If you’re planning to relocate, there are various steps you can take to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Start by writing down all of the tasks that need to be accomplished. By having everything listed out, it will make keeping track of everything easier and ensuring it gets completed by its due date.
1. Set a realistic timeline
Moving is a complex task with numerous steps and responsibilities involved, making it hard to stay on top of everything. Therefore, setting a realistic timeline for the move is vital.
Start by compiling a comprehensive list of tasks needed, arranged in order of importance, then utilize it as the foundation for stress-free moving experience.
Establish a timeline for every week of your move so you know when and what tasks need to be completed in order to be ready on time. This way, any scheduling conflicts can be avoided as easily as completing each task is checked off as completed.
Once you’ve established a timeline, it’s time to begin packing up your possessions. Aim to begin this process at least two months prior to your actual move date so you have ample time for completion without feeling overwhelmed by it all.
2. Create a moving checklist
Establishing a moving checklist will help ensure you don’t overlook anything important during your move and can ensure all tasks are completed on time, saving yourself the trouble later on.
An effective moving checklist can be created using Google Docs or another type of software of your choosing, providing an efficient way to manage estimates, receipts and information received from moving companies.
An effective moving checklist should begin two months in advance and continue through to when all tasks at your new home have been completed. This gives ample time for packing, cleaning and other last-minute details.
Preparing a moving checklist is one of the key ways you can reduce stress during your move and save time and energy – whether you choose to do it on your own or hire professional movers. It will save you both time and energy in the long run!
3. Pack early
Starting to pack early is essential to making the moving experience as stress-free as possible. If you wait until the last minute to pack your home, you could end up running out of time or becoming overwhelmed with the task at hand.
Starting off right can be intimidating; one way to ease into it is determining what items need to be packed first, which depends on both personal preferences and home size.
Start packing by taking care to pack rooms that you use less frequently – such as guest bedrooms, dining rooms and linen closets – this will ensure that the rest of your home remains relatively clutter-free during this process.
An early start will also help avoid building up boxes in rooms you aren’t using at all, such as your attic or garage. If you do choose to pack these areas before beginning to unpack, be sure to label all boxes so they are easily found later.
Before moving, it’s wise to carefully pack up books, photographs, CDs, DVDs and records – this will ensure that your collection stays intact.
4. Ask for help
Your friends can help make moving easier; but sometimes asking can be hard. From helping pack to providing advice, having their support can make your move more successful.
When looking for moving help, it’s essential to take into account their schedule. In general, the weekend is best because most people are off work and available to provide assistance.
Asking for help when packing or moving is also an opportunity to ask if someone can watch your children or pets will free up time for other tasks and lessen stress associated with getting them to their new house.
Providing snacks and drinks as part of the agreement to help with moving can keep everyone focused while keeping away fatigue or crankiness that might otherwise arise during long working sessions.
5. Hire a moving company
Hiring professional movers is one of the best ways to reduce stress and make your move as stress-free as possible, not only saving time but also making things simpler for yourself by not having to pack and unpack yourself.
As your first step, research reputable companies offering services at reasonable rates. This can be accomplished online or via referral from friends or family; for more reliable options you could check Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot websites as well.
Idealy, look for a company with multiple positive customer reviews before making your decision about hiring them or not. This can help guide your decision process in an informed fashion.
Once they arrive at your home or over the phone, have them provide an estimate to give a more precise idea of cost.
Compare estimates from different companies and select one that best meets your budget and payment preference. Always verify if payment can be accepted via your preferred method of payment.
Hiring a moving company with proven experience and excellent customer service skills is essential. Your chosen moving service should be responsive to your needs, working alongside you in order to complete everything on time.
6. Pack a box for each day of the move
Make a list of everything that needs to be packed and work from there. Sort items by date, time of year or priority for maximum efficiency in packing your belongings without stressing out last-minute about anything being overlooked or forgotten about.
Starting off by packing essential items first — such as toilet paper, towels, clothes for every family member in their box of clothing and disposable plates/cups/utensils — will make the rest of your move smoother and quicker! Packing these necessities first will make the rest of your move much simpler!
Label each box clearly with its intended room of use and any fragile characteristics to help your movers know where it should go on moving day and avoid confusion at unpacking day! Doing this will help ensure a seamless unpacking experience!
If you have fragile items to ship, fill their spaces tightly with packing peanuts or even old clothing to prevent them from jostling and moving about in their box, damaging other items and potentially being lost quickly if misplaced. Doing this will also help quickly locate lost pieces when looking through boxes later on.
7. Take a break
Moving can be emotionally draining, particularly if it means leaving friends and family behind. Dealing with feelings such as grief, sadness and frustration may be difficult but it is essential that we accept those emotions when they surface.
If you need help understanding how to deal with your feelings, discussing them with a trusted friend or family member could help get through difficult periods and improve how you feel overall.
Make an effort to focus on the positive emotions associated with moving. Being excited about your new home and neighborhood makes it much simpler to let go of negative feelings.
Set and stick to a schedule – this will keep you focused and prevent anxiety from setting in.
Make sure that you take breaks while working; short mental rest periods can actually increase productivity.
8. Get organized
Preparing to move is key for making sure you arrive with everything necessary when arriving in your new home, while also helping prevent unnecessary packing of extra items that you won’t need anyway! By being organized before moving day arrives, ensuring you bring only those essentials is also one great way of saving time during packing!
Start by going through your home and purging any belongings that won’t be needed in the new location, such as items you no longer use or won’t require. Decide which items to keep, donate, sell or dispose of.
Decluttering can be a difficult and time-consuming task, making it essential to get started as early as possible in order to have enough time to complete it before moving day arrives.
Donate or sell any belongings that you no longer require so as to reduce clutter in your boxes and on your move.
Before leaving home, organize the essential items you will need immediately – such as cleaning supplies and kitchen utensils – that will allow for speedier unpacking once you arrive at your new destination. This will save both time and energy!