Moving can be a stressful process. There are many things to keep track of and boxes to pack, but the move can be much easier with careful planning and expert tips. Set aside a box for your most valuable possessions like jewelry, family heirlooms, and vital documents.
Start Packing Early
The key to a stress-free move is to start packing early. This gives you more time to finish everything without disrupting your daily routine. Plus, you’ll avoid cramming things into boxes at the last minute.
When you’re ready to begin, start by identifying the least used rooms in your home. These may include your garage, closets, basement, spare room (such as a guest bedroom), or attic. Once you’ve identified these areas, start by packing items that are either out of season or won’t be needed in your new home. This could include your winter clothes and coats, summer shorts and bathing suits, extra sheets and blankets, and so on.
You can also use this opportunity to declutter your possessions and give away things you no longer need or want. Not only will this make your move more efficient, but it will also help you feel more prepared for the transition to a new home. Once you’ve finished with these non-essential items, you can start packing up the rest of your home. Be sure to set aside a box for essentials, such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and a change of clothing. This will be helpful for the day of your move and will ensure that you have everything you need in one place.
Hire a Reputable Moving Company
Moving is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. By utilizing several tips, like hiring a reliable moving company and packing an essentials box, you can make your relocation easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, the best way to minimize stress is by planning ahead. Make a list of tasks that needs to be completed leading up to and on the day of the move and check them off as they are finished. This is a great way to stay organized and ensure that no one forgets anything important.
When hiring a moving company, it’s important to find one that fits your budget. Many companies offer a range of prices depending on the size and weight of your belongings, how far you’re moving, and other factors. When comparing quotes, be sure to consider what services they include in their price and ask about any additional costs you may encounter such as insurance, deposits, and delivery fees.
Additionally, if you’re using storage during your move, look for a company that offers flexibility with their pricing such as PODS or Allied Van Lines. You may also want to choose a service that offers real-time GPS tracking, supplemental insurance, and other perks to make your transition smoother. Lastly, be sure to plan ahead and schedule your move during the week if possible to avoid higher rates for movers and rental trucks.
Pack an Essentials Box
Having the right supplies on hand can make the process of moving a lot less stressful. You’ll need a good set of packing supplies to keep your belongings safe, including quality boxes and sealing tape. It’s also essential to label each box to ensure that you can quickly and easily find what you need once your move is complete. A hand truck or dolly can help you move large boxes more easily, and a pair of quality cleaning gloves will prevent your hands from becoming worn down from all the repetitive lifting.
An essentials box, sometimes referred to as an “open me first” box, is one that contains all the items you’ll need immediately upon moving into your new home. It should contain things like toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents. You can even include basic kitchen utensils to prepare quick meals if necessary. Having this box at the ready will give you peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need to survive during the transition to your new home, especially if you are moving internationally and your boxes will arrive much later.
Aside from a few important items, you should also pack some snacks, beverages, and water to get you through the day. You can even include a first-aid kit in case of any emergencies during the move. Lastly, don’t forget to pack some comfy clothing and bed sheets for your first night in the new home.
Schedule Utilities Transfer
While it may not be one of the most fun tasks to complete, transferring utilities when moving is a crucial step that must be taken into consideration. Nobody wants to start off their new home without hot water or electricity, so it’s essential that you take the time to learn how to transfer utilities before your move date.
Firstly, you’ll need to determine which utility providers service your area. This can be done by conducting online research or by asking your real estate agent or landlord for help. Once you know which providers are available in your area, contact them to find out what their requirements are for transferring or starting up services. For example, some companies might require you to provide them with a credit check while others may require a deposit or a set-up fee.
Once you’ve established which utilities are available in your new neighborhood, get in touch with the providers to arrange a date to disconnect your current utilities at your old address and to connect them at your new home. Don’t forget to give both utility companies your forwarding address so that you don’t receive any final bills or unpaid balances.
Stay Organized
A stress-free move might seem impossible when you’re already juggling so many other big life changes, but being organized can make the process much easier. Taking steps to declutter, start packing early, hire a reputable moving company, and stay focused on the positive aspects of the move will reduce your stress levels significantly.
It’s also a good idea to create an inventory of items as you pack, so that you can keep track of where each box goes and what is inside it. You can do this by writing an inventory on a piece of paper or using a digital app, and then labeling each box with its contents and the room it will go to in your new home. Make sure to write the label on the side of the box, so that it’s easy to read even when the boxes are stacked on top of each other.
On moving day, make sure to pack a bag for each family member that includes pajamas, a change of clothes, medicine, toiletries, and shower necessities. This will help ease the transition into your new home and keep everyone happy throughout the process. Also, remember to take care of yourself by getting adequate rest and staying hydrated.
Settling into Your New Home
It will take time to fully settle into your new home. However, you can make the transition as stress-free and enjoyable as possible by following these simple tips. Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, the right preparation can make a world of difference when it comes to minimizing your move’s impact on your family.
It’s also important to stay organized throughout the entire process of moving to a new house. Start by creating a to-do list and breaking the tasks down into manageable, doable chunks. This can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed and allows you to check off completed items as they are finished. You can also reduce stress by anticipating what could go wrong, allowing you to prepare for potential challenges.
Another way to prevent stress is by getting rid of old items before you move. You can hold a yard sale or donate your items to local charities, which will ensure that they are properly taken care of and that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of hauling them away yourself.
On your moving day, make sure you have a bag with the essentials that you will need for the first few days in your new home (change of clothes, toiletries, bath towel, phone chargers, etc.). It’s also a good idea to have a box of snacks on hand to keep your energy levels up as you work.
