It’s no secret that moving can be stressful, even more so when you’re moving as a family. Not only do you have to pack your belongings, but your children and pets need to make it to the new destination too. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make moving less stressful. From creating a checklist to getting rid of unwanted items before your pack, here’s everything you should know:
1. Have a Plan
As with anything, it’s a good idea to make a plan before jumping right in. This is especially true when it comes to moving. Rather than waking up the day before and throwing everything in boxes, create a moving checklist for your family. Take the time to write down everything you need to ensure this is a seamless move. Whether hiring moving trucks or figuring out pet transport, having a checklist will help keep you organized.
The first step to creating a checklist is determining your timeline. How many weeks out do you plan on starting? Let’s say you plan on moving in six months. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to start looking for moving trucks ASAP to ensure you get the best price. So, you may want to write “nail down moving truck by the end of the week” to your checklist. Get it?
Having tasks broken down with due dates will hold you accountable and lower your stress levels. It can also help ensure you don’t forget the essentials.
2. Hire Professionals
It’s no secret that moving is time-consuming and exhausting, especially when you’re moving as a family. You have your things, and your partner and children have theirs. That’s a lot, and you could probably use some help. Thankfully, professional movers exist to make this process easy. They can pack your belongings, load them in a truck, transport them to your new home, and unload them. While professionals may not alleviate all the stress from moving, they can definitely help.
There are many different professional moving services, and you can choose how hands-on you want the movers to be. With that said, you may want to consider having moving insurance in the event your items are lost or damaged. Also, read the reviews before deciding on the right service to guarantee you find one that’s credible and affordable.
3. Focus on Your Pets
If you’re moving with pets, it’s important to remember that they get accustomed to their routines. Because of that, they may get anxious during the moving process. Boxes everywhere and strangers coming in and out of the house can be overwhelming for your furry friend. To keep them calm, do your best to keep their routine the same. Make sure to feed your pet at their regular time, don’t miss playtime, and give your pets a little extra attention.
On the actual move-in day, make sure your pets are entertained but out of the way. Consider leaving them with a trusted friend or taking them to a doggy daycare where they can run around.
4. Get Rid of Unwanted Items
There are probably several items in your home that you don’t use anymore or even remember exist. Don’t take those to your next home. After all, the last thing you want is clutter.
To keep that from happening, go through your house before your move. Create a pile of clothes you no longer wear, toys your children don’t play with, and so on. Depending on what you find, you can donate those items to charity, so another family can enjoy them. Remember that you can also donate large objects, like furniture, that you don’t want to take with you.
Removing unwanted items doesn’t just help keep your home clutter-free; it can speed up your move. Less stuff means less to pack and less to move physically. Win-win. You may also be able to downsize to a smaller moving truck and save money.
5. Start Early
There’s no such thing as starting the moving process too early, and starting before you have to could save you stress. Thankfully, most people don’t have to move at a moment’s notice. You probably have at least 60 days to leave your current home for the new one. Meaning you have at least 60 days to pack and organize. It’s a good idea to use each day that you can!
According to a survey of 1,000 Americans, 45% said moving is the most stressful event in life — even more stressful than divorce. And a big reason for that is that people start too late. You may think you only need a couple of weeks to get everything done, but you’d be surprised by how time-consuming packing is. If you have the time, start early and save yourself the headache.
6. Pack Smart
While there’s no hard rule on how to pack, you should consider following some tips. For one, it’s a good idea to use a labeling system. Whether color coding your boxes or marking their content with sticky notes, you want to have some system in place. You could do something as simple as putting all your kitchen appliances into a box and labeling them “kitchen appliances.” This will make it easier for yourself, as well as your movers.
Another packing tip is to go room by room. Some people make the mistake of trying to pack everything all at once. Not only does this make it challenging to stay organized, but it can also make packing seem overwhelming.
Often, the first thing you want to do after a long day of moving is sleep. Unfortunately, that can be difficult with all your necessities packed in boxes. Rather than spend time going through those boxes to find your toothbrush and pajamas, pack an overnight bag of essentials for you and your family.
Moving can be a chaotic time, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways you can alleviate the stress. The tips above are a great place to start and can help make your move more enjoyable for the entire family.
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