Even plants move sometimes. So, if you’re human, chances are that you will inevitably have to go through the process of moving.
To make it easier on yourself, follow these 10 tips for relocating.
1. Gather Supplies Early
Take the time to collect moving supplies before you start packing instead of running to the first supply store 15 minutes before you have to get going. According to moving companies, you will save money, the environment, and a lot of nerves.
Use items you already have for packing fragile stuff, like towels, sheets, and blankets.
Ask local businesses if you can have their discarded boxes. The Home Depot and Walmart are great places to ask.
2. Sort Through Items
Lighten your load by sorting through your items and decluttering before moving. Try to get rid of anything that hasn’t been used or worn in a year. You can either donate items or sell them to make a little extra cash to put toward moving expenses.
3. Give Yourself Time To Pack
This is one of the most important moving tips. Getting overwhelmed by moving is quite easy — don’t make it even more stressful by starting to pack up and organize at the last minute. Begin as early as possible, at least three to four weeks before your moving date.
4. Pick the Right Time To Move
In most cases, you won’t have any say on when you need to move. But if you do, try moving during the fall and winter months. An offseason relocation can save you some money.
5. Schedule Utilities and Change Your Address
Don’t forget to update your documents before moving. Let USPS know about your change of address so they can forward your mail to the right location.
Schedule utilities at your new place so everything is turned on once you get there. Moving into a dark and cold home because you forgot about utilities would be a sad way to start your new life, to say the least.
6. Pack an Essentials Bag
Pack a change of clothes, shower necessities, and any items your kid or pet might need during the move. This bag is supposed to cover all the needs for the last night in your current house as well as the first night in your new home.
This way, you won’t have to sort through boxes to find your toothbrush or your kid’s favourite plush toy.
7. Hire Help
One of the biggest ways to lessen your stress is to hire professional movers. They cover an array of tasks — packing, loading, moving, and anything else in between. Practically, you won’t need to lift a finger, though it does come with a price.
If hiring movers doesn’t fit your budget but you need transportation, rent a truck. This will lower costs but still give you the help you need to make shorter trips and transfer all of your stuff.
8. Get Multiple Quotes
When looking for help to hire, make sure you get quotes from many different companies. It will ensure that you get the best price for your budget; plus, you won’t be surprised by any hidden cost on your bill. Check online reviews to make sure you’re hiring a trusted company.
9. Eat All Your Food
This might sound like a weird tip, but eating all of your perishable food will save money. If you don’t eat it, you’ll end up throwing it away. Cold foods (like milk and frozen meals) are way too difficult to move.
Keep nonperishable foods like canned goods, chips, and snacks with you, and pack them along with your kitchen stuff.
10. Get Settled ASAP
Moving involves a lot of energy-draining tasks. The last thing you’ll want to do when you enter your new home is to start unpacking your boxes right away. But the sooner you’re done with it, the sooner your new place will feel like home.
Think of it as a bandage — the faster you pull, the less it’s going to hurt.
Start Enjoying Your New Home
Moving is all about making everything as easy as possible for yourself.
Start packing on time, utilize what you already have for packing supplies, plan everything on time, unpack as soon as you get in, and who knows — maybe this move won’t be as overwhelming as you think it will be.
Now, all that is left is to enjoy your new beginning and a peaceful home!
