Moving house can be an exciting time in your life. But it’s rarely all smiles and sunshine. There are a lot of logistical and emotional elements that contribute to it being a source of stress for most people. It doesn’t matter if you’ve invested in an older property or a new build, there is always the potential for unexpected hurdles, too. One of the ways you can reduce the negative impact of your move is to prioritize efficiency.
Do Your Research
Without committing to educating yourself on aspects of your move, you are more likely to be caught unawares by problems. While this may highlight problems it also helps reduce stress by making sure you don’t need to tackle them while a lot of other aspects are underway. Tip one for a seamless and efficient move is to do your research.
Perhaps the most important aspect you need to research is the safety of your new home. Few houses will be perfect and most will require some element of work to assure your comfort. But there may be serious hazards. Asbestos was a common building material in homes built before 1970. This mineral in its fiber form was used for strengthening and fireproofing components, but asbestos was later found to be carcinogenic. The dangers here have largely affected those working in construction. But if parts of your new home are deteriorating or you’re performing renovations, you and your family may be at risk. Do your research thoroughly here. This allows you to make any improvements before you move in.
Even aside from hazards, it’s important to do your research on local resources you may need during your move. If you’re moving to a new city or state you may not be fully aware of the local utility suppliers for the area. Some may have a waiting period before a contractor can come out and connect your supply. Doing your research on these before moving can help you get the best deals for your supply while also making certain everything is scheduled to be on for the day you arrive.
Plan Well in Advance
Few people in the world actually enjoy moving house. In fact, a recent survey found the majority of people polled found moving more stressful than going through a divorce. When the necessity to relocate arises, you may feel compelled to put off most related activities until they absolutely need to be performed. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking can be instrumental in making the process more difficult. You should make your moving plans as far in advance as practical.
Start as soon as you decide to move. Most of the elements that make moving easier are only practical with a significant amount of time. This includes choosing the best time of year to move, as the winter months will often see you paying lower rental and buying costs. You’ll also find you can save money by gradually building up your moving supplies, like free boxes from grocery stores. This approach will support the need for research we outlined in the previous section, too. It gives you ample time to not just perform online research but also visit the area and perhaps talk to the locals. This helps you get a sense of the surroundings and challenges.
Planning well in advance also gives you the space to tackle some of the most labor-intensive aspects of your move. Particularly if you’ve been renting your home, you’ll need to make certain the house is clean and any damages repaired before it is inspected. You don’t want your first days in your new home to be financially disrupted because you didn’t get your entire security deposit back.
Pack Mindfully
Packing can be a stressful experience unless you happen to be an organizational ninja. Most people will simply fill boxes with whatever fits the spaces — like a panic-ridden game of Tetris. Though it may pain you to think about it, you’ll find your moving experience more convenient and efficient if you put some consideration into your packing process.
Your first point of focus is the items you’ll need during the day of the move and even a couple of days afterward. It’s unlikely you’ll want to unpack everything as soon as you arrive or even rummage around all the boxes to find where you put the toothpaste. So, start by making a bag of essentials. You should be organized about packing this suitcase, as this will help reduce stress and make certain you have everything you need. Create a packing list that takes into account only the most appropriate clothing and items for the trip you’re making. Just as you don’t want to overpack here, be wary of underpacking. Take the time to review what will make your experience easiest and most comfortable.
Similarly, take an approach to packing your boxes and even the moving van with consideration to your priorities. If it’s going to take all day to move house, among the first items you’ll want is your clean bed linen and pillows. Make sure these are in an accessible box. It can also be wise to pack instant foodstuffs at the top of your kitchen box for easy access to quick meals. Even packing games and books at the top of boxes for your kids’ room can make sure they’re occupied without having to unpack everything immediately.
Conclusion
Moving can be a difficult process, so it’s important to adopt methods to make it less stressful and more efficient. Performing preparatory research can help you mitigate problems. Planning and packing in an organized fashion also tend to reduce otherwise difficult hurdles along the way. Moving can signal new opportunities for a positive life, so it’s worth taking a little extra time to make the best possible start.
