Research shows that moving is one of the most stress-inducing experiences. It is in the ranks of getting a divorce, losing a job, and the death of a loved one. However, having a stress-free move doesn’t have to be impossible. With the right organization, moving to your new home can be exciting and even fun. We have gathered expert tips to help you make the most out of this experience.
Start on time
The biggest stress-reliever of moving day starts early. As soon as you know when you are moving, you should start packing up boxes. Start with something that you know you won’t need for the time period. Even a couple of boxes here and there can make a difference. This way you avoid the rush on moving day and the added stress.
Fix your new home
Make sure to set aside some time to prepare your new home before moving in. The place might require painting the walls or installing a tub. This will all be easier if you do it before you have all those boxes to unpack. Additionally, the new home should be cleaned thoroughly. It might have been empty for a long time, with dust and dirt everywhere. You don’t want your new furniture or all memorabilia to get dirty even before you actually live there.
Set aside a few days to clean your new home.
Declutter your old home
If you haven’t done a ‘spring cleaning’ in a while, this is the time. Old magazines ripped t-shirts, and ticket stubs from 3 years ago have got to go. Set aside four boxes in which you can put things.
Categorize them by their purpose into:
- To toss box
- Donate box
- Sell box
- Keep box
You might be surprised by how many things you don’t need. Moreover, this means less clutter in your new home. Make sure to set aside cleaning supplies, as you will need them the most during this time.
The kids shouldn’t be there
If you have kids, a stress-free move might seem impossible. Small children can make this day even more hectic. You would constantly need to keep an eye on them. Also, with everything in boxes, they might break something valuable. If they aren’t old enough to help, they should stay away. It would be best to send them to grandparents or relatives, to avoid unnecessary stress. The same goes for your pets, who might find the boxes appealing. Save yourself from the additional hassle of taking care of them on this day.
Your kids and pets might make this day even more stressful.
Pack logically for a stress-free move
In order to save time in your new home, pack things with similar items. Linens should go with pillows, kitchenware should be packed with cutlery. This way you open only one box at a time in a certain location. Furthermore, fragile items should be kept together. Try to fit them in as fewer boxes as possible. By doing this you make sure that you can take these boxes with you, and work toward a stress-free move. You might not want to trust your movers with these fragile items. Also, your luggage can be used instead of packing boxes, saving you time and money.
Time to say goodbye
If you are moving far away, you might get emotional. It’s okay to feel sad about leaving your neighborhood. However, it’s a happy occasion and it should be celebrated. Throwing a party to say goodbye to the people you care about is always a good idea. You might share memories and laughs, and even tears. This will help you move on emotionally, not just physically. Go to all the places around your home that made you happy. On the other hand, remember that you will meet new people and make new memories. Of course, you can still keep in touch with your old friends.
Make sure to say goodbye to your friends before you leave.
Your friends want to help
Even though it might be hard to ask for help, it can mean a lot. Your friends and relatives most likely have experience and know what it takes. Having someone help you can alleviate some of the stress of packing and moving. They may even have some great ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. A different perspective can help you realize what is important and what isn’t. Additionally, it can be a bonding experience, especially if you aren’t going to see them for a long time.
Don’t stress the small things
With a big event like moving, something unexpected is bound to happen. While a stress-free move is about organizing and having a good mover, it is also about going with the flow. Try to stay flexible by not planning a rigid schedule. Give the movers a couple of extra hours to get there and back, or yourself a few extra days. This way, you won’t stress the small things, such as packing your books in the wrong box.
A backup plan is also a good idea, for example, if your movers back out last minute or a pipe burst in the bathroom. If you are moving your office, make sure to find a reliable company that prides on the office move made easy.
Make room to breathe
With all the bustle of packing and moving, you might forget to take care of yourself. Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence with such stressful activities. Furthermore, make sure to eat enough healthy and nutritious food. Take breaks every couple of hours to give yourself time to recharge.
Be excited!
While going through this process, imagine that it’s already done. Packing and cleaning were accomplished. You have finished everything you needed to and inspected every room. The movers were on time, and the boxes fit perfectly. The drive was pleasant. Keeping a positive attitude like this will ensure you have a stress-free move. Your new life is ahead of you, adventures to have and memories to make. The process of packing and moving is a very short time compared to the life you will enjoy once you have finished. Also, another family will get to enjoy the house you loved and make memories of their own.