When it comes to moving apartments or houses, most people experience a sudden rush of anxiety and stress. Aside from being stressful, it’s also costly and time-consuming, to say nothing of the other less-than-positive qualities that come to mind. There are, however, ways to make relocating less stressful by following specific guidelines.
To narrow it down, the first five things you can do to make moving less stressful are:
- Make a moving to-do list
- Invest in equipment
- Start packing one room at a time
- You should begin packing as soon as you possibly can
- Implement an accurate labeling system
While there’s no way to eradicate the hassle of moving to a new home completely, you can make the process a lot easier. To make it easier on your end, we’ll share our favorite tips on making moving less stressful.
10 Things You Can Do Make Moving Less Stressful
Although there are plenty of ways you can keep your anxiety levels to a minimum, here are a few of the most effective.
Tip #1 – Make a moving to-do list.
Your to-do list will serve as the blueprint for a smooth transition out of your home. First, make a detailed checklist with every key task, like making a down payment or storing a vehicle. You can also include a list on the price of the entire moving process
Moving involves many steps — it’s not just packing up your house. With this in mind, You can create a to-do list to ensure that you’ll have proper time management throughout the entire move.
We suggest carrying a notebook with you at all times that lists out all the necessary things you need to do before moving day. Then, when something additional pops into your mind, write it down right away.
Here are some other essential items you won’t want to miss:
- Selling the furniture, you don’t want to keep
- Staging your home
- Updating mailing address and subscriptions
- Sprucing up your yard for increased curb appeal
- Transferring utilities
- Updating your car registration
Tip #2 – Invest in moving materials and equipment.
Stock up on goods a few days before the big move. The last thing you want to do while packing moving boxes or making sure everything is out of the house is run to the store. Box cutters, permanent markers, packing tape, paper towels, and garbage bags can all be ordered or purchased. Even if they aren’t all used during the transfer, they will come in handy later!
Consider renting moving equipment from a moving company for heavier items. If you move regularly, you might want to invest in these products. Make sure you have a furniture dolly, pads or covers, and tie-down straps or rope on hand throughout the relocation, whether you buy, hire, or borrow them.
Tip #3 – Start packing one room at a time.
Sometimes, getting ready to move can be overwhelming. However, by focusing on one room at a time, you can reduce your stress. Also, you’ll be able to cut your big goal — packing up your entire place — into smaller ones. Packing one room at a time can also make staying organized much more manageable.
Do you want to know what to pack first? Continue reading here.
Start by packing rooms you don’t use as often, such as guest bedrooms and dining rooms. Then, once you get closer to moving day, you can begin to pack the rooms you spend more time in. Pack one room at a time. It helps you keep things organized and saves you lots of time later when you unpack. In addition, it will be easier to unpack because you can place boxes in their respective rooms.
Tip #4 – You should begin packing as soon as you possibly can
Time is one of the most stressful factors that affect planning your move. If you don’t start with plenty of time, it can become overwhelming to look at the lengthy laundry list you need to get done. After you’ve determined your labeling system, it’s time to start packing. A good rule of thumb is to begin at least two weeks before your move. Start by packing items you don’t commonly use, saving more frequently used items for last.
Tip #5 – Implement an accurate labeling system.
Before you begin packing:
- Consider creating a system to sort your valuables and personal items. You can use different colors or numbers to organize your belongings visually.
- When labeling your boxes, write their destination and contents and fragile items.
- Write this information on each side of the box so you can easily see where it belongs later on.
It will prevent you from having a truck full of identical boxes with no way of knowing what’s inside. To make the process even easier when you move into your new home, take the boxes directly to the room they belong in. It saves you time and energy while unpacking.
Pro Tip: Consider using clear storage containers to know precisely what is inside without opening the box.
Tip #6 – Hire professional movers.
There are different types of options available. For example, a full-service packer will take care of the entire process themselves. In contrast, others can pack and transport just your specialty items or appliances. Finally, don’t hesitate to use a professional service. In that case, it is a good idea to have moving coverage and a detailed inventory of your valuables in case something is damaged or goes missing.
Tip #7 – Move on a less popular day if you want to avoid traffic.
Moving costs money, which can be stressful. However, if you move on a less popular moving day, it’ll help save you both stress and money. Play around with potential moving dates and find the cheapest day to make an appointment. Moving companies are busiest on weekends, so if you can skip Saturday and schedule your move for a weekday, you’ll be looking at a decent discount and avoid the craziness. We also advise you to schedule your movers ASAP, approximately six weeks in advance.
Tip #8 – Manage your expectations.
Even though you’re an expert planner, there will always be bumps in the road you can’t foresee or control. However, your attitude and how you face them can make or break the experience. Try to keep an upbeat, realistic perspective, and remember to expect the unexpected at any time. If you have a positive mindset, you’ll be prepared to tackle any obstacle that comes your way.
Tip #9 – Stick to your budget.
Moving isn’t cheap, but don’t let the financial implications add to your moving stress. Instead, build out a budget with all your associated moving costs to keep your finances in check. For example, are you planning to hire a moving company? Are you going to rent a truck yourself? Will you lease a storage unit? Then, when you create a budget (and stick to it!), you can avoid surprise financial hits along the way.
Tip #10 – Take breaks and reward yourself.
Moving is a marathon, so you’ll want to schedule plenty of breaks and rewards to help you push across the finish line. For example, if you stick to your timeline, you can:
- Treat yourself to a few new pieces of artwork to hang on your new walls
- Go out on a fancy night out in your new neighborhood to celebrate an exciting new chapter
4 Tips to Help You Adjust to a New Home
It takes time for a new home to feel like home, but there are ways you can make the transition easier.
Keep in Touch With Friends and Family
Don’t let distance be a barrier between you and your loved ones. Schedule a virtual house tour with your friends and family to show off your new space. You can also set up a recurring monthly happy hour or create a long-distance book club. It will give you and your friends an everyday activity to double as a catch-up session.
Explore Your New City or Neighborhood
Don’t miss out on opportunities to explore your new city or neighborhood, whether it’s strolling through downtown, visiting nearby scenic trails, or bar-hopping. Don’t be embarrassed to spend the first few months exploring like a tourist — letting yourself get lost and stepping out of your comfort zone can help you feel like a local in no time at all. Here are a few easy ways to get the most out of your new surroundings:
Take public transit
- Find a list of the best-reviewed restaurants and make a “foodie bucket list” to tackle
- Locate the essential stores in your area (pharmacies, grocery stores, gyms, etc.)
- Make time to get to know your new coworkers, classmates, or neighbors
Keep Your Home Clean
During your first few months in a new city, you’ll need a home base you look forward to returning to. Unfortunately, a dirty, cluttered space will only worsen your existing stress.
Conclusion
Following our simple yet effective list of the best ways to prevent stressful moving will help you make moving less stressful. If you have other concerns about your move, look over our other blog posts.
831 Movers
2234 Thomas Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
(831) 212-3330
