The average American moves an average of 11.7 times in their lifetime. And if you’re planning on joining the 11% of Americans that will change scenery this year, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know to get started.
For most people moving for the first time can invoke a lot of intense emotions. You suddenly feel stressed, worried, and maybe even a little sad. Whether you’re an experienced mover or it’s your first big move, we’ve got you covered.
Make a Master List
Studies show that making a “to-do” list is the ultimate way feel more in control of any situation. If you’re like most people, the daunting and overwhelming task of moving can almost be too much to bare. By making yourself a very detailed list of what you need to do before your move, you will feel so much more confident about the moving process.
On this master plan, you’ll want to include timelines of when things need to be completed. For example, “Gather boxes for packing by June 3rd at 4:00 p.m.” Sometimes all we need to get moving is a concrete schedule to break apart all the seemingly endless tasks.
Hire a professional mover
Professional movers can be a lifesaver if you’re on a time-crunch to get to your new place. They can really take the stress out of moving, but it’s important to note they can really hike-up your moving budget.
Before moving, give yourself a detailed budget for the move. This will include things like cost of packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) and the potential costs of professional movers. Contact a few professionals in your area and get a quote to see who will give you the best deal.
If you find that movers are not going to be in your budget, there are moving trucks you can rent for a lower price. You may also want to consider enlisting your friends and family for a moving party. Promise to provide pizza and beer and your friends are sure to join in to help, saving you a ton on moving costs.
Declutter and Organize
Moving is a great opportunity to channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter your home. Oftentimes we don’t realize how many things we actually own until we have to put them all in boxes.
In preparation for you move, don’t be afraid to be ruthless in your decluttering. Remember, the less you pack, the less you have to unpack.
It’s also important to try and organize your possessions well. Rather than just tossing everything and anything into boxes, try and really organize your moving boxes.
You want to pack well so that once you remove your stuff, they’re ready to be put away. This means packing with rooms in mind. You want to pack all your clothes as if they’re ready to be placed in a set of drawers, pack all your dishes as if they are going directly into a cabinet, and keepsakes as if they are ready to go on your new mantle place.
If you think about packing this way, unpacking will be effortless. Another great tip we suggest is labeling your boxes in a very precise way. In addition to labeling the boxes “Kitchen” or “Kid’s room”, you may want to include a detailed list of what is actually inside each box.
35.5 million Americans move each year, whether on their own or with professional companies. Just following these few steps will drastically improve the moving process, and make your move totally stress free.
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