A home move is an exciting time for a lot of people. But it can also be a stressful experience.
The good news is that a well-planned and budgeted home move can be a stress-free experience. Here are 6 things to keep in mind to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.
1. Make a List
Making a list is key to ensuring that your home move goes off without a hitch. Whether you choose to keep it in a pocket or on your desktop, writing down each and every task will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute mishaps. A spreadsheet or digital notepad can also be a valuable tool to keep track of your to-do lists and reminders.
The best way to come up with a comprehensive list is to walk through each room in your home and write down everything you own, from kitchen appliances to clothing. Having an inventory will also save you time and money in the long run by helping you know what to get rid of before you move out.
Lastly, it’s not uncommon for your brain to forget what it has in the cupboard, so be sure to label all boxes and drawers with room-by-room labels so you can find the things you need when you need them. The most logical places to put your belongings are the closet, the kitchen, and any room you will be living in.
It’s also a good idea to have a couple of large boxes you can fill with stuff that will be cluttering up your new place for the first few days. This will make the process of unpacking your stuff easier for everyone.
2. Start Packing
There is no doubt that starting to pack for your home move can be a daunting task. In fact, many people struggle with motivation when it comes to getting started.
But if you can get past this initial obstacle, packing for your home move can be a relatively simple process. Having the right supplies, a good organization plan, and a few tips for getting started will help you pack up your home quickly and efficiently.
Ideally, you should start packing at least two weeks in advance of your move date. That way, you can take your time and get everything done without the pressure of needing to finish at the last minute.
Before you begin, make a list of what needs to be packed and figure out the best order for your items. Having a clear understanding of what needs to be packed first will also save you from having to repack and reopen boxes in the final days before your move.
Another great way to speed up the packing process is to separate items into three piles: donate, sell, and trash. Then, touch each item only once and put it into its proper pile or box.
This method will reduce the amount of time you spend packing and will help you stay organized throughout the entire process. It’s also a great way to get your family involved in the process. If your kids are old enough to pack, ask them to sort through toys or clothes and remove any things they don’t want to take with them.
3. Hire Movers
If you’re moving to a new home, you can hire professional movers to take care of the entire process. They can pack, disassemble furniture, transport it, and even unpack everything when they arrive at your new home. They can also help you set up your new place and ensure all of your belongings are in order.
If you decide to hire a mover, it’s important to be sure they have the experience and qualifications to do the job. You’ll want to check their references and call them for testimonials from past customers.
Another important aspect of hiring a mover is to get their prices and services in writing. You should get an accurate estimate, possible fees, pickup and delivery dates, as well as a complete inventory list.
It’s also important to make sure that the company offers a non-binding to-exceed estimate so that you won’t have to pay for extra fees if they exceed their original estimate. In addition, you should be sure to read your contract closely and ask questions if you have any.
The cost of hiring a mover will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the distance you need to move and more. You can get a general idea of how much it will cost by looking online or speaking to a representative at the moving company.
4. Pack for the Move
Packing is a crucial part of the home move. Having enough time to do so will make the process go more smoothly.
Before packing, it is important to declutter your belongings and prioritize items that need to be moved with you. This will not only save you time and money but it will also help to keep you organized throughout the moving process.
To start, make a list of everything that you need to pack and organize. You can do this by room or common use.
Then, gather all of your packing supplies and set up a packing station. This will include boxes, tape, scissors, bubble wrap, markers, old towels and blankets, plastic bags of various sizes, color-coded stickers and more.
You can place your packing station on a table or in a closet, and this will keep you organized and ensure that you don’t forget any of your supplies.
It’s best to start packing the rooms that you won’t need in your new home first, such as the basement or garage. This will lessen the amount of boxes you’ll need to unpack once you arrive at your new home.
Using a handcart can be helpful for lifting heavy items and boxes. It will help you avoid back pain and physical injury. It will also allow you to move your items much more quickly and easily.
5. Set Up Your New Home
Your new home will need to be set up before you can begin to unpack. Here are some tips to help you get started:
First, it’s a good idea to do a walk-through of your new home and make note of any changes that need to be made. This will help you to get everything ready to go once the movers arrive.
It’s also a good idea to take a photo of each room to document its layout and features. This will help you when you are trying to figure out what furniture pieces and items will work best in each area of your new home.
Another step is to set up utilities in your new home, like electricity, cable, and internet. Generally, you want to give utility providers at least two weeks’ notice in advance to ensure that they are prepared for your move-in date.
A final note: before you start unpacking, it’s a good idea to take measurements of each room, so that you can make sure that the furnishings you bring in will fit properly. This will save you time and money in the long run!
After all, it’s no secret that the process of moving into a new home can be stressful. However, with a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can make the entire experience smooth and stress-free! Follow these steps to make your new home as enjoyable as possible!
6. Unpacking
The main goal of unpacking after a home move is to get things out of boxes and set up where they need to be. However, it’s important not to obsess over getting everything perfectly organized right away.
Before you start unpacking, take a look at your belongings and decide which ones you want to keep and which you’ll donate or throw away. There’s no point in keeping items that you won’t use again or have no purpose for at all.
It’s also a good idea to organize your belongings in the rooms they belong in, so you can unpack quickly and easily once you get to your new home. You’ll save a lot of time and energy by doing this, too.
If you’re moving with young children or infants, it’s a good idea to unpack their room first. This will give them a safe, comfortable place to sleep and a familiar environment, which will help them overcome the stress of a long-distance move.
You can also try setting mini unpacking goals and dividing the job into small, achievable steps. This way, you can feel like you’re making progress and don’t get bogged down by large tasks that take up too much time.