It’s no secret that moving home is one of life’s most stressful events, and if you’ve got a move coming up, you might already be feeling the pressure. From sorting and packing your belongings to cancelling or rerouting subscriptions, you might be worried that you’ll forget an important detail and not realise until the last minute. Luckily, there are some really effective ways of managing and reducing the stress that comes hand in hand with moving. So, instead of bracing your way through the chaos, take a look at these tips to help make your house move as smooth as possible.
Plan ahead
Even if your move isn’t for a few months, getting prepared well in advance will save a lot of stress come moving day. It also means that you don’t have to rush, which can also help with stress levels. Not only that, a rushed move can also lead to potential mishaps, which you obviously want to avoid.
Start by making yourself a checklist, these things should include things like:
- Rerouting your internet service
- Cancelling newspaper deliveries
- Hiring movers
- Setting up utilities in your new home
- Settling bills and any debts
- Getting help on moving day
This list isn’t exhaustive, and there may be other things that you need to add, but it’s a good indication of the things you need to be thinking about.
You should also use this time to budget your move. Aside from the cost of rent or buying your new home, there are other expenses to think about like moving services, packing materials and also transporting all of your belongings to your new home. Take the time now to put some money aside so that you’re prepared if any unexpected cost crops up.
Now is also a good time to inform institutions like your bank or any government bodies that you’re moving. Doing this helps make sure that any correspondence you need to see will be delivered to the right address at the right time.
Take the chance to declutter
Now comes the packing process, which is often a dreaded part of moving. But, instead of dreading it, use it as a chance to declutter and sort through your belongings. Create a sell, donate and throw away pile, and work through each room at a pace that’s good for your time schedule. If you started early, packing a room a week will help reduce your stress levels while slowly but surely getting everything done. Not only that, but sorting through your belongings as you pack also reduces the amount you need to move come moving day.
Once you’ve donated or thrown away items you no longer need or want, you can now take your time packing in an organised way. Remember to label boxes so that unpacking the other side is much easier and so that movers know which room to leave your boxes in.
Organise moving day
You might be feeling more pressure as the moving day gets closer and closer, so if you haven’t already, consider hiring a moving company. Not only can they help take some of the pressure off when it comes to moving, but they will have vehicles designed to move large volumes in one sitting – meaning less trips back and forth for you. Remember to book in plenty of time so that you can move on the day you want to.
It’s also a good idea to prepare an essentials box for yourself so that if you’re too tired to even think about unpacking the first night in your new home, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable night. Things like toiletries, a change of clothes and some refreshments are a great idea. If you’re waiting on your kitchen supplies, consider treating yourself to a takeaway instead of worrying about cooking.
Take care of valuables
While moving companies are often vetted to make sure they are trustworthy enough to handle your belongings, there may be some items that you simply want to take care of yourself. In instances like these, it’s a good idea to use a storage facility to make sure there’s no damage to them during the move. Not only does it protect them from accidental damage, but you’ll be able to rest assured that they will also be safe from theft or accidental loss.
Another good idea is to create an inventory of your belongings as you pack. This way, when you begin unpacking in your new home, you can tick off items as you unpack them. This makes sure that everything is accounted for once the move is complete.
Look after your emotional well being
Moving can take a toll on your emotions. One day you might be feeling anxious about making sure you’ve remembered everything, and the next day you might be feeling angry because some of your plans have fallen through. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s important to look after your emotional well being. Keep people that you love and trust around you for moral support, and don’t be afraid to ask for their help with your move.
If you’re really struggling to cope, make sure you get some help. Speak to your doctor about the way you’re feeling, as they may be able to recommend some self help, or even refer you to a counsellor or a therapist as they can help you with coping strategies and emotional support.
Finally, don’t forget that it’s completely normal to feel stressed when you’re moving home. But, if you plan ahead and stay organised you can take a lot of the pressure off your back. It might also help to remember that this is a significant crossroad in your life; you’re about to end an era of living in a home that undoubtedly holds its own special memories, yet you’re about to embark on a new chapter that holds exciting and new experiences. Instead of feeling the stress, try and feel the excitement of this moment – it won’t last forever and you’ll find it much easier to cope if you’re feeling excited rather than stressed!
