When you’re moving, the first thing to keep in mind is that the amount of stuff you have to move is usually much greater than you think. You may be used to moving yourself, which can be more stressful because there are so many things. Secondly, you’ll need to sort through all your items and decide what should go where, which things can stay together and which ones need to be separated – this can take hours!
Thirdly, moving requires a lot of boxes. If you have been thinking “I’m only going across town”, then think again because you’ll pack your things in many boxes so you can move smoothly. Also, if your house isn’t big enough for all your stuff, then chances are you’ll store some items somewhere else until you need them again. Lastly, saying bye to your old neighbors with whom you’ve had special memories is never easy.
But don’t worry — there are ways to make the process less stressful. Here are eight things you can do before and after moving day:
Look For Opportunities to Save Money
Reducing the financial burden of travel can make moving less stressful. It can be as simple as using free boxes, renting a truck instead of buying one, selling old cabinets and buying discounted ones from shops like Best Online Cabinets, packing yourself, and so forth.
Prepare Psychologically
The thought of moving can leave you stressed, not necessarily because of the physical act of moving stuff to a new location, but because you feel nostalgic for the special memories your old neighborhood holds. But when you understand that change is a sign of growth, you’ll start focusing on the new opportunities your new location might bring.
See moving as an opportunity to explore the world more, but also make a list of the valuable things that came from the old location and those that you hope to gain from your new location. Remember, focusing on the positives of life erodes negative emotions.
Start Early
If you’re planning on moving, start early. As much as we all want to be well-prepared, it’s important not to wait until the last minute. By starting your packing process weeks or a month earlier, you’ll have more time to get all things done properly. This also means that if something goes wrong during your move, like a car breaking down, you’ll have plenty of options and help on standby.
Have Enough Boxes
Get rid of things you don’t need. It’s tempting to pack up all those memories and mementos from the past, but try not to fill up every inch of space with useless clutter just because it’s there. Also, don’t buy boxes; free ones will save you money. Look around at other people’s homes—those who have nice furniture may have old milk crates lying around collecting dust; ask if they’d mind giving them away. You could also check Craigslist or eBay for used cardboard boxes instead of buying new ones.
Don’t Procrastinate About Packing
Starting early is the best way to avoid procrastination. You’ll be able to see your progress and make sure that you don’t have any hidden surprises, like a box full of old clothes at the back of a closet.
When in Doubt, Let Go Of It
If you are unsure about something, get rid of it. Don’t keep things you don’t need or use — and if they’re broken or damaged too much to repair, try to find someone else who might be interested in them for their parts. You can also donate these items instead of keeping them around; you’ll be doing yourself a favor by getting rid of junk!
Get Help From Friends And Family
Asking for help is a great way to get things done quickly. It’s also a good idea to make them aware of their roles so they don’t end up doing more than necessary. Also, ensure you have clear expectations about when the help will occur and which tasks you need help in. Remember that people may have other obligations as well—so if it’s only one person who can help, there’s no point in asking ten friends to help you move.
Hire Professional Movers
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Professional movers will help you pack, load, and unload your items. They ensure that all of your belongings are safely transported to their new home in an organized manner. This can save you time and money on the move itself. If you choose this option, take adequate time to compare what various trucking companies offer. Focus on things like reputation, damage coverage, price, etc.
Conclusion
Moving is stressful. I’ll not lie. But doing the above things can make it less taxing on your body and mind—and you could even save money in the process. For some, the stress emanates from spending money, and for others, it’s about executing something strenuous within a short time. You can ease the stress by preparing adequately before the day of moving. Start early, bid the old location goodbye, and make saving money your top priority.
