
- Documents
- Checklists
- Old home/new home
- Expenses
- Contacts
- Storage
- Schedules
- Home inventory
- Color scheme
- Ideas
- Movers
- Travel
- To sell list
- To buy list
- Furniture measurements
- Notes
Leave Some Space for Your Personal Papers
This type of folder does not necessarily have to contain only papers that are tightly connected to your relocation. Since, during the move, a lot of our papers can get lost or ruined, like old bills, medical prescriptions, or contracts with banks and lenders, you can also include them. Everything that is important to you and is in paper form can go in the folder. Use a special sheet protector for your old papers and secure them with a paperclip so that nothing falls out.
Create lists for anything you can so that you don’t have to keep it all in your head
One Last Tip: Do Not Forget to Have Fun
Binders do not have to be boring and sterile, you can use colorful pens and make creative headlines for every section, and of course, colorful tab dividers. Once you have it all in one place, you will be able to relax and enjoy your relocation as much as possible. This organizational tool will help you more than you can imagine, so give it a chance, organize your next move with it, and we are sure you will be able to spot the difference.
