Moving to a New Home? Follow Our Tips For a Stress-Free Move

For some people, even just the thought of moving makes their head hurt. Moving is a very big undertaking and unless everything is carefully planned out and executed, there’s a lot that can go wrong. But, as Lifehacker suggests, breaking this process down into small parts will help you get it done.

Our checklist is extremely easy to follow so you can enjoy a stress-free move! Check it out now:

1. Pick a Company & Date

Considering they will be handling your furniture and possessions, you’re probably going to want a highly-rated company. Just like your favorite restaurants, these moving companies can get booked up very quickly. About two months in advance, you’re going to want to sit down and research potential companies and dates. Once you decide on a company, book them early. Because you’ll know your moving date well in advance, you’ll be able to set reasonable goals for accomplishing the process.

Thinking about taking it on by yourself? We get it, you want to save some money and like doing things your way. However, we urge you to at least consider using a moving company. Having professional movers makes the process go much faster, smoother, and prevents the aches and pains that you will surely suffer through. There are plenty of affordable options out there, for those that are on a tight budget.

2. Prepare Items for Packing

Around the same time that you book a moving company and set a date, you’re going to want to start planning how you’ll pack. While it’s still too early to do the actual packing (you don’t want to live out of boxes for over a month, do you?), you can start preparing. Take it one room at a time and group similar items together. This will really help you get an idea of just how many items you have, and if you have any items that will require special treatment like a piano for example. Be sure to keep any precious valuables separate so that you can hold onto them and take them with you for the move.

The sorting step is the perfect time to set aside any items that you would be willing to donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other charity of your choice. Not only would you help somebody in need, but it also cuts down on the number of items that will need to be moved. It’s a win-win situation!

3. Check Your Supplies

Now that you have an idea of how many items are going to get moved, it’s time to start stocking up on boxes and tape. Because they are so affordable, it’s best to plan to have too many supplies than not enough. Having to take a trip to the store late in the moving process is only going to add more stress to the process. Be sure to count and measure the boxes as well as any furniture that will be moving so that you can verify that it will fit in the van. Take the time to get specific measurements because trying to visually “eyeball” the measurements will not work out.

4. Start Packing

Put your favorite album on, get some friends or family to help you, and get to work! Packing is probably the most labor-intensive, stressful part of the process, but also the most important. By planning your move well in advance, you will have given yourself the opportunity to split the task up so that it doesn’t all have to be done at once.

Don’t forget to label your boxes! Use a marker directly on the box or tape a piece of paper so that you can easily identify whatever is in the box, saving you time in the long run. Most moving companies will pack your items for you for an additional cost, which is perfect if you can’t do the packing yourself because of work or if you just want to avoid the intensive labor altogether. Call your moving company and ask about rates.

5. Update Your Address

Because you’ll be changing addresses, you’ll need to update your address in several different records, including the mail, your bank, HR at your office, and any other subscriptions you get through the mail. In today’s day and age, you can’t forget about any online accounts that have your default address stored. If you’ll be changing doctors’ offices, call your current office to start the process of having your records sent over to the new office. Lastly, reach out to someone in the area that you trust and ask them to swing by your old home after a week or so to check on any wayward mail.

6. Last Minute Wrap-Ups

It’s time to go through your cupboard, freezer and empty out the food that you won’t be taking with you. Do the freezer first so that you have time to unplug it and let it defrost. Confirm all your information with your moving company to prevent any confusion, and go through your home to be sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. You want to be doing as little as possible on moving day.

If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, you might want to spend some time reminiscing on the memories you have there. Go to your favorite local restaurant or hang-out and call friends or family in the area to spend time with them before you leave. If you are moving a long distance, it could be the last time you see them for a while!

7. Moving: The Big Day

When your moving date arrives, be sure to get an early start so that you’re running at 100% by the time your moving company arrives. Eat a big, healthy breakfast, because you will likely have a long day ahead of you. But, with the right moving company, it can be a very successful and happy experience – especially if you’ve been good about following this checklist.

Don’t be afraid of moving. Just like with anything else, you have to do a little bit at a time until you conquer the beast. Choose your moving company carefully, be thorough with your planning and preparations, and you will be just fine. Good luck with your move!

Image Sources:

• 1: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2064/2224917035_88115fd957_b.jpg
• 2: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8739/17027321127_a9e87c5761.jpg