While some might not agree, researchers have found that moving is considered one of the most stressful life experiences an individual can go through, putting it right in line with divorce and death of a loved one. The tasks involved in moving can bring about physical, emotional, and psychological discomfort, from the start of packing your first box to settling in to your new home. If you hire a mover, the heaving lifting will be done for you, but there is a lot to do before the moving truck backs up to your front door.
- Packing – Start by packing the items in your home that you don’t use often. These can include holiday decorations, kitchen gadgets, and seasonal equipment or clothing. Use belongings such as suitcases and storage ottomans as additional boxes for clothes and personal items.
- Be Organized – Once you’ve determined your move-out and move-in dates, call your current utility companies to set up termination of services and the utility companies at your future residence to set up service accounts to make sure you have everything ready to go on move-in day.
- Slow and Steady – It’s important to remember that moving is not a quick process; packing takes time and you don’t want moving day to arrive with half the house still needing to be packed. Based on the length of time you have to pack and move, set goals for packing a specific number of boxes each day. Five boxes is a good number to start with but keep in mind packing clothes will go a lot quicker than the packing of dishes and glasses so if you have time, pack more than your goal.
- Take it or Donate it – Moving is a great time to go through everything and donate, purge and throw away. If you haven’t wore or used something in over a year, donate it. If you come to find you have three colanders, donate two of them. Take only what you need and if you’re downsizing, you’ll definitely need to get rid of some things in order to be comfortable in your new home. Some organizations will come to your home to pick up your donations which can help eliminate stress as well.
- Fuel Yourself – With the time it takes to pack and the mess it creates, it’s a good idea to plan how you will be eating throughout the moving process. Preparing meals in advance in disposable containers that are easy to heat in the oven or microwave is one route you can take. An alternative can be eating take-out throughout the duration of the move.
- Change of Address – An additional stress you don’t need is missing a bill payment because you forgot to change your address with your credit card company. Change your address with the post office to ensure your mail gets forwarded to your new home. You can do it online or go to your local post office. You can pick the date you want to begin the forwarding so this is something you can definitely do in advance.
- Help – Get the right help. Asking a friend to help you pack is great and we recommend it, but do you really want them carrying that valuable family heirloom up and down the steps? Professional movers more than pay for themselves when it comes to your back and preserving your friendships.
If we can be of assistance for your move, please let us know. We offer FREE QUOTES, boxes and complete packing services.
