Relocating your residence is exciting as it begins the next chapter in your life, full of new experiences. While we all look forward to our new home and its surroundings, getting there is a hassle. You need to arrange many things to make the transition, which takes a lot of time and help.
Are you transitioning from one place to another and feeling overwhelmed by all it entails? You can turn a hectic move into an organized event with some guidance.
Learn how to move successfully. Follow these steps for a faster relocation. Ultimately, you will be more relaxed and ready to thrive in your new residence.
Plan As Far Ahead As Possible
Usually, we move well ahead of the big day, but with regular life churning, things can be left to a last-minute scenario where you scramble to the finish line. Preparing as soon as you decide on your move is better.
Start by creating a master list of everything you need to do. This doesn’t have to be categorized yet because you will have lots of items, so you can write down anything about the move as you think of it. Once you have a long list, put things under different headings like:
- Packing
- Utility transfers
- Moving material
- Cleaning supplies
- Movers or family and friends
You can also start putting a timeline together to get things accomplished so it doesn’t hit you all at once on a moving day.
Storage Containers
As the big day approaches, even with everything organized, it is still chaos as you have limited time to move. Rental trucks need to be returned. Friends with trucks can only help for so long, and movers will keep charging you no matter how long it takes. If only there was a better way.
There is, and it is through a storage container. This is a game changer for moving because you can drop a personal storage container beside your front door and load it up at your leisure. If you get it dropped off 2-3 days before your moving day, you can load it and lock it up securely.
When ready, simply call the company, and they will pick up the container and deliver it to your new place right in the driveway. Unpacking is also not a panic so that you can be more relaxed. When it is empty, call for a final pick up, and your dealing with them is done.
Sort Your Belongings
We, as humans, are pack rats, and as we get new things, we tend to keep the old stuff. Over time, this can add up, and we furnish our homes fully, only to store the rest in basements, garages or anywhere else we can find.
Moving is the perfect time to go through things and lighten the load. Start by labelling boxes according to what they include:
- Keep
- Sell
- Recycle
- Garbage
You will keep most things, so pack accordingly, but bring the boxes from room to room for the rest of the items. Try to keep emotional attachments to a minimum. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used an item for over six months, you probably can do without it. The exception is seasonal items.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Packing up an entire house is too much for one person, so if you have other family members living with you, get them all involved. This shares the load and gives children a sense of responsibility and decision-making because they can decide what to keep and let go of.
You can pick one day a week for everyone to get involved and stack boxes in the garage. This way, when it comes to moving day, it’s all done ahead of time by many hands.
Leave Drawers Full
Often, people pack away all their clothing in boxes and bags and then move dressers independently. However, for real-time and space-saving, just take out the full drawers and transport them as is.
You can use plastic wrap to go around a few times so nothing falls out. However, when you get to your first place, it is a quick way to put all your clothing back in the dresser again.
Make Essential Bags for Everyone
Even if you are extremely efficient and your move runs seamlessly, there is still downtime before and after a few days of living in a state of flux. Instead of scrambling for the essential and daily items we all need, have each family member pack a bag with what they can’t do without for a few days.
This should include:
- Toiletries
- Electronics and chargers
- A few days’ change of clothes
You can also assemble a family food tote with a few pots and pans, dishware, and enough food to make quick meals.
