It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across the country or across the street, packing up your whole home can be overwhelming and stressful. And, no matter how many times you’ve moved, each move comes with its own unique set of challenges. These tips will help you plan and organize your next move to reduce stress on moving day.
Start early.
Sometimes the hardest part about packing is just getting started. Prepare for your move by decluttering before you begin packing. Not only will you lighten the load, but you’ll also have less to unpack in your new home. Once you’ve decluttered, start packing items you don’t use regularly. It’s safe to assume you won’t have time for reading or cooking fancy dinners during your move, so start with items like books, fancy dishes, decor, and knick-knacks.
Make sure you have enough boxes.
When it comes to having enough boxes for a move, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Find a company that will recycle used boxes or take back unused boxes, so you can pick up a few extra. That way you can spend more time packing and less time running to the store. Be sure to grab a variety of sizes to accommodate fragile and heavy items that will be difficult to carry in large boxes.
Get organized.
Packing up and moving your boxes from point A to point B is only half the battle. Label and organize your boxes to ensure everything ends up in the right place after you’ve moved in. Don’t be stingy with labels; boxes get stacked and labels can easily be hidden during the move. Label the sides and tops of boxes with which room they’ll be going in and whether or not they’re fragile.
Do your research.
Whether you’re hiring movers or asking friends for help, make arrangements well in advance so you’re not left scrambling on moving day. Check out your rental ahead of time to keep moving in as smooth and efficient as possible — especially if your movers are charging by the hour. Find out about where you can park your vehicle while you unload, which entrances to use, and reserve an elevator if you need it. And, measure your furniture and doorways beforehand to avoid frustration on moving day.
Find a sitter for your pets.
Moving is stressful for everyone, even your pets. The last thing you need to worry about while moving heavy boxes and furniture is your pets acting out or escaping. Avoid runaways by leaving your pet with a friend or find a daycare. Settle in their bed, blankets, and toys before bringing them home to avoid unnecessary anxiety.
Pack an overnight bag.
Don’t add the stress of unpacking to moving day. Be ready to crash as soon as the last box is unloaded by preparing a bag full of your essentials. Add a change of clothes, pajamas, toothbrush, medications, and anything else you need on a daily basis. You might also want to put your cash, jewelry, passports, and other valuables in this bag to avoid losing them during the move.
