Now that you’ve closed on a beautiful home or signed a lease for a spiffy new rental, you can’t wait to start nesting. You might be a little nervous, though. After all, moving can be quite stressful. It doesn’t matter whether it’s down the road or across the country! That’s why we’ve made a list of our most helpful tips on how to deal with moving stress.
Tips on Dealing With Moving Stress
Billy Goat Moving
BEGIN PACKING AS EARLY AS YOU CAN
Procrastination might have worked fine in high school. Now you have too many things to juggle—including work and family life—to leave packing for the last minute. Some items such as food and clothing have to wait. There are plenty of belongings, however, you can pack early. Start with the easy stuff, such as books, movies, and records. Once you pack those items, grab a big box for the extra pillows and blankets. Another category to pack early: is any old keepsakes or decorations. Pack those paintings and box those baubles!
By starting sooner, you won’t have a last-minute crunch to overwhelm you. Tackling by category, instead of rooms, can also make unpacking even smoother.
START KEEP AND GIVEAWAY PILES
Most people accumulate a lot of stuff over time. Whether clothes or furniture, a home can fill up fast. Not everything has to follow you to your new home. If that coat or chair is still in good condition, consider a trip to your local donation center. There are plenty of places that accept donations, such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. The sooner you make Keep and Giveaway piles, the easier your life will be on moving day!
MAKE A CHECKLIST
When preparing for a move, it’s easy to think only about the logistics of getting your belongings from one place to the next. There is a lot more to consider, though. For example, submitting a change of address with your post office or bank. Here are a few essential items you should include on your moving checklist:
• Set start and stop dates for your utilities
• Eat all perishable foods
• Defrost the fridge
For more ideas about how to ensure a stress-free move, take a look at our moving preparation checklist.
ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES
Rarely do plans turn out the way we hope. No matter how well you orchestrate your move, some things may go amiss. It may rain or snow on the day you move, or some of your moving helpers might cancel at the last minute. The best way around this is to have a “Plan B” section on your checklist. That way you’ll avoid disappointment and—perhaps anger—if things don’t quite go to plan.
Have a plan, but be flexible! Soon you’ll be settling into your new place and the real fun can begin—unpacking!