Moving to a new place is exciting, yet the process can sometimes be stressful. It is tiring not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. After all, it’s not easy to say goodbye to such a familiar place. Plus, there are plenty of things to consider, and you should never push those things to the last minute. Good planning ensures the process is less overwhelming and more likely to go smoothly. This article will give you some excellent tips for a well-planned and manageable strategy for your coming move.

Get yourself organized

As mentioned, moving can be challenging and requires a lot of planning. Therefore, it is good to have everything laid out and planned in detail before all the action. You can start by developing a master plan that includes a checklist for all major items in the process. Include all the necessary stuff — lists of things to bring, packing supplies, shipping, transportation, etc. Calculate the estimated time you will need from organizing and packing to moving everything to your new home.

Declutter unused and unnecessary items

Packing all your furniture and house items is really overwhelming, so do what it takes to make it easier on yourself. To do this, declutter as much as possible. Get rid of your not-so-necessary items, like clothes you’ve outgrown or things you probably won’t use anymore. You can opt to sell these items or donate them. Decluttering before the move means you won’t have so many unnecessary things cluttering your new home.

Set your budget

Your budget is one of the most crucial things to consider when planning a move. After all, everything is dependent on your budget. Make sure you set specific allocations to save money. This also helps you plan whether or not to go for a full-service move or a DIY move. Make sure you are allotting a realistic budget that won’t cost more than you can afford.

Book early for moving companies

You’ll probably need to look for a moving company to help you in the process. And if you have your own car, you’ll also need an auto transport company to assist you. Should you need them for your big moving day, and if your budget allows, remember to book them in advance. Make sure you only trust reputable companies.

A vital question is how much does it cost to ship a car and your furniture and belongings. Make sure they all fit in the budget before booking! Booking a company in advance will keep you from the stress of missing slots, especially during the busy season.

Pack as far in advance as possible

Since everything is well-planned, you know the exact date of your move. However, it is still best to start packing things as early as possible, even weeks or months in advance. Start with off-season items and things you won’t need on a daily basis. For instance, if you’re moving in summer, you can start with heavy blankets and winter coats.

You can follow that with other collections you don’t need for everyday life — books, figurines, etc. When it’s time to move, most of your stuff will be ready to go, meaning less stress, too! Here are some other packing tips that might be helpful:

• Use correctly sized boxes.
• Heavier items should be at the bottom of the box with lighter items on top of them.
• Make sure boxes don’t have empty spaces.
• Items from different rooms should be in separate boxes, too.
• Tape and secure those moving boxes well.
• Ask a specialist to help when moving costly artwork.

Avoid overpacking

It’s also important to know how much each of your cardboard boxes can carry. Don’t expect them to hold more weight than they should. Plan what goes in each package carefully. Since you have decluttered, this shouldn’t be a huge issue. Also, prevent leaving empty spaces for fragile items to move around. This may lead to damage. Keep your belongings secure and snug, but ensure you’re not overloading your boxes.

Keep all your boxes labeled

Whether you’re doing a DIY move or a full-service one, having labels on your boxes is imperative. Describe the contents and label delicates as “fragile” so you or the movers know they need extra care. It’s also convenient to add the room each box belongs to in your new place. This takes some time but really helps in moving, especially in unpacking. Guaranteed, you’ll thank your past self for taking the time to use these valuable labels.

Ensure that the utilities are set up

This is another thing you should check ahead of time. You have to be sure that the utilities are all ready before the big moving day. On the day itself, check again if everything is working properly — gas, electricity, heater, water, phone, and internet. Oh, and don’t forget to contact the local waste management facility, too, to ensure garbage pick up is scheduled already.

Contact relatives or friends from the new place

If you know a friend or a relative who lives near your new place, let them know about your arrival. You can ask them for help in moving and learning more about the new location. If you have kids or pets, you can trust those people to look after them for a bit, if needed. Of course, don’t forget to reward them for their help and enjoy your new home with them, too!

Greet your new neighbors

Once you’ve settled, it’s also a great idea to take a walk around the neighborhood to familiarize yourself. Greet your new neighbors, and maybe present them with some small souvenirs from your old city. After all, it’s always nice to keep a good relationship with your neighbors.

Final Thoughts

Moving is an exciting yet challenging stage in your life. But if you have prepared everything in advance, it is sure to go smoothly. Hopefully, this article has been informative and helpful for your upcoming transition. Just remember and follow these tips, and you’re on to a hassle-free and stress-free move!