Let us start with some facts. Moving is stressful, and you are probably procrastinating. But worry not; we’re here to provide solutions.
One of the main reasons people tend to push most tasks related to packing moving until the last date is that they aren’t sure where to start. In these times, you should utilize type A personality traits to avoid falling behind schedule and missing out on essential details. And to help you, we have prepared a to-do list. So pull out a notepad or your smartphone to write down these tips, get some boxes, and get organized!
1. Budget your expenses
It is easy to overspend when you are moving to a new location. Hence, the first thing you must do is budget all your expenses. Separate the costs of hiring a professional moving company and acquiring insurance. Then consider the cost of relocating to a new place. Visit your new home and inspect it to see if it needs any fixing, and set aside a separate budget for it. Since these are the two main expenses, you’d want to prioritize them and handle the rest as moving day comes closer.
2. Research and book professional movers
Hiring professional movers is still always a good choice. Moving companies are better equipped and skilled to handle your stuff and safely move it from one place to another. But not every mover provides good services. Ensure to do thorough research before you hire a company. Check out numerous options on the internet and the services each provides, insurance policies, etc. Most of all, consider a company that has good referrals. Hiring a company with a good reputation will put you at ease.
When you find a suitable mover, set the date and time with them weeks before the moving day comes.
3. Get insurance and arrange for storage
No matter how professional your movers are, humans can still make mistakes. But that mistake can cause you a lot of money. So it is best to get moving insurance from your professional moving company before they handle your belongings.
Additionally, if you know that you will be unable to take all of your belongings, it would be best to rent a self-storage unit to store away everything you’re leaving behind safely. Store valuable and fragile belongings in the unit till you are ready to move them yourself. It would help to look up storage facilities that can keep your stuff safer for a more extended period.
4. Get supplies and start packing
Once you have a set timeline, you better start packing. Get packing and moving supplies, including boxes, tapes, cutters, bubble wrap, packing sheets, etc. Having all these supplies on hand will accelerate the process.
Start by packing away the things you won’t need immediately after you move into your new home. These might include your seasonal clothes and linen, utensils, and appliances. Once you are done with those, make your way towards packing your everyday essentials as you get closer to moving day.
5. Start using up all your frozen food
Unless you are moving just a few blocks down the road, you don’t want to move food around with you. It can rot and spoil your stuff. The best thing to do is use up everything stocked in your fridge, freezer, and pantry beforehand. There are many simple recipes you can follow to use up all your perishables quickly. Or even better, donate most of the items to nearby shelters or your neighbors. And while you’re at it, you might want to use up or do away with other things such as toiletries and detergents.
6. Update addresses and notify concerned authorities of your leave
People often forget to update their billing addresses and keep on receiving mail at the old location. Before moving, remember to update your billing addresses at the postal office. Notify authorities and utilities of you leaving the neighborhood so that they can make necessary changes on their end. Notify service providers such as gardeners, pool cleaners, etc., of your move as well.
7. Pack lightly for the day
The biggest mistake you can make is pack your everyday use items in the boxes movers will take. Doing so will confuse you and cause a lot of frustration in the new house. The best strategy is to separate your everyday attire and pack it in a separate box or suitcase to be readily available when you move into your new abode. Pack some work clothes, utensils, and toiletries for immediate usage as well. Doing so will give you the room to unpack at your pace instead of haphazardly unpacking because you kept your favorite work dress somewhere in a random box.
Conclusion
Relocating is a tiresome and hectic process. We can all relate to the anxiety and dread you may feel from preparing for the move. But don’t forget that there is no harm in asking for help. Ask for help from friends and family, and they can make this process a little easier. After all, a new home brings a fresh start, and it would help if you had positive vibes to embrace such a drastic change in your life.