Moving can be either of two things. It can be an exciting time in your life to experience new things or it can be one of the most stressful things you do in life. Sadly, some people experience the latter more often than the former.
Moving can be stressful because it involves a lot of preparation and work. Missing on even the tiniest of details can lead to a lot of headaches and stress.
That said, while moving isn’t easy by any means, there are certain things you can do to survive the process without pulling your hair out.
In today’s article, RPM Services shares 8 tips for stress-free moving.
Tip #1: Start planning early.
The stress-free formula is simple: less time, more stress; more time, less stress. So, avoid stress by planning for your move as early as possible.
Ideally, start packing as early as two weeks in advance. Obviously, if you are moving out of a studio apartment, then you will most likely need about two weeks to pack your belongings. However, if living in a 3-bedroom home, then you will likely need all the time you can get.
Tip #2: Understand the costs involved.
Once you have allocated yourself plenty of time to move, look at the potential costs that may be involved. The stress comes when you start worrying about the moving expenses simply because you have no idea of how much it costs to move. This is especially true if this is your first move.
The best way to alleviate this stress is by requesting on-site inspections from a couple of top-rated local firms. In-house personal surveys usually tend to be far more accurate than those done over e-mail or via the phone.
Tip #3: Have a moving checklist.
A moving checklist is an essential tool for planning and peace of mind. Whether you are moving out of state or into a new home around the block, make sure to have one. It will help you avoid the eleventh-hour scrambling involved with failing to recall some things during a move.
Having such a checklist will help you alleviate any stress by knowing what you’re supposed to do and when. It will also show you whether you are actually making progress or not.
Tip #4: Ask for help from family and friends.
As soon as you find out you are moving, notify your friends and family as soon as possible. Just note, however, there is a bit of etiquette that goes into asking for this kind of help. It’s, after all, not exactly a small ask.
When it comes to asking for favors, moving and packing are up there with airport drop-offs. No one really wants to do it, but this is where you will know who your true friends are.
Then finally, don’t forget to return the favor. And what better way to do this than paying it forward when their time comes?
Tip #5: Hire the right moving company.
There are far too many scam artists and rogue movers that pose as legitimate moving companies. Not anyone that has a truck and wears a uniform is a mover. The best way to find reliable movers is to ask lots of relevant questions.
Tip #6: Free your home from clutter.
Removing clutter is also another thing you can do that can help reduce stress. In fact, as Psychology Today reports, having an untidy house or workstation can make us feel overwhelmed, helpless, and nervous.
When thinking of what to keep, sell, donate, and what to toss away, ask yourself the following questions.
- How practical is this item? Does it add value to my life?
- Can I replace this item? Does it have sentimental value?
- Is it going to be much of an inconvenience to move this item?
- Do I have more than a couple of these items? Do I need all of them?
- Is this worth the space the item is taking up?
- Will this item fit or match the home I am moving to?
- How often do I wear or use this?
- Would I buy this item given a second chance?
- Do I really need it?
Tip #7: Protect your most valued items.
You can also reduce stress when moving by protecting the items you value the most.
Packing and moving valuable items poses a rather different type of moving challenge when compared to moving books and clothes. Valuable items include family heirlooms, electronic equipment, jewelry pieces, priceless fine china sets, antique objects, paintings, and important or irreplaceable documents.
Tip #8: Take time to clean.
This is something that can make a world of difference to your stress levels. This is particularly essential if you are moving from a rental property. Remember, as a tenant, you are bound by the lease or rental agreement to leave the home as you found it.
Any failure to do so may mean parting with a portion of your security deposit.
So, before leaving your rental home, make sure to give it a good clean before moving out. Furthermore, you also want to make sure that the home you are moving to is also clean. This is something that you can arrange a few days in advance.
Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. By following these moving tips, you’ll be relaxing in your new space before you know it. When all is said and done, take the time to relax and unwind – to help keep your energy up and your stress levels down.
