6 Tips on How to Make Moving Less Stressful
Starting somewhere new is usually an exciting experience, but you need to take care of some less exciting processes to get to that moment. If you haven't moved before, you'll soon realize how exhausting and stressful the procedure can be. Still, you can make it easier on you if you know what to expect in advance. Before you lose it while juggling between your job, family, and other obligations, make sure to read about six essential tips on how to make moving less stressful.
Start preparing for the move on time
The moving process starts from the day you decide to move. Thus, it's never too early to start with the preparations. The best thing would be to get a notebook and start writing stages and steps of the procedure:
Research moving services in the area - Ask friends who may have moving experience for recommendations or do an online search and estimate.
Think about your possessions - Whether you’re downsizing or relocating to a bigger apartment, you must have extra stuff you don’t use anymore. Declutter every room and think of the ways to get rid of it. What belongs in the trash? What can you give away? Moreover, can you earn extra money by selling some of it?
Brainstorm ways to get the packing material - You can buy the packing supplies or hire the services to do the job for you. However, you can also save some money and reuse someone else's boxes. Consider asking around online or in nearby stores if they have any supplies they could give away.
Start sorting moving paperwork - From medical records and school transfers to licenses and address updates, relocation requires dealing with a lot of administration.
Booking a moving company - Movers need to be booked in advance, so check if your preferred choice is available for your moving day.
Pack - The most time-consuming chore will be packing. Work one room at a time and take your time.
Clean everything - Some people prefer cleaning during packing. In the end, all that you need to do is to sweep and mop the place up.
Having a list of essential steps won't be enough when organizing a move. You need to ask yourself how and when to do them to be efficient. Therefore, making a moving calendar might be a good idea.
Stay organized
The organization is the key to many things in life, including the move itself. With a good plan and research, you can eliminate potential unpleasant situations and expenses, lowering the stress triggers. Start with packing the rooms you use the least and leave the most used areas last on your to-do list. While doing it, create a labeling system. If you’re using the room by room method, add room name plus the essentials, so you'll have more efficient unpacking.
Separate the essentials
Separating the daily necessities such as overnight clothing, toiletries, chargers, and important document is a must if you want to make moving less stressful and prevent some moving challenges. Make a file with ID cards, passports, insurances, housing documents, birth certificates, and necessary paperwork and carry it with you on a moving day. You'll never know if you might have to deal with potential obstacles during the relocation. Losing or accidentally throwing away important papers during packing is the worst thing that can happen.
Pack your bag or box with essentials before everything else. Include all items you might need on the way to your new home and necessities to have for your arrival. If you're moving long-distance, you might get to your new home before the moving services. In such cases, bring some cleaning supplies with you to refresh the place right away. After your items arrive, you can start unpacking immediately.
Tick smaller chores off the list first
Before partaking in more serious responsibilities, begin with small chores that can be swiftly done. Try packing the books, house decor on the hanging shelves, or sorting your shoe closet first. In addition, you can measure the bulky furniture, appliances, and door entries and write everything down. Afterward, figure out the best way to safely pack your electronics. You will quickly get the feeling of accomplishment for getting some stuff off your back, which will motivate you to continue.
Help will speed up the process
Moving is not a one-person job. Thus, include other members of the household in the relocation steps. If you live alone, a family member or friends could lend you a helping hand. Don't underestimate any kind of help, especially kids. Including them in the process will be beneficial for them since they will feel like part of the change, which will help them accept the idea of moving faster.
Avoid heavy lifting
Deciding on a DIY is usually a bad idea because it can eventually cost you more than hiring professional services. You will not have to worry about moving things around and not damaging the floors. Also, you will avoid heavy lifting, being stuck in traffic, and worrying about the safe transfer of your belongings. Hiring experts to do the job for you will also speed up the process significantly, eliminating potential mishaps DIY move brings.
Final advice
You can find many tips on how to make moving less stressful online, but nothing will prepare you for the exhaustion ahead of you. That's why it's important not to overwhelm yourself throughout the preparation period. Start ticking one chore at a time off the list, have enough sleep, and remember, nothing is worth stressing about in the first place.
