Any big life change brings both good and bad stress with it and moving definitely falls into this category.
No matter how far in advance you start the planning steps, the act of moving has a lot of challenges to it. From deciding what to keep and what to get rid of to boxing up your stuff, it’s a long process.
But if you can stay organized throughout the ordeal, it makes it less of a headache. Your move can be more fun and less stressful with these seven tips to keep you on track.
1. Have a Plan
There’s a popular saying with successful entrepreneurs that says, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” When you take this tip and use it everywhere in your life, things run much more smoothly.
Your moving plan should include your strategy for each part of getting the job done, like:
- How you’re going to get the boxes and totes you’ll need to pack
- A room-by-room action plan to get everything in boxes
- Whether you will need a storage shed or not and, if so, a list of what you’ll put in there and when
- A timeline of when each room will be tackled
- A clean-up strategy
- Your plan for moving on the big day (helpers, transportation, etc.)
It sounds like a lot, but when you set everything out in an organized layout, you feel more in control.
2. Make a List of Places to Call
Moving your things is one step. The next action to consider is how you’ll be transferring your utilities and canceling your current lease (if you have one).
Start by making a list of all your current expenses, like electricity, water, cable, internet, etc. Then, one by one, check to see if they offer services in your upcoming area or if you need to find new providers.
Add a timeline of when you’ll call each company to switch or cancel your services. List the companies that you’ll have to reach out to and create new accounts with.
Make sure you call any new utility companies early. It may take a week or two before you have the paperwork completed, and they send someone out to set up your services.
3. Start Decluttering Early
For most people, moving isn’t an overnight event. You probably know your current lease is coming up, and you don’t want to stay where you are.
As soon as you begin seriously looking into moving, it’s time to start decluttering. This is always a great way to keep your house clean and manageable, but it’s extra important before a move.
Get rid of anything you don’t want to take with you to your new home. Go through clothes that don’t fit anymore and things you’ve picked up over the years that you don’t use.
The less you have to move, the easier it will be to stay organized! And if you’re using a moving company, it will also be cheaper.
4. Keep Track of Your Stuff
When you’re in a hurry, it’s natural to start shoving things in boxes willy-nilly. While this is easier now, it’s going to be a nightmare later.
Use a system of organization to keep track of what’s in each box. This could be as simple as grabbing a sharpie and writing the name of the room in big letters (KITCHEN, BEDROOM, etc.).
Or, if you’re uber-organized, type the contents of each box on your computer and print it out. Then, secure it with clear packing tape on the top of the folded container.
5. Know What You’re Moving Into
The transitional part of the move is made easier when you know the details of where you’re going.
Will you need to keep everything in boxes for a while as you deep clean? Where are you going to store the non-essentials until you can get to them?
If the new place has an attic or basement, those are prime places to unload your moving truck.
Be careful to check those rooms early, though. If the basement leaks or it’s about time for a new roof, all your possessions could end up damaged.
6. Separate the Fine Goods
No matter how careful you are, moving is a long, arduous process. Boxes are going to get dropped and shoved around. Furniture is going to scrape doors.
To protect your fragile things and any valuables, you need to find a way to keep them separate from everything else. Handle these yourself or have someone you trust take care of them.
Box them up with newspaper or bubble wrap. Write “FRAGILE” all over the sides of the box in big letters. Store these away someplace safe until it’s time to move.
7. Keep the Essentials on the Side
The very last things you’ll pack are also the first items you’ll need in your new home. Toiletries, medications, and toilet paper are must-haves ASAP!
These essentials should be packed separately and unpacked first. Don’t forget to include things like shower curtains, dishware, and enough food to get you by the first few days.
If you have pets, their dishes, food, and litter box or leash need to be stored where they are easily accessible, too.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home is always growth, but if you’re not organized, it can cause a lot of stress and arguments. Whether you’re buying a home or switching apartments, staying organized solves problems before they happen.
Use these seven tips to keep your move streamlined and reduce the stress of your big event!
