Despite all the inevitable anxiety associated with moving, there are ways to make the move more bearable and even an enjoyable experience.
Time: The best way to keep stress levels low is to give yourself time. Time gives you the luxury of sufficiently planning and being thorough while working at your own pace.
Get Organized: Even though it can seem useless, taking the extra time to get organized can make the entire process a breeze. Stress comes when you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Have A Plan: Having a clear and concise plan for your actions will keep you calmer and give your actions purpose.
Remember Your Needs: The most important part of a successful move is to remember your own needs. Sleeping and eating are vital anytime, so why abandon them during such a stressful event? Remember to take periodic breaks. Leave the house and go out with a friend and see a movie or have a relaxing dinner out.
Stress is Normal: If you feel overwhelmed, then you are having a perfectly natural reaction. Here are some tips to help in planning your move. Most importantly, remember not to be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your move day.
- Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
- Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack.
- Clothes in drawers can be placed in suitcases.
- Use only small boxes for books. They get very heavy, very fast.
- For large appliances be sure to check your owner’s manuals to see if there are special instructions for moving.
- Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china.
- Always stack dishes upwards when packing.
- Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.
- Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
- Be sure to use boxes that will be strong enough to support your possessions.
- Clearly label all boxes on top and side.
- Don’t try to get rid of your children’s favorite things before the move even if it makes it easier. Kids sometimes have a hard time dealing with the change of the move itself.
- As you take apart furniture and other items make sure to tape all parts to the main base.
- Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use bubble wrap when packing these items.
- Start packing items you will not need ahead of time.
- Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
- Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately after the move and make sure it’s the last thing added to the truck.
- Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your day.
- Clean out closets, the attic, and the basement as soon as you decide it’s time to move.
- Two weeks before the move don’t forget to arrange to transfer school records.
- Make a survival closet of things for the last cleanup before you move out, broom, dust cloth, dust pan, mop.
- Remember to get snacks for move day.
- Schedule disconnect times for about a week before your move day — you don’t want to have to pay for cable, phone and utilities when you aren’t even there!
- Cancel newspapers, cable, pest control, cleaning help, lawn services about a week before the move.
- Mail in your change of address forms about week before your move date.
- Clean your stove before you move out.
- The day before your move, defrost the fridge.
- Make sure to get enough cash to get you through move day.
- Take time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors before your busy move day.
- If you are depending on friends and family to help you move, have a back-up plan if they don’t show.