A study by Forbes suggests that over 80% of us find moving stressful. The main issue is that you suddenly feel like you have a million things to do with very little time to complete that checklist. If you’re preparing to relocate, this guide is designed to help you streamline the process to minimize stress.
Give yourself as much time as possible
The best thing to do to reduce stress and avoid running around like a headless chicken is to give yourself as much time as possible to get organized before you move. As soon as you have a date, start packing items you don’t need, researching removal firms, and checking jobs off your to-do list. Write down everything you need to do before you leave your current property, prioritizing urgent tasks and those you can do in the weeks or months before you move. Try to give yourself sufficient time to tie up loose ends in terms of paying bills and changing service providers and packing up your stuff. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, relatives, and neighbors to lend a hand.
Enlist expert help
Expert help can make moving much less stressful and physically demanding. It’s a good idea to research removalists, get and compare quotes and read reviews as soon as you’ve got a moving date. This will increase your chances of accessing services from the best firms on your chosen date. If you leave it too late, you may find that top-rated companies don’t have availability. It’s worth asking for recommendations from people you know and using local social media groups. It’s often reassuring to use businesses that others rate.
Be organized with packing and labeling
It may be tempting to try and complete the packing operation as quickly as possible, but resist the urge to chuck everything in boxes. Moving is a fantastic time to have a clear-out and get rid of anything you no longer want or need. Plan your clear-out as early as possible to give you time to drop bags off at a charity store, pass items on to friends and family members or sell them online. Once you’ve decluttered, put away anything you won’t use before you move. If it’s summer, for example, you can pack coats, hats, boots, and blankets. Label every box with the contents and the room the items should be taken to in your new home. This makes unpacking a breeze.
Figure out child and pet care arrangements
If you have young children or pets, moving can be even more challenging. Make sure you have plans in place to ensure they’re not around when you’re packing boxes, loading vans, or trying to unpack at the other end. Call in babysitting favors from relatives or organize additional sessions at daycare if your child isn’t due to be there on the day you move. Ask a friend or family member to look after your pets until you’re settled, or explore boarding facilities or doggy daycare services. You’ll be able to work much faster if you’re not rushing around after toddlers or trying to stop dogs from escaping.
Moving is often considered one of the most stressful life events we undertake, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Streamlining the process can save you time and energy and prevent stress. Key steps include giving yourself as much time as possible to get sorted, enlisting expert help, being organized with decluttering, packing, and labeling, and making plans for your kids and pets.
