While moving can be a little unsettling, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips for a smooth move.
Organize
Develop a strategy and organize early. The more time you have to do a task, the less stressful it is, and moving is no exception. As soon as you know you need to move, develop a plan with deadlines.
Begin Sorting and Packing Early
If you know a move is coming, begin sorting and packing, even if you don’t know precisely when or where you’ll move. No matter what size place you’re moving into, streamlining can provide a fresh start. Several months before the move, stop shopping. Then go through all your clothing, furniture, and household items, asking whether you need each one.
You can dispose of items you don’t need by selling them in yard sales or through craigslist or by donating them to a charity.
Begin packing with the items you use least often, such as out-of-season clothes and books. Label boxes with a number of each side and keep a running list of boxes and their contents. That way, you can find items easily at your destination.
Work With Professionals
Most of us aren’t experts at moving, but professional movers are. They can make moving much less stressful. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations, and interview and obtain estimates from several companies before choosing one.
When the crew arrives on moving day, walk them through the home to know what to expect. Learn the names of crew members so that you can communicate with each one as necessary.
Research the Rules
Often moving isn’t as easy as just having the van pull up to the front door. For example, some buildings have rules about when you can move. Others may also require you to book and pay a deposit for the service elevator well ahead of time. Some neighborhoods also have challenging parking requirements; you may have to contact local officials about special parking permits.
Make a Floor Plan
Create a floor plan for the rooms in your new home before the movers arrive. One way to diagram the room is to use a ruler, pencil, and graph paper and draw the room and furnishings to scale. Another way is to use a room planning app such as MagicPlan or Floor Plan Creator.
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Kit
Each household member should pack a kit of essentials they’ll need on moving day, such as pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, a washcloth, and a towel. You’ll also want to pack a household essentials kit, including cleaning supplies, scissors, light bulbs, and garbage bags.
Be Kind to Yourself
One of the best ways to manage change and stress is to take care of yourself. Eat regular and balanced meals, continue your regular exercise program, and get enough sleep.
Plan break times when you do something special to pamper yourself. Examples might be a massage, yoga or meditation, watching a movie, or playing a round of golf.
Smooth Moving
Professional movers can make your moving day a breeze. Contact us for a free quote.
