8 Tips for a Less Stressful Move

You found the ideal house or condo, signed the agreement, and it’s time for you to move. Terrific!
But while this is an exciting time, most people find relocating to a new home to be a stressful experience.

Below are eight tips to make relocating less stressful.

1. Begin Early by Purging

Lighten your moving load by eliminating unnecessary items early in the process. Before packing, consider a having a garage sale or donating to area charities. Online marketplaces are also a great way to reduce your unnecessary items.

2. Notify Utilities and Post Office in Advance

There is nothing worse than arriving at your new home, and the gas or electricity aren’t turned on yet. Contact all utility providers well in advance of the move (both to turn on service at the new address and turn it off at the previous location.)

Also, notify the post office of your change of address as early as possible.

3. Collect Gently-Used Boxes

Relocating to a new home can be expensive. An effective way to spend a little less on moving is to collect free, gently-used moving boxes. Check with family, friends, neighbors, as well as local merchants – clothes shops, grocers, even liquor stores – for extra boxes.

4. Prepare Your New Home

Prime and prepare your new home before the move. Before you bring in that first box, spend a couple of days prepping your new home: change the locks and toilet seats, and vacuum up the place. If the walls need minor fixes (picture hook holes, etc.) take the time to do this before you start your own decorating.

5. Prepare an “Essentials Box”

You’ll find nothing worse than moving into your new home, and someone asks, “where’s the toilet paper?” Consider preparing an “essentials box” in a box or laundry basket. Include a change of clothing, toilet paper, a roll of paper towels, hand soap, medicines, scissors, tape, phone charges, and snacks.

6. Label Every Box

Make sure you pack boxes by “room” and label them appropriately, so movers leave boxes in their corresponding rooms at your new home. Color-coding is also great for this labeling process. Use brightly-colored stickers for different rooms: yellow for the kitchen, green for the dining area, etc.

7. Separate Out Valuables

Never allow your valuables to be combined with less-important items like sheets or clothes. Keep cash, jewelry, and essential documents (like birth certificates) in a dedicated, well-marked box. And keep a close watch on this box until it’s in the new house. You might want to bring this box with you personally so that you can keep track of it along the way.

8. Pack Heavy Items In Small Boxes

Pack books and other heavy items in smaller boxes. This will keep boxes at a manageable size and weight. Fragile items like glassware also work better in smaller boxes. Reserve the larger boxes for lighter item such as pillows and comforters.

Moving doesn’t have to be filled with stress. Hire us, and we will make your move even easier!

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