There’s a reason that moving house is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. It literally upends your life, your relationships and your sense of being rooted. Not to mention, it’s incredibly time-consuming and can be costly.
Photo by Brandable Box on Unsplash
There are so many moving parts involved with moving house that something is bound to go wrong if you decide to wing it. Learning a few tips from those who’ve moved before can make all the difference. Here are a few of the most important tips that could save you loads of time, money and stress during your move.
1. Make a Moving Plan
So, you’re planning to move. But have you planned your move? There are LOADS of steps on the way from home A to home B, and if you don’t get them organized, each one will stress you out.
Infographic Provided By Moving Leads Company, USA Home Listings.Before contacting a mover or packing a single box, start by creating a moving planner. Include all the goals you need to accomplish (changing your mailing address, packing each room, dealing with utilities, hiring a truck, etc.), and create a deadline for each goal. That way, you can tackle one or two tasks at a time and never feel overwhelmed.
Make sure to leave some blank spaces in your planner for additional tasks as they pop up along the way.
2. Get Rid of Extra Stuff
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to get rid of the unnecessary stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. The more junk you pack, the harder your job will be (and the more costly it will be to hire a mover). Now is the time to take inventory of your closets and get rid of as much stuff as you can. Sell it, donate it, hand it down—just make sure it doesn’t end up in your new house. If sorting your things is too big a job, consider decluttering services to lighten the load. These professionals will help you take stock of your things and your life in your current home and your new one.
3. Start Packing Early
Packing is probably the most time-consuming part of moving, but most people put it off for far too long. They don’t pack the things they use every day because they need them. And they don’t pack the things they’re not using, because they’re out of sight and mind. In the end, they find they have loads more to do than anticipated.
Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll have a decent idea of how much stuff you have and where it all is. Don’t hesitate to pack the things you don’t need as soon as possible. Seasonal clothing, small appliances, artwork, books and other non-essentials can be packed weeks in advance. When moving day arrives, you’ll have far less to do.
4. Label like a Pro
Labelling boxes takes time, so this essential task often gets ignored during last-minute packing. But a lack of labelling will make your life a nightmare when you arrive at your new house. You may not know it yet, but you’re going to have a lot of boxes, and they’re all going to look the same. Without labels, walking into your new house will be like walking into the warehouse where they store the Ark of the Covenant in Indiana Jones.
To avoid tedious unpacking that takes weeks, label your boxes by their contents and what room they belong in. That way, the movers will be able to put the boxes in their appropriate rooms from day 1. Just like that, half of your work is already done. Colour-coding your boxes with stickers is also wise if you’ve got time to go the extra mile.
5. Gear up for Your Move
If you’re not hiring professional movers, you’ll still need moving gear to get the job done. And we’re not just talking about renting a lifting trolley. Here are some essentials you’ll need:
- Packing tape
- Box cutter
- Garbage bags
- Bubble wrap
- Extra boxes
- Furniture pads
- Tie-down straps
- Rope
The most important tool for your move is a moving truck with a ramp. You might have a friend with a pick-up truck, but a moving truck is far safer for you and your things. Plus, it guarantees you can get the whole move done in one trip.
Are You Ready for a Smooth Move?
Moving is always tough. Even if you hire a professional moving service to do all the packing and heavy lifting, it’s still stressful to make such a big change in your life. Before you make any decisions about your move, it’s worth it to take a step back, do a little research and make a plan. With the tips above, you can avoid most of the common stresses associated with moving home and make your new house feel like home a little quicker.