Moving is an exhausting and stressful experience, but it’s often one that is unavoidable. Yet, there are ways to make your move less hectic. With some planning, you’ll be on your way to an easy move.
Plan Ahead for an Easy Move
Moving is unpredictable, but there are ways you can prepare for. If you can, start planning three months before you need to leave. One of the things you should plan out is your moving strategy. If you’re not going far, you may have an easier time. You can recruit friends and not have to worry as much about weather and road conditions. However, if you’re moving a long distance, things become more complicated. Will you use a moving company? What route will you take? What will the weather be like when you’re moving? To make things easier, now is the time to start lightening your load. Give things away that you feel you can part with, and donate the rest. Get your utilities settled beforehand, both in your old residence and in your new one.
Make a Checklist
Having a checklist can ensure you don’t forget key aspects of your move. What do you need to do, and when does it need to be done? Do you need to inform your current landlord? Do you need to update the post office with your new address? When will you start buying packing gear, and when will you start packing? As with planning, start packing as early as you can. Use the time to go through your things and decide what’s not necessary and what is. Clearly mark things off when you complete them, and make sure you know what needs to happen next.
Prep Your Meals
A slow or pressure cooker is going to be your best friend during this time. You don’t want to save packing the kitchen until the last minute, so using as few utensils as possible will be important. Not only that, but consider getting paper plates and disposable eating utensils so you can get your dinnerware ready for the move. If you freeze meals in advance, you’ll make that last week even easier. If you aren’t going far, you might even be able to take some of the frozen meals with you so you don’t have to rely on takeout while you unpack.
Pack Smart
Moving can be wasteful and expensive. Packing supplies aren’t cheap, and often, they aren’t reusable. Be smart when you pack and use what items you have. Clothes and blankets make great padding for delicate and breakable treasures. Rather than putting your extra clothes into boxes, use plastic wrap to secure your dresser after packing it full of light things. Cover anything that might leak with plastic wrap. If at all possible, put your heaviest items, such as books, in suitcases with wheels to avoid possible injury when lifting. It’s also a good idea to have an overnight bag ready, full of toiletries and clothes, so you don’t have to go searching through box after box to find what you need after a long day of moving.
When to Hire Professionals
If you have a large household, or if you are moving a considerable distance, it’s a good idea to use a professional moving company. A moving cost calculator can help you plan and find out approximately how much the service will cost. Do research, get referrals, and always get an estimate. Despite the cost, a moving company can make the day less stressful. You also have a greater chance of not damaging your items, as professionals know exactly how to load and travel to keep your things safe. After all, you will have enough to worry about on moving day.
Don’t overlook the little things. Start planning as soon as you can, have your checklist ready, and enlist help when you need it. You don’t need to do this alone. Remember, this day will be stressful no matter what. Do everything you can to ease that pressure where you can.
