Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, and can become more stressful if not well organized. Often, emotions are on overdrive as things tend to be chaotic. However, the best way to make sure a move is stress-free is to keep emotions in check and have a plan that has been thought out well in advance. By thinking things through, moving day can be quick and painless for everyone involved.
Plan Ahead of Time
The key to an easy move is to plan ahead of time. Start gathering stuff together at least a month before the big day, especially any paperwork associated with moving companies and anything associated with the buying and selling of your property. Keeping contracts together along with inventory sheets of what you will be taking with you can give you peace of mind while making sure everything shows up at your new place.
Big Pack, Little Pack
Obviously you are going to be packing up your whole house, but it is always a good idea to leave out the everyday items you are going to need during the packing and unpacking process. Leave suitcases and travel bags available for transitional and everyday items. This is going to help during the unpacking process, you can tackle that in an orderly fashion. Not having to rip every box open searching for a toothbrush or a pair of shoes.
Know What’s Important
If you are using a moving company, make sure it’s a good one by asking for references and checking with the Better Business Bureau. Once you’re convinced you’ve got the right company for the job, it’s still a good idea to keep your most valuable possessions and paperwork by your side, rather than putting them in a box and loading them into the moving van. After all, mistakes do happen and things do get lost now and then. Things such as jewelry, tax documents, money, paperwork associated with vehicles and property and anything else considered valuable should be kept within arm’s length, even if the move is only a short distance away.
Settling In
Make sure you think things through before moving in to your new home. When getting settled into your home office, moving everything in at once isn’t necessary. Start by setting up your desk and computer, then get your file cabinets and other furniture in place. Many people are too anxious to get the move over with, and work themselves to the point of exhaustion and wind up hurting their backs or shoulders by doing too much lifting. Treat yourself to a meal or two at a local restaurant before trying to get the kitchen in place, and unpack one room at a time until everything’s done.
By following these simple steps and taking some deep breaths along the way, moving day can be a quick and painless experience that will be the start of a new and exciting part of your life.