The average person moves more than 11 times in their lives. No matter how many times you change your address, it’s always going to be challenging.
There are so many tasks you need to take care of when getting ready to move that keeping up with your social and work obligations can seem almost impossible. However, it doesn’t have to.
You just need to know how to simplify the process and set yourself up for success. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind that will help you before, during, and after your upcoming move.
1. Get Rid of Clutter
The more items you have to pack up and move to your new home, the more expensive it will be. Save yourself money by going through your home and getting rid of items that you no longer want or need.
Go room by room. Look for clothes that no longer fit or are out of style and donate them to the charity of your choice. Get rid of junk mail and knickknacks that don’t add value to your life.
If you find items that you haven’t used in more than a year, consider whether you really want to keep them. If they’re just taking up space in your home, get rid of them.
Once you’ve gone through your excess stuff, host a garage sale and try to get rid of items in good condition. Anything that’s left after the sale can get donated to the charity of your choice.
2. Get Quotes From Moving Companies Early
Moving companies are almost always busy, but some times of the year are busier than others. As soon as you know you’re moving to a new home or town, start reaching out to moving companies and get quotes from several in the area.
Compare those quotes and the companies’ availability. Choose the service that offers you the best price and works with your schedule.
If you’re getting ready to move on your own, reserve a moving truck as soon as you have a date in mind. This way, you won’t be stuck with a tiny truck or have to worry about making multiple trips.
3. Use High-Quality Boxes
One of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re figuring out how to prepare your house for a move is that the quality of your packing materials matters.
Invest in high-quality moving boxes for fragile items like dishes, decorations, and electronics. These boxes are stronger than the ones you find in grocery stores and big-box retailers, offering your belongings more protection on the truck.
You can still use free boxes from your local grocery store for more durable items like clothes and blankets. Just be mindful of what you put in each box and avoid overloading them. The last thing you want is for the boxes to break and spill your stuff in transit.
4. Pack One Room at a Time
Moving is almost always easier when you pack your home in an organized way. Instead of trying to pack the entire house at once, focus on one room at a time. This breaks the packing into more manageable chunks and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.
In each room, group like items with like and label each box thoroughly. You can even color-code the boxes to make it easier to unpack once you arrive at your new house.
If you’re not sure where to start, pack in sections. Begin with the closet and move onto lesser-used drawers. You can leave the items you still use frequently out until the week of the move.
No matter what you do, start early. Packing before a move takes time and the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be.
5. Pack an Essentials Bag
When you’re moving, figuring out what to avoid packing can be a tough decision. This often leaves people feeling like they should pack everything up indiscriminately.
Instead, take your time and pull out the items you’ll need easy access to for a few days after you reach your new home. Pack enough clothes, medication, toiletries, and entertainment items to last for a week or so. Take care to pack an essentials bag for every member of your family, including your pets.
This will allow you to unpack more slowly and helps you stay organized at your new home.
6. Get the Kids Involved
When it comes to preparing kids for a move, the best thing you can do is get them involved. It’s normal for them to feel stressed and concerned about leaving a house they know, but when they get to help with the move, they’re more likely to feel excited.
Encourage them to help you pack up their rooms and the common areas of the house. Show them what to do and how to load each box as they go. If possible, supervise them while they’re going through their stuff.
This will help keep them from getting sidetracked or distracted.
7. Figure Out the Best Route
If you’re hiring movers to help you transport your belongings, they’ll be able to find the best route to your new house. However, if you’re driving a moving truck on your own, you’ll want to make sure you find the easiest route possible.
Look for major streets that can accommodate your moving truck easily. If you’re moving locally, make a dry run in your car and scout out the route so you know what to expect beforehand.
Use These Tips When Getting Ready to Move
Making the decision to move to a new home is both exciting and stressful. There’s so much to handle all at once that the entire process can be overwhelming.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re getting ready to move and you’ll be on track for a stress-free experience.
Looking for more tips and tricks to help you get settled into your new home quickly? Check out our latest posts.
