Are you planning to move to the great city of Seattle in the coming weeks or months? While there is no doubt that moving creates stress, there are a few ways you can help reduce the mental headache before, during, and after your move.
We’re going to discuss the steps you can take to help reduce your levels of anxiety, stress, and tension. Keep reading for more information!
Research the City
Regardless of your reason for wanting to move to the Emerald City, the very first step you should take involves research. Ideally, you already have a place to live in mind, but if you don’t, this will help you find one.
To begin your research, look into the neighborhoods that you might want to live in. Some are artsy, some are cool and chic, while others are best for people on a budget or professionals. A general idea of the area that you will live in can give you an idea of what is around, including gas stations, markets, shops, and restaurants.
While it seems silly to research your soon-to-be surroundings, it will help you return to normalcy after your move. Additionally, you will also be made aware of any areas you might want to stay away from, activities you will want to check out, and places to meet new friends.
Start Packing Early
When you were younger, you might have waited until the last minute to pack up your dorm room to go home for the holidays. Because you’re probably a bit older than you were back then, you likely have accumulated more things, in a larger space, and may even have a family to consider.
The best way to feel successful in your packing endeavors is to clear the clutter first. Get rid of any items that you won’t or don’t need or aren’t going to bring with you. It may be tempting to try to sell unwanted items online or at a garage sale, but this is often more hassle than it is worth and can become distracting from your packing goals. Instead, try giving it to a family that is less fortunate or to a charity that can disperse items as needed.
Once you’ve removed the ‘extra’ stuff from your home, you will have an idea of what you’re bringing with you. Start packing in a guest room, attic, or basement. These are typically used as storage areas and the items inside aren’t needed on a daily basis.
When you begin packing you and your children’s bedrooms, opt to pack off-season clothing, knickknacks, and other decorations first. Basically, you don’t want to pack anything that you are still using to avoid having to search through boxes.
This thought also applies to your kitchen and office areas. You may consider using disposable dishes, flatware, & cups for the time being.
By getting a headstart on your packing, you won’t feel as though everything has to be done the week or day before the move. Remember to keep heavier items at the bottom of your boxes and to avoid mixing your belongings from different rooms – it makes unpacking far easier! The one exception is towels – use towels to help pack any fragile items to save money on packing peanuts or paper.
Leave the Heavy Lifting
Well before your move, take a minute to research a few Seattle movers. There are several qualities that you will want to look for when choosing a mover – and the right combination of them!
Look at their online reviews, keeping in mind that it is difficult to keep everyone happy and a few negative comments will happen. Instead of letting poor reviews stop you from using a company, read how they respond to them. This will show you the emphasis they put on customer service.
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential movers, call them about their pricing, availability, and experience. It may be tempting to choose a mover based solely on what they estimate your moving cost to be, but remember that not all moving companies are created equal.
Many companies will try to estimate lower to get the job but then charge various ‘extra’ services. Some don’t have experience in long-distance moves, while others will hire warm bodies and don’t care about how your belongings are treated. Be sure to also ask about their insurance and liability coverage – this will make sure that your household items can be replaced if needed!
Be sure to book your moving company early as popular moving dates fill up quickly and the last thing you want to do is scramble to find help on your big day.
The Day After
After you’ve successfully packed up an entire house and watched it be shipped either down the street or across the country, it can be tempting to rest on your laurels and take a day off. While no one wants to work in an exhausted state, try to unpack just a few items to keep your momentum.
All too often, people move and decide to wait to unpack or unpack as they ‘need’ items. This leaves boxes scattered around your new house and keeps it from feeling like home for longer than it should. Although you may feel overwhelmed at first, keeping these boxes will make you feel stressed!
If you notice that there are boxes that you just don’t want to get into or have no use for – you may need a secondary decluttering. You’d be surprised how many items get moved with little thought and end up sitting for months or years, opt to donate instead and use this opportunity as a fresh start for your family!
Getting Settled
You’ve made it through the move and you’ve unpacked! Now it is time to relax! Use the research mentioned above to find a coffee shop, a spa, or a comfy wine bar to meet new people and begin adjusting to your life in Seattle.
It will take time to get used to your new environment, but following these steps will help you make the move as seamless as possible and the adjustment period as short as possible. If you’d like some tips on how to make your new home super comfy, take a look at some of our design tips!