A new house or apartment is an exciting opportunity for a fresh start, but the moving process that stands between you and your new space can be daunting. Thankfully, you can push past the overwhelm and treat yourself to a smooth move if you engage in a bit of planning and organization before the big day. Before you cancel your cable or book a self-storage unit, check out the six strategies below to ensure you’re covering everything in the most logical order.
1. Make a moving timeline
A well-structured moving timeline is the keystone of a smooth move. So, as soon as you’re set on a moving date, create a detailed schedule covering all the tasks you need to accomplish between then and now.
Break the process into manageable steps, including tasks like decluttering, packing, hiring movers, and notifying your utility providers. Allocate specific dates for each task, and track your progress to ensure you stay on top of everything. Manage it correctly, and your moving timeline will help you stay calm and organized.
2. Free Yourself from Junk and Clutter
One of the first tasks you should schedule into your timeline is a big decluttering session. Fail to get this done early, and you may find yourself lugging a whole bunch of unnecessary boxes to your new home. Worse still, you’ll bring all the emotional baggage that comes along with that clutter.
To avoid this headache, set aside some time to sort through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Letting go of items you no longer need or use will reduce the number of things you have to move and make unpacking at your new home more manageable.
3. Free Your Friends from Having to Help
Research and obtain quotes from reputable moving companies in your area to find one that suits your needs and budget. Professional movers have the expertise and equipment to handle your belongings with care, ensuring a safe and efficient move. Your friends will also breathe a sigh of relief when they realize they won’t be roped into helping you move!
Just be sure to book your movers well in advance to secure their services for your desired moving dates. There’s such a thing as peak moving season, and you don’t want to discover that no one is going to be available to help you out.
4. Stock Up on Moving Supplies
Stock up on essentials like sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, eco-friendly packing peanuts, and furniture blankets. If you have any delicate or oddly shaped items, consider renting or purchasing specialty boxes. Doing so will prevent delays and allow you to pack efficiently.
5. Pack and Label Methodically
Take a room-by-room approach to packing, starting with the items you use least often. Label each box with its contents and the room it lives in. This will make it easier when you’re unpacking at your new home. Finally, keep an essentials bag or box with all your daily necessities. Think of toiletries, favorite clothes, and any documents you’ll need on arrival.
6. Don’t Forget the Details
Before your moving date, contact all your utility providers to schedule the setup of electricity, water, internet, and other essentials. It’s also worth having your new home cleaned before moving in to ensure you’re stepping into a fresh and welcoming environment.
Moving to a new house doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing experience. Implement the strategies above, and you can make your move more efficient and hassle-free.
