Not many people enjoy moving, even if doing so would bring positive changes to their life. It is because the effort required to pack up and relocate can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Following a credible study, moving is actually more stressful than going through a divorce. If you are planning a move, it could sound pretty scary.
Guess what? Moving does not have to be so stressful. All you have to do is stick to the following tips to keep things organized throughout the moving process:
1. Find the right moving company
With movers by your side, you will not have to worry about straining your back to load or unload large boxes. However, since there are so many movers to choose from, you might need to put in a lot of time and effort to choose the right company. So before you sign on the dotted line, it would be smart to consider various aspects, such as the company’s reputation and experience. Do not forget to look into the company’s legitimacy as well. Ensure the professionals you hire have local and federal certifications to operate.
A quick search on the internet can help you find a reliable company in your city. For example, if you live in Melbourne, check searches in local business listings by looking up the correct keywords. If you’re looking for a recommendation, Careful Hands Movers might be worth your bucks.
Reading online reviews is also a must. People post reviews on numerous online platforms after having a positive or negative moving experience. While conducting your research, reading these reviews may even shed light on the underlying factors you had not previously considered.
When booking a mover, most people put it off until the end. Well, this single slip-up could wreck your detailed plans. The need for expert movers rises dramatically during certain times of the year and in response to certain weather predictions. As a result, their prices go up like anything. So you should reach out to movers at the earliest.
2. Declutter ruthlessly
Moving provides a great opportunity for decluttering. You should eliminate all the junk you do not need in your new home. Decluttering before relocating will also help you save time, money, and energy in packing and carrying unnecessary household items. But if you are like most homeowners, you are likely to consider decluttering as an overwhelming chore. Well, you can make it easy as pie by using these time-tested strategies:
- Categorize the items: An effective decluttering project starts with categorizing your belongings. Assuming you want to begin with books, you should round up all your books from wherever they may be hiding. Check the closets, the cellar, the attic, everywhere! After that, you can analyze each publication and select the best ones to preserve.
- Conduct a practicality test: If you are confused about whether to sell or keep an item, ask yourself honestly if you will ever use it. For clothing, set a deadline. You probably will not wear an outfit again if you have not attired it in a year. Thus, you can put it on an online selling platform or drop it off in the charity’s collection box.
- Start early: Do not put off making decisions on what to bring and what to leave behind. You should tap into the clean-up process at least two weeks before the scheduled arrival of the moving firm. That way, you will have an ideal time to carefully consider every item.
3. Lay down a packing plan
Do not simply stack your belongings on top of one another. Instead, come up with a packing method that proceeds room by room. To begin with, select the areas, such as closets and rooms, you wish to organize first. It is best to start with the rooms with the stuff you will not need in the last weeks before moving. As a general rule, you should wait until the very end to pack the contents of your kitchen and bedroom.
Keep in mind that every moving box has a maximum weight limit. Overloading boxes beyond that threshold means they might collapse. For this reason, you must opt for only high-quality boxes. When using old boxes, it is crucial to properly inspect each one before stuffing them. Moving pros recommend not exceeding the standard weight limits of the box size you are using; 50 pounds for a small box, 65 pounds for a medium box, and 80 pounds for a big box.
4. Do not forget your pets
When moving, it is easy to lose track of the family pet, among all the other things that need to be done. Before you pack up and move, visit the vet to get your pet up to date on vaccinations and identification. Staying on top of the appropriate paperwork for your animal is essential, especially if you plan on leaving the country or state. Research pet-friendly airlines and portable kennels if you want to take your pet with you on a plane or in a vehicle.
5. Carry a survival kit
The contents of a survival kit will allow you to carry on with your normal routine until you have unpacked everything. It might include a screwdriver, a favorite blanket, a flashlight, dog food, and toilet paper. You should also ensure you have enough cash to tip your movers and pay for pizza delivery, as you may be too exhausted to cook yourself.
In addition, compile a central file where you keep your most critical documents so that you may quickly retrieve them when needed. It bears worth mentioning that these suggestions are meant to serve only as a starting point. Each household has different requirements, so it is important to tailor your moving day survival pack accordingly. For example, if a family member has a medical condition, you will likely need to bring along necessary medications or medical equipment.
Conclusion
Moving entails a great deal of work. Whether this is your first relocation or your twentieth, there will always be obstacles to overcome. But the good news is that walking the tight line of the tactics mentioned above will pave the way for a hassle-free relocation.