Some Basic Tips to Avoid a Stressful Move
Name some fun activities that you and your whole family are looking forward to! I’ll bet moving to a new home is not at the top of your list!
Moving is a fact of life at one point or another and can be one of the most potentially stressful events from start to finish.
There are many articles and resources available to make it less so, but we’ll cut to the chase here: The secret is in the planning! Start early and follow the plan to avoid potential “bumps” in the road. Keep in mind that some stress is normal. If you know you are likely to incur some stress during the process, you are less likely to let it set you back when it happens. You’ll work through it.
Tip #1 – Allow Yourself the Time You Need
Pressured by deadlines is a sure way to add unnecessary stress to your move. Begin decluttering and make decisions about what you will be taking to your new home. Start with one room and consider what furniture will fit in its new location. Go through closes to consider what you no longer need or want and give these items away or dispose of them. Make a to-do list and a to-scale floor plan so that you know what will go where and what will or will not fit.
Tip #2 – Be Super Organized When Packing
Pack one room at a time, leaving the kitchen for last. When packing clothing, don’t remove them from their hangars. Use wardrobe boxes (available from your mover) in which you can hang your clothing. Don’t empty dresser drawers. They can be left in position. If this makes the dresser too heavy to lift, the drawers can be removed, and the contents held in place by plastic wrap.
Use a consistent labeling system or color-code your boxes with adhesive dots. A simple device is to write, for example: Master Bedroom #1 of #5 with a heavy-duty marker. Keep a written journal of what is in that box in a notebook.
Confer with your mover to obtain the appropriate packing supplies. You’ll need various sizes and types of boxes, including those that are for specific purposes, like computers, TVs, artwork, mirrors, and hanging clothes. You may be able to purchase used boxes at a reduced cost. Don’t forget heavy-duty tape and unprinted newsprint paper for wrapping items. Be sure to have extra boxes on hand for last-minute packing on moving day.
Use your linens and towels for packing material as well. You can cushion fragile glassware, lamps, and vases with these items. Wrap knives and other sharp kitchenware in linens too, to prevent injury when unpacking.
If you need assistance packing, ask your mover to help with the more fragile or hard-to-pack items.
Tip #3 – Take Care of Yourself, Before, During, and After
Be sure to get enough sleep and to eat well. Move anxiety may mean that you may not be getting the sleep you should prior to the move and it’s easy to forget to eat on moving day. However, you need to be alert and at your best or stress will definitely find a place to express itself.
Tip #4 – Get the Help You Need
We don’t always ask for help when we need it most and feeling overwhelmed is often the result. Ask family members or friends to help or keep you company while you pack. If you have children or pets, ask for a baby or pet sitting help on packing or moving days.
Select a professional mover that can assist you in the planning and completion of your move … one with the capability to wrap your furnishings and load them onto their truck so they arrive safely. Make use of resources, like the Tips From Professional Movers or the Timeline for a Successful Move, available from your mover.
Tip #5 – Moving Day!
Your packing should include a Moving Essentials box or bag. This will include the necessities for you on moving day and for your arrival at your new home. Pack important documents, jewelry, medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, electronic device chargers, and snacks. You will want to add a child’s favorite toy and your pet’s food and dishes.
If you have questions about getting organized for a pending move, call a professional moving consultant at Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. They will be happy to discuss how they can help organize your move to be stress-free.
