HOW TO SURVIVE MOVING: YOUR GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE MOVE
TIPS FOR MAKING MOVING AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE
With interest rates at record lows, many homebuyers are packing their bags and moving to a brand-new home. While buying a new home is exciting, it can be extremely stressful and time-consuming. To help you navigate the moving process, here are a few tips and tricks to streamline your move.
FIND A MOVING COMPANY
While your friends and family might be willing to help you move in exchange for some pizza, it can be a big hassle to do it without movers. Hiring professional movers can help with the major moving tasks as well as smaller things like safely wrapping your valuables.
To determine which company to work with, you may want to contact a few companies and ask about insurance, price, delivery date, and research their reputation. Comparing options will help you identify the company that may provide the most value.
SECURE NON-HIRED HELP
But sometimes, it makes more sense to not hire professional help. This is typically the case if you don’t have a lot of belongings or if you’re just moving a short distance. If this sounds like you, then you’ll want to be sure you have plenty of friends and family available that day to help you move things from one home to another.
Even if you don’t have many things, it’s helpful to have a group of people give you a hand. They can help you balance carrying awkward items and bring extra strength to carrying heavy things like furniture.
STAY ORGANIZED
Organization is key to making your move less stressful. This applies to every aspect of the move. You should label your boxes according to which room they came from to help you unpack as well. The more organized you can be, the easier the moving process will become.
GET RID OF ITEMS YOU DON’T WANT
Any extra furniture or items can add to the stress of the move. Getting rid of stuff you don’t want may simplify the entire moving process. If you plan to donate large items like furniture, you might need to arrange for someone to come pick the items up in advance, so be sure to make a plan for when you will donate your things.
BE ATTENTIVE WHEN MOVERS ARE HANDLING YOUR THINGS
It can be stressful to watch other people move your things. Take the time to show the movers around your home and let them know any requirements or concerns you have. This will help them to do a better job, and it will help you to focus on other important moving-day tasks.
UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION
Before you move, be sure to update your contact information with anyone who needs it. This might mean going online to tell the USPS your forwarding address. You should also update your contact information online with any banks, lenders, or other important companies. Don’t forget to let your friends and family know about your change of address as well.
SET UP UTILITIES
Before you move, be sure that your utilities are turned on in your new home. You don’t want to arrive and have the lights or water not work. Setting up phone service, cable, and internet might take a few days, so it’s helpful to call the company ahead of time to plan a date for a service technician to come set up your services.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Even if your move is small or over a short distance, be sure to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest the day before. If you’re doing a lot of walking and lifting, be sure to stay hydrated. Staying organized will help you keep a clear head. If you’re lifting heavy things, be sure to stretch before you get started and lift with your legs instead of your back.
BOTTOM LINE
When you stay organized and take care of yourself, moving can be easier than you expected. Be sure to do what you can to plan to prevent any day-of issues and take the time to enjoy the experience. You’re on your way to a new adventure and your new home!