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No matter how excited you are about moving or how near or far you’re going, packing up one life built within four walls and moving it to another is always a challenge. When your move takes you to an unfamiliar area, there’s an extra layer of stress.
There’s a lot to juggle, from packing to managing moving trucks and handling utility companies. Luckily, you’re not the first one to deal with a major move. Whether you bought from a company known for quick move-in homes. or are starting from scratch, here are 7 tips that will help make moving less stressful.
1. Start with a List
Before you crack open a packing box, pull out a pencil and paper to make a checklist first. Not only will this help you stay organized and remember everything, but it will also give you that subconscious peace of mind of knowing that you may still need to do something, but it’s on your list and will get done.
Start with a brain dump of all the things you can think of that need to get done, such as:
- Getting your mail forwarded
- Contacting current utility companies to shut off services
- Contacting future utility companies to pay deposits and schedule service connection
- Hiring a moving company to transport your belongings
Once you’ve brain-dumped, rearrange each item in the order it needs to be completed. Add a due date to each task and cross it off as it’s finished. Leave room between tasks to add more if they come up later.
2. Know Your Budget
Every move will cost money. Recognize how much you have to spend on this move so that when you contact moving companies, plan for fuel and lodging if it’s an overnight trip, and deal with other odds and ends, you’ve prepared financially. Sometimes, letting a moving company handle all the logistics may be more cost-effective.
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3. Don’t Pack Everything
Looking around at everything you own and imagining packing it all can be intimidating. However, you don’t need to pack all the things you see.
Look at this as the perfect chance to do some decluttering! Go through each room about a month before your move and throw out anything that is junk or donate things you no longer use. If you’re paying a mover who charges by weight, this can save you money later.
4. Start with One Room at a Time
As you pack, try to stay organized. One way to do this is to go one room at a time and pack like items with like. This way, you can keep track of what’s in each box by labeling the outside flap with a Sharpie (or, if you’re extremely organized, a computer printout).
Write down which room the items belong to in large writing on multiple sides of the box. Consider using different color markers or labeling with coded stickers to separate the boxes by room.
5. Keep the Essentials with You
When you’re packing, keep any vital documents, medications, chargers, and basic toiletries in a separate bag that stays with you. Although it rarely happens, if your moving van is delayed or there is an emergency, you should have everything you need to make it through a day or two until you’re reunited with your belongings.
6. Pack Smart
Some of your items are already stored, so keep them there! Your totes full of Christmas decorations, clothes in dresser drawers, and other non-breakables can be moved as they are.
If there’s something in a drawer or tote without a lid, cover it in plastic wrap to keep everything safe inside during the move. Even your clothes on hangers can stay on them and slide into a wardrobe bag or box (or even large garbage bags).
7. Plan for Challenges
Pay attention to the complications you have while packing, as those will likely be there when setting up your new home. For example, if you need help determining which cords and wires go where on your electronics, take a picture of them while they’re still connected to use the image as a guide when you set them up again.
Worried about fragile items breaking? Pack them carefully and securely in linens and towels, but take pictures of those, as well, just in case you need to make an insurance claim. (Side note: This is a great time to check your insurance policy — in your essentials bag — and make sure your valuables are listed as covered!)
Try to finish packing before your movers arrive. The day will be hectic, but as long as you know you’ve taken care of these 7 parts of moving, you can focus on your family and getting ready to start your new life!
