Moving can be one of the most stressful parts of life. Packing up your belongings, loading them onto trucks, and then unloading them again in an unfamiliar environment is never easy. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that moving day goes as smoothly as possible. Here are five tips for keeping it simple and stress-free.
Plan Ahead
Start packing at least a few weeks in advance if you can so that you’re not scrambling to get everything together on the day of the move. It may be tempting just to throw things into boxes, but resist the temptation to do so. Make sure to label each box with its contents and which room it should go into; this will make unpacking much easier down the line. To ease the process, you could also prepare posters with tape identifying which room is which in the new home.
Hire Professional Movers
Hiring a moving service will make your life much easier on the day of the move, as they will be able to handle all the heavy lifting for you. They’ll be able to ensure your belongings get to where they need to go safely. This is especially important if you’re physically unable to lift heavy objects or don’t have friends and family nearby to help out.
Take Measurements Before You Move In
Before you start bringing furniture into your new home, take measurements of doorways and hallways to know what pieces will fit where in advance. This is particularly important for large furniture items like your sofa, bed, and dressers. This will save time when it comes to rearranging furniture once everything has been moved in.
Pack a Bag for Your First Night
Don’t forget to pack a bag of essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, chargers, and bedding. This way, when you arrive at your new home, you’ll have everything ready for your first night there without having to search through boxes in confusion. This will also help ensure that all of your important items stay with you throughout the move rather than being accidentally left behind anywhere along the way.
Set Up Utilities
Lastly, ensure that any utilities, such as electricity or water, are turned on before you arrive at your new home; otherwise, it could be a long night without light or running water. Contacting utility companies well in advance is key here; many companies need several days’ notice before they can turn on services at an address. Your landlord or real estate agent should provide you with the necessary information for this process.
Moving can be a daunting process, but with the right preparation and planning, it doesn’t have to be. By following these five simple tips, you should be able to make your moving day as stress-free and organized as possible. From packing ahead of time to setting up utilities before arrival at your new home, taking the proper steps will ensure that all goes smoothly when it comes time for the big move.
Written by: Rachelle Wilber
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/