Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. From planning a timeline to changing addresses for subscriptions and mail, there are many things to consider when moving.
Fortunately, a stress-free move is possible with proper preparation and a detailed checklist. Read on for tips that will help you make the most of your next move.
1. Start Early
The anticipation of moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also bring on a lot of stress. This is especially true if you aren’t prepared or don’t know how to cope with the many responsibilities involved in moving. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the stress and make your move as hassle-free as possible.
One of the most important tips for stress-free moving is to start early. This means starting as soon as you have a firm date and putting together a comprehensive checklist of tasks. It’s also a good idea to spread out the tasks rather than trying to do everything at once. This will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and may even make the process fun.
Another key tip is to get plenty of boxes and other packing supplies. This includes tape, markers to label boxes, and bubble wrap. You should also be sure to change your address with the post office and add it to your frequently used online accounts. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your old home before you move out. Doing this will save you time and money in cleaning fees when you move into your new home.
It’s also a good idea to get a mover early in the process. This will give you time to research companies and request estimates. It will also give you a better chance of getting a good deal.
You should also be sure to plan ahead for your family’s needs during the move. This is particularly important if you have children. You should discuss with them what they will need to take with them and what items you will be donating or selling. You can also create a kid-friendly Pinterest board of your new city and neighborhood to help them feel excited about the move.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s from friends, family, or professional movers, don’t be ashamed to ask for assistance. It’s much more stressful to try and do it all yourself than to delegate a few of the heaviest tasks.
2. Pack an Overnight Bag
Moving can be a big undertaking. Between hiring movers, coordinating the rental or purchase of a new home, changing utility and bank accounts, notifying friends and family of your new address, decluttering, packing and preparing for moving day, it’s no wonder that most people experience a great deal of stress during this process.
One way to help make the transition easier is by packing an overnight bag with the things you’ll need on the first night in your new house. This will include clothes for the whole family, toiletries, medications and other essentials, as well as any emergency items you may need such as a first aid kit or a flashlight. This bag will go in the trunk of your car, on the truck with the movers or can be packed in a suitcase to keep handy during the move. Having this bag will save you from having to search through boxes for the most needed items on your move-in day and avoid any frantic searches that could result in frustration and possibly injuries.
Ideally, you should start packing for your move at least two months in advance. This gives you enough time to go through the attic and other storage spaces, and to start making trips to donate unused or rarely used items to the Salvation Army or local charity. During this time, you should also go through your children’s rooms and clean out books, toys, stuffed animals, etc. to give them away as well.
On the day of your move, it’s a good idea to pack a separate bag with important documents, including ID cards, passports, closing papers and any other paperwork that you might need on hand for the move. This should be kept aside from the other items that are going to be packed and moved, so they don’t get lost or misplaced during the hectic moving process.
To keep yourself fueled during the day of your move, you should also pack a few snacks and beverages in your overnight bag. This will ensure that you have something to eat and drink while you’re working on the more physically demanding tasks. This will also keep you from having to stop mid-move to make a meal, which can end up taking up valuable time.
3. Stay Organized
When you’re moving, staying organized is essential to a smooth transition. Whether you’re moving into a new house or just changing offices, effective organization can help reduce stress, save time, and keep track of everything that needs to get done.
The best way to stay organized for a move is to start planning and prepping months in advance. This will allow you to take your time and do things right. It also prevents last-minute chaos from derailing your entire moving experience.
One of the most important steps is to make an inventory of all your belongings. You can do this by going room-by-room and making three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard. This will give you a clear idea of what you need to pack and what you need to leave behind. It’s also a great opportunity to clean out your closets, cabinets, and garage, and get rid of stuff you no longer need or use.
Another tip for staying organized during a move is to label your boxes. This will save you a lot of time when unpacking and will also make it easier for you to find what you need in the future. Use colored markers to color code each box based on its contents, such as yellow for kitchen items, blue for bathroom items, green for living room items, and so on.
Finally, it’s a good idea to use a binder or folder to keep all of your lists, notes, and other documents related to the move. This will make it much easier to keep track of your progress and prevent lost or misplaced documents. You can also use it to write down and compare quotes from different moving companies, rental trucks, storage units, insurance options, etc.
There’s no doubt that a move is a big undertaking. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Enlisting the help of friends and family members, if possible, will make the process go more smoothly. And if you can afford it, hiring professional home organizers and expert movers is a smart investment that will ease the transition into your new space.
4. Declutter
Decluttering is an important part of prepping for a move. It allows you to get rid of things you no longer need or want, which can reduce the amount of stuff you have to pack and move. Additionally, it can help reduce stress during the move itself by limiting the number of items you have to worry about.
However, decluttering can be overwhelming, especially when it’s combined with the other stresses of moving. If you’re not sure where to start, try breaking down the process into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, start with a drawer or closet and then move on to a room. This will make the process feel less daunting and will give you a sense of accomplishment when you finish each area.
Alternatively, you can also focus on specific categories of items. For instance, you could tackle books or home decor first, followed by non-essential kitchen items and toiletries. This way, you won’t have to sift through everything in one go and will be able to find the items that are most meaningful to you.
In addition, be sure to check the measurements of your new place before you begin. This will ensure that you don’t move items that won’t fit into your new home, which can be a major pain in the neck! This is particularly important with bulkier items, like kitchen utensils and tools, which can be quite heavy.
Another tip is to sell or donate any items that are no longer of use to you. This can be a great way to make some extra cash, and it will also free up space in your new home! Some of the best places to sell items include yard sales, thrift stores, and online sites like eBay.
Lastly, don’t forget to make a list of the essential items you need for your move, and keep it handy. This will save you time when it comes to packing and will ensure that you don’t forget any crucial items. This will help you avoid the dreaded last-minute stress and enjoy your new home sooner!