We know moving isn’t on your list of favorite things to do. It can be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. The idea of moving and living somewhere else can open up an enormous range of emotions: excitement, apprehension, and fear to name a few.
Why not view your next move with excitement rather than the emotions with a more negative context? When you have something to look forward to, your move could become something to anticipate with excitement rather than a point of stress.
In addition to changing your mindset for moving, there are several other steps you can take to minimize the stress. Whether you’re moving from one side of the city to another or across the United States, follow these suggestions to make it easier.
1. START EARLY: GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME
We all know that procrastination can often times overtake the process of packing, but starting sooner than later will help make it easier in the long run.
It always takes at least twice as long as you think it will to pack. You may think that there are a lot of things you will still use, so you don’t want to pack them away, but, by looking at these items objectively and packing the things that aren’t really needed and used every day, you can make easy progress.
Starting is easy. Get several large bins to begin the process. Label them keep, toss, sell and donate. You can start to sort all of your belongings, room by room, into these sections and toss what isn’t needed.
Not only is it important to start planning as early as possible, but also start getting your moving quotes as soon as possible to get the best rates and availability. Contact your new building if you need to reserve specific services and notify utilities companies of a move as soon as possible. The more requirements you can take care of in advance, the better.
2. WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL MOVER
Even if you have some friends who can help you move, hiring a professional moving company can save you time and hassle.
Here are some tips when hiring a professional moving company
Get referrals from friends, neighbors, co-workers.
Get three estimates: make sure one is from us.
Make sure your movers are licensed and insured.
3. PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME AND A LITTLE EVERYDAY
It can be truly overwhelming to look at your entire home or apartment as a whole. By focusing on one room at a time, you’ll be able to see the bigger picture much easier. It will allow you to tackle one room at a time and more easily approach the entire move. Packing one room also helps you keep things organized and saves you a lot of time when you move into your new place to start unpacking.
When packing, make sure you label each box appropriately with the room name. Put heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes and light items, such as clothing, in larger boxes.
4. USE A CHECKLIST TO STAY ORGANIZED
As you get started with moving and packing, one of the best ways you can reduce stress is by creating a moving to do checklist. They’re especially helpful in ensuring you follow certain necessary steps and to make sure things are not forgotten, which can add to stress later on in the process.
Refer to our articles - Moving Tips - Moving Supplies Checklist and Moving Tips – Moving Calendar to help you get started.
5. LET YOURSELF REST AND RECOVER
It’s easy to become stressed during a move, but utilizing a few steps to help reduce your stress is a great start for a successful move.
Aside from the steps listed above, going for a walk, resting on the couch and focusing on the positive future ahead are all helpful when it comes to dealing with the stress of moving.
Above Average Moving
With over 18 years of moving experience, Above Average Moving takes pride in being able to provide nearly any type of moving service that you could need. We’re conveniently located and serve the entire Madison, WI area including: Beaver Dam, Columbus, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, DeForest, Edgerton, Fitchburg, Janesville, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Marshall, McFarland, Middleton, Milton, Monona, Oregon, Portage, Poynette, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waterloo, Watertown, and Waunakee.