Create a Moving Binder for Your Next Move

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We have prepared a quick guide to help you put together a moving binder organizer. Simply follow these steps, and we’re certain you’ll be able to organize a handy folder that will make the whole relocation process much easier, more time-efficient, and better organized.

Tips for How to Make and Use a Moving Binder

The whole point of creating a moving folder is for it to help make relocating easier. That is why it should be user-friendly. Make sure you put it together in a way that makes it easy to find whatever it is you’re looking for. Putting together a folder that is way too comprehensive and complicated will only make your tasks harder. Here’s what you should do to prevent that from happening.

The First Step

The first item on your agenda should be to buy a sturdy, high-quality binder that can survive the relocation. Ideally, it should be made out of solid cardboard, or even plastic. Low-quality materials simply won’t be good enough for this purpose. You should also pay attention to the size of the folder – you want one that is large enough to fit anything you put, but small enough that it can be comfortably carried around. Ideally, a folder with around a dozen separate compartments should do the trick.

You should also get color-coded labels or waterproof markers of different colors, as they will make it easier to browse through the folder. Sheet protectors are a must as well, as you don’t want your papers sticking together, bleeding ink, or getting damaged otherwise. Don’t go for super cheap or nearly free supplies – you will need high-quality items that can endure some wear and tear. Make a list of everything you should buy and head to your nearest office supply store.

Putting Together Your Moving Binder

Now that you have obtained all the necessary supplies from the list, it is time to put them together. Decide how to divide your organizer into sections and find the best way to color-code your labels. If you’re not certain how to do this, don’t worry. Feel free to start over anytime if you decide that the method you previously chose isn’t good enough. The important thing is that you eventually find the method that suits you best and will help you stay organized.

Make sure you include all types of tasks, such as packing dishes, learning how to pack your expensive china, taking care of your necklaces and other jewelry, or just making sure properly pack all of your kitchen items.

Organization Tip Checklist You Need to Know

You have a folder now – so it is time to fill it with all the documents and papers you will most likely use for your next move. Before you just put all your papers in it and call it a day, let us take a look at what you should include.

Don’t Leave Anything Out

It is of utmost importance to make sure this folder contains everything you’ll need and is well-organized. If even one of the necessary documents is missing, it can cause you a lot of stress and trouble that could have easily been avoided. Here are some of the sections you should know not to forget:

• Personal documentation. This section should contain copies of all your personal documents, such as your ID card, drivers’ license, passport, social security card, health insurance, life insurance, and so on. If you’re relocating with other family members, put their documents here as well, just make sure not to get it all jumbled up. A good idea would be to make sub-compartments within the personal documentation compartment, one for every person.
  
• Pet documents. If you’re relocating with a cat or a dog, dedicate one compartment of the folder to them as well. Include their health records from the old vet, information about the new vet, printed data from their microchip, and any other documents you might have.
• Old home. All the documents related to your old home – such as sales agreements, insurance policies, or leases, should be organized here.
• Future house or apartment. Just like your old home has a section for itself, so should your new one. You can put in here everything from purchase agreements to inspection reports and new floor plans.
• Renovation information. Sometimes, the renovation plans for the future house or apartment are simply too comprehensive to fit in a single compartment. For example, if you’re planning on repainting the whole place, choosing brand-new furniture, or even custom-made pieces, upgrading your backyard, and so on, all these things will likely need a separate compartment in your folder, where you can place cutouts from furniture store catalogs, color schemes for walls, and so on.
• Receipts. Keep all receipts from your move-related purchases here. It will make it easier for you to track your expenses and plan your budget.
• Schedules and plans. All scheduled meetings, dates, and days should go in this section. This can include the move-out and move-in dates, relocation dates, car shipping dates, and so on. A good idea would be to print out a calendar where you will mark down every important event and add notes if necessary.
• Important contacts. Put together a list of all the important contacts, telephone numbers, and addresses you might need during the relocation. From close friends and family to the relocation company, to utility services, don’t leave anything out.
• Checklist. In this section, you should include all your move-related checklists, such as a packing checklist your inventory, a shopping checklist for your future home, or a well-organized to-do list for the last few days before the move.
• New city. In this section, you can include pretty much any information you deem useful about your future home town. From schools in the surrounding area to dog parks, libraries, clubs, and bars, parks, parking lots, all these things could prove handy once you start to settle down.
• Section for movers. All your agreements with your chosen relocation company should go in this section. You can also include written estimates, moving guides, and any other items you think you’ll use.
• Other. If there are any important papers and documents that you need to organize but that don’t belong to any of the sections mentioned above, include them in a miscellaneous section. 

Of course, you can feel free to organize your sections in any other way you prefer. Don’t forget to add more items as you go, as that is the best way to prevent losing them.

When to Cancel on the Idea

Sometimes, a folder can be more hindering than helpful, regardless of how well-organized it is. For example, if you feel like you’re stressing over it way more than is necessary and disregarding your actual moving tasks, you should probably give up on it and simply use separate folders for different documents. Additionally, if you find that you forget to bring your folder with you way too often, maybe this idea simply isn’t for you. Don’t worry, we are sure you will be able to find a method to keep your documents organized that fits your preferences better.

Now that you’ve made your own handy binder, it is time to get ready for the relocation to your next house or apartment. Then all you need to do is find the right company to help you out. With the best experts by your side, you won’t need anything else to organize a successful move.