Mike Parsons
Moving can be stressful, whether your new home is around the corner or you have to move to another town. If you work or have a family, it can be even more difficult since you will have to see how to manage all of the responsibilities you have at the same time. With these 10 useful tips, we will try to make it easier for you.
Start packing on time
You probably think that it will be easier to wait for a weekend and spend it on packing and cleaning but it can be a lot more relaxed and de-stressed if you start earlier with the packaging process. One of the top 5 stressors is moving and one of the reasons is the feeling that you won't make it on time, among other things. Things that you won't need soon can be packed right away. This includes clothes that you do not wear, like winter clothes in the summer and vice versa. Step by step and you will see how the list of things to be packed is becoming smaller.
Label everything
Good organization is the key, so make sure you label everything and know exactly which box contains which clothes or other things. When you finish moving to your new place, you probably won't need everything right away but only essentials. Not labeling would mean you would have to open everything in search of something you need and make a mess from the first day. Avoid this by simply labeling everything.
Take care of one room at a time
You will probably be in a rush and want to finish everything fast but, it is smarter to take smaller steps. You can't multiply and pack all the stuff from all the rooms at the same time, instead of that, do it gradually. Choose one room, perhaps the one with the things you will need the most, and pack them right away. Then, do it with the rest. Pay attention to clothes and shoes you will need soon, bedsheets, essential kitchen utensils, and toiletries.
Useful hacks for packing things
There are some very useful packing hacks, so take a look to find out if you can make your life easier by following this advice. Garbage bags can be used for temporary clothes disposal, empty egg cartons can be used for disposing of jewelry just like toilet paper rolls. If your boxes are too big and difficult to handle, you can cut triangles on both sides and use them instead of box handles. You can use storage bins for those things that are meant to stay in the attic or garage. Protect the mirrors and electronics and don't forget to take a photo of the computer cords, since it might take forever to figure out which one goes where.
Clean your old house
It is polite to leave the old house the same way you found it. It would be good if you painted the walls as well, but the most important thing is to keep everything clean. This can be overwhelming when you are probably already so busy with other stuff. If you think you can't make it all, book the end-of-lease cleaning services and spare yourself some effort. Some options are not very expensive and can be lifesavers. Especially when it comes to the kitchen and bathroom that are usually the hardest to clean thoroughly.
Get rid of the unnecessary things
Moving can be a good opportunity to get rid of some things that you didn't use anyway. There is probably stuff that is popping up from your closet or attic that you might have forgotten. If you didn't know it was there, you don't need it. Make a yard sale or donate things that might be useful for someone else or just throw away something useless. This way you can make the moving easier by reducing the amount of stuff you're transporting to the new home and also earn some extra money or just make someone happy.
Bring essentials with you first
We mentioned the importance of labeling and getting rid of unnecessary things. Bringing the essentials first can make you accommodate faster to your new home while you're still getting your old home neat. You won't have to unpack right away either since you'll have enough necessary toiletries and clothes for the first couple of nights. This way the transition from one home to another can run much smoother and more pleasant.
Change the locks in your new house
Now that you’ve moved, there is time to think about security. You should change the lock as soon as possible, at least for the entrance door. You might think it’s exaggerated but you never know who has that key and you will be more relaxed to know that only you and people you trust enough have it. You don’t want to deal with some boring ex-boyfriend or girlfriend of the previous owner.
Clean your new house thoroughly
If the previous owner was as responsible as you, this shouldn’t take a lot of time. However, it is always good to clean if some spots were missed, especially in the kitchen and the bathroom. You can start with cleaning the dust and vacuuming, and then step by step you can introduce your stuff to the house.
Get to know the neighborhood
Now that all is set, you should meet your neighbors and your neighborhood generally. Meeting people should come spontaneously but getting to know the place might take a couple of days. You should know which transport to take to work or where the closest grocery store is. This will help you at first since it’s essential. You can explore more step by step when you’re fully accommodated.
Make sure the transition from one home to another runs in the least stressful way possible by following these tips. Do everything on time and with good organization, labeling, and getting rid of the unnecessary stuff you will move faster and easier. Don't forget to leave your old home either by cleaning yourself or hiring an end-of-lease cleaning professional. Accommodate and enjoy your new place.
