Changing home is, without a doubt, a stressful and exciting experience all at once.
The whole process of a move can stay manageable with a bit of planning and plenty of organization.
If you manage to map out everything you need to plan ahead, you’ll get through the experience in a far more pleasant way and with a successful result.
Here are a few tips on what to plan and do to come out on top.
Keep only what you need
When you decide to move, sit down in each room of your current home and start a kind of inventory of everything you want to keep.
You need solid reasons to decide what to let go of and what to hold on to.
Think about the space you’ll have in the new home and where the things you take will fit.
In the same way, pin down any furniture or appliances that have no place, because they’re no longer useful, are damaged or you simply don’t need them anymore.
Make sure the furniture you keep is the right size for the new space, neither too big to fit nor too small to look odd.
Either of those is reason enough to part with it and buy something more fitting later.
Anything you decide to let go of, you can list on online marketplaces or hold a garage sale a few weeks before the move.
Another way to clear out things you can’t sell is to donate them to charities or shelters for people in need. There, everything you no longer use will be put to good use.
A fun way to find a home for things you don’t want, or that won’t fit at the new address, is to throw a party with friends and set the items out in one room. Tell them they can pick one or more things they like to keep. You’ll be amazed at how fast the giveaways disappear.
Use up everything left in your pantry and fridge. Don’t shop again until you’re in your new home.
That way you won’t have to haul groceries and food that would only add weight and hassle to the move.
Pack in good time
Packing up your home should happen at just the right moment.
With enough time not to stress, but not so early that you have to keep pulling things out of boxes for daily life.
The best advice is to pack as you go and leave for the final stretch a set of belongings, clothes and items you use day to day.
Set aside some clothes, shoes and essentials so you can still function.
Pack things in boxes that aren’t too heavy. Remember they need to be easy to carry without losing their shape.
Label everything, ideally with a list of what’s in each box.
One of the boxes, filled with the things you left for last, should hold the real essentials: bedding, a toothbrush and what you need to get through the first nights.
That box should also carry the tools for assembling furniture once you arrive. It’ll be the first one you need.
It’s a good idea to group a room’s belongings into a single box, or a few boxes labeled with that room’s name. That way, unpacking will be much easier.
Personal documents and papers should go in plastic sleeves to protect them from any damage. Ideally, carry them with you on moving day.
Hire in advance
A move is always easier with expert hands helping out. Ask friends who’ve been through it recently who they hired for the job.
You can also look on websites that list removals services.
Pick two or three you like best and get in touch to clear up any questions.
Once you’ve made the right choice, put the terms of the work you want in writing.
Remember to request moving insurance to cover you against any surprises.
Line up some help
Ask your closest friends and family to join you on moving day. If it’s within the same city, they can come in their own vehicles or wait at the new address to help place the boxes. You can win them over by offering a tasty snack or a bottle of good wine to celebrate once the job is done.
Get the ground ready
In the days before the move, call your utility providers to make sure the electricity, water, internet and other services are connected that day. It would be very stressful to arrive with the move and not have the basics at home.
If you follow these tips, the whole move will feel much simpler. You’ll also enjoy calmer first days while you work out all the details of your new home.
Handling the move and setting up the house with planning, care and dedication will have paid off in a truly pleasant experience.
