6 Things You Must Do for a Simple and Stress-Free Move

There will likely come a time in your life when you need to move, and an unorganized move will cause a lot of chaos in your life that adds stress to an already stressful situation. However, when you make your move more organized in nature, it won’t seem like it’s that bad, and that’s half the battle. Whether you’re planning on moving across town or across the country, these are the six things you must do to create a simple and stress-free moving experience for you and your family.

1. Purge first.

Before you even start to pack anything away, you must purge. This means tackle your house room by room and see what you no longer need. Once you’ve done that, you can either donate these items to a local nonprofit or you can try to make some extra cash from your unwanted items by having a garage sale or selling them online. Don’t forget to go through your closets, basements, and attics as well, as there is likely a lot of stuff in these areas you no longer need. This is especially important if you are moving to a new city.

2. Pack the unnecessary items first.

When it comes time to start packing, you should start with the items you don’t need on a daily basis. For instance, packing up the attic or basement is a great place to start, as you typically don’t need the items you keep in these locations. Once that has been done, start moving through your house room by room and only keep out the things you absolutely need until moving day, such as clothes and toiletries. This gives you a head start and will help in the long run.

3. Stay organized.

One of the worst parts about moving is trying to find a specific item after you’ve packed it away. However, if you remain organized, you’ll have an easier time after you’re in your new place. One way to do this is to label your boxes with letters. Then, in a binder with paper, write down the letter of the  box as well as all the items you put inside (yes, all the items). This way, if you’re in your new space and you’re looking for the pizza cutter, you don’t have to open all the boxes labeled “kitchen” and instead can check your binder and know you need to open Box B. Just be sure you don’t pack your binder away!

4. Make plans for kids and pets.

There is a lot going on throughout moving day, and if you have children or pets in your household, this can make the situation more stressful. Instead of trying to balance everything on your own, be sure to make arrangements for children and pets ahead of time. For instance, maybe your children can stay with other family members until you have gotten everything into your new home. Maybe you can board your pets or see if they can stay with another family member or friend until you’ve unloaded all the boxes. By making these arrangements, you’ll have one less thing to worry about during the chaos of moving.

5. Use a moving company.

Although it’s an added expense, using a moving company can be the best thing you’ve ever spent money on. These companies will do everything from pack your belongings to simply move the boxes from one house to the next. The best thing is that these professionals will do everything in one day, which simplifies the process. Also, depending on what company you choose, some will even pack everything up for you, which can make your situation even better. Do some research for a reputable moving company in your area and see if it’s something you can afford to do.

6. Give yourself time.

One of the biggest stressors about moving is how rushed you feel throughout the process; however, this can change if you give yourself enough time. For instance, take a few days off work to get your old house packed up and your new house organized and unpacked, or try to plan it over a weekend or long holiday when you have more time. Also, be sure to ask friends and family members for help, as reinforcements can make the process less daunting. When you don’t feel rushed, your moving experience will be less stressful.

Whether you’re moving because you want to or because you have to, you don’t need to let the situation wear you down. By using these tips, you’ll have a less stressful move.