No matter if you moved homes seven times or if this is your first relocation, the process is never easy and enjoyable. You get tired, bored and just plain annoyed by all the boxes and clutter. However, moving doesn’t have to be traumatic for all members of your family! Here are a few tips that will help you minimize the stress of moving.
Save the date
If you want to have a smooth and stress-free relocation, make sure to take a few days off work and focus solely on packing, purging and moving. If you have kids and pets, make sure to hire sitters so you can concentrate on one thing only. If you’re moving somewhere further away, you can even clear your entire week. When you pack continuously, you will notice that your work is going smoothly and quickly. Short bursts of packing will never be as effective!
Reduce clutter
Clutter creates stress and that’s a fact. However, you can feel the negative effects of clutter during your move the most! All the junk you’re holding on to will waste your precious space, clog your new house and just make you feel stress. So, make sure to reduce your possessions before you start packing. Start with three piles: sell, donate and throw away. Valuable items can easily be sold on eBay, Craigslist or your massive garage sale. This way, you will both reduce your clutter and earn some money for your new place. Things you can’t sell can be donated to Goodwill, your local thrift store or your family or friend who you know will love your spare items. Make sure to throw away only those things that can’t be reused, resold or recycled—we all need to have our Mother Earth’s back.
Hire pros
One of the best ways to reduce stress while packing and moving is to hire professionals to handle your transport. You might want to pack your things by yourself which is more than understandable (you can take your time, create a good plan and be more relaxed) but when it comes to transport, ensure you have good people on speed dial. Hiring a shipping container for your move is a great idea, especially if you also find a reliable shipping container transport company to relocate your things safely yet quickly. This will ensure you can both pack and unpack at your own pace and reduce stress and anxiety on your big day.
Get all the supplies ready
Start collecting your supplies a few weeks before your move. Think boxes, newspapers, containers, and bags. Even if you don’t read newspapers anymore, you can probably find some old magazines stacked somewhere or ask your neighbors for some old spare editions. These are super cheap (usually free) and great for protecting fragile items. Another thing you can do is visit your local grocery store or retail store and ask to see the manager. See if they have some boxes to spare and collect a few stacks. Stock up on labels, scissors, tape, and other necessary things early and you can have a smooth and uninterrupted move!
Make a plan
If you start packing without a good plan, you’re predestined to fail. What you need to do is pack your belongings in a neat and methodical way, starting from one room and moving across your home. Start with your family room, pack everything and only then move to your bedroom or kitchen. And keep your labels near! Every box needs to be labeled based on the room where it came from and have a shortlist of things stored inside. This way when you arrive, you will know exactly where to unload every box and where to go looking for your slippers or TV remote.
Pack a first-night bag
It’s very important to spend a cozy and fun first evening in your new house, so make sure to pack a first-night bag for every member of your family. Pack items like pajamas, clean underwear, toothbrushes, spare clothes and so on—just like when going on a vacation! The rest of your home can be in boxes, but when you have all your necessities near, you’ll be able to rest easy.
If you take your time, start early and create a good plan for your move, you will have a smooth, tear-free relocation and a peaceful first night in your new home!
