Whether you are upgrading to a better home in your community, or you are moving to a different area for a new job, this transition can be stressful. It’s exciting to take a new step in your life, but there are often a lot of details to address when coordinating a move. Not only do you need to find the right home, but it takes time to pack your belongings and move everything to the new place.
Even though moving can be crazy, there are a few things you can do to not only survive the process – but thrive in the excitement of the life you are creating. Here are a few things you can do to minimize your stress and optimize the outcome of an upcoming move:
Get Rid of Clutter Stress levels go up the more stuff you have to move. If you have old things that are overflowing in the closets, now is the perfect time to clear the clutter. Instead of throwing everything into boxes, be deliberate in taking a Marie Kondo approach by creating a few piles for sorting your belongings: - Keep - Sell - Donate - Trash Your goal is to keep the items that you are using regularly. Be proactive in getting rid of anything that just sits unused on the storage shelf.
Plan Enough Time One of the most stressful aspects of moving is when you don’t have enough time to complete everything on your to-do list. Moving always takes more time than you anticipate, which is why you need to schedule an extra day or two so you can get it all done. Block off chunks of time where you can work on packing, cleaning, and moving. If you are having a hard time fitting it all in, consider asking a friend or family member to watch your children so you can focus on the tasks at hand. Mark your calendar with small goals that will help you ensure that everything is ready to go on moving day. For example, a few weeks before the move, spend 2 hours each evening to sort through closets and pack your things. Or, pack one room per day in the week leading up to your move.
Find Good Boxes A few weeks before you are moving, start gathering boxes that can be used to pack your stuff. Talk to local retail and grocery stores to see if you can have any extra boxes. Look for durable box construction so they don't start caving in when everything is put into the moving truck. At the same time, also consider the size of the boxes. Large boxes can be difficult because they are too heavy to lift. Tiny boxes can clutter up the moving truck. Medium-sized boxes are “just right” – the perfect size to pack the right amount, without breaking your back when lifting the box.
Ask for Help You only have so many hours in a day, which is why it can be essential to hire moving services for assistance. Determine the days and times when you need the most support, then reach out to local companies to get pricing on available services. If you are on a tight budget, then make sure your boxes are packed, taped, and ready to load when the movers arrive. This way, the movers will focus on the most important tasks, helping you maximize the money spent. You might also consider hiring cleaning services. It can be helpful to have cleaners come in after you’ve moved everything out of the house.
Your real estate agent can be a great resource if you are looking for moving services. Tapping into the local industry network is a powerful way to find quality providers and excellent services to reduce your stress during the move.