Do you have a move coming up? Chances are you’re already thinking about the best way to approach it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make it a better experience overall. Here are five things to think about.
1. Lighten Your Load
If there’s one thing you’ll notice when the time comes to sell your home or move, it’s that you have more stuff than you realized. While clutter can be a major source of stress, remember that this is the perfect time to attack decluttering head-on.
A whole-house decluttering is no small task. On top of being a big job in itself, it can also be quite intimidating — but you don’t have to approach this blindly. Some quick research on how to downsize your home could be exactly what you need to be successful in this task, from start to finish.
Consider renting a dumpster so you’ll have a designated spot for anything you can’t sell, recycle, or donate. This would not only be convenient but would provide you with all the space you need to get the job done. Hooray! for not stressing over what to do with larger pieces, odds and ends, or multiple bags of trash.
2. Enlist Help Whenever You’re Able
No matter how you look at it, moving is logistical and hard work. Whether you’re relocating just down the street, moving to another town, or your new home is thousands of miles away, there’s no question that there are countless moving pieces to keep track of throughout the process.
While what you’ll ultimately be able to do will depend on your budget and schedule, you’ll want to know your options for services such as movers, storage options, vehicle rentals, babysitters, and pet-sitters. If you’re on a tight budget or are fortunate enough to have a village of willing family and friends to help, don’t be shy in asking for help.
You’re going to need to be ready to delegate and communicate clearly to everyone in the days leading up to moving and the actual day itself. Doing so will ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
3. Pack Smart
When it comes time to pack, how you go about it can make or break your move.
From using towels as packing materials to leaving clothes in your dresser drawers, there are many ways you can make the process more efficient and organized. You’ll undoubtedly appreciate it when you’re unpacking and getting settled in your new place.
Don’t forget to be as economical as you can as well. An easy way to save money is to scope out local stores for large cardboard boxes that might be suitable for moving, rather than purchasing new ones.
4. Stay a Step Ahead
Another thing to remember about moving is that you’re never looking at just one thing on your to-do list. There’s paperwork to sign, mail to forward, companies to contract with, utilities to switch or terminate, and everything in between.
While you can’t always plan everything out to the letter, making sure your bases are covered in the days leading up to moving day will make all the difference in how things go. And in the likely event that something slips through the cracks, you should hopefully be able to handle it with ease.
5. Set a Budget
If you’ve ever moved before, you know that it’s not an inexpensive ordeal. On top of normal expenses, there are plenty of things that can pop up along the way, chipping away at your bank account as they do and adding extra stress to your already overflowing plate.
However, before you get to work, plan to put in some time researching. For instance, would it make more sense to hire movers or do it yourself? If you’re moving a longer distance, would shipping certain things be the most cost-effective option?
Don’t forget about including other main budget items, such as home supplies and rent or mortgage payments. Even though these are not necessarily related to the move, it could be helpful to have them included in your moving budget. Ideally, this will help keep you in line during what can be an expensive time.
Planning and executing a move is no small task, but it’s good to know that there are many ways you can make it an easier and more efficient process. Putting in the time to prepare and plan will be invaluable to making it a good experience for all.