Moving is ranked as more stressful than having kids or starting a new job. In fact, a recent survey conducted by North American Van Lines asked 1000 Americans about their experience of moving and a full 45 percent said it was the most stressful event they have ever experienced. This was a finding reported regardless of if the people moved themselves or used a moving company.
The truth is that most of us will need to move at some point. Whether this is a downsize, rightsize or a move for work, there are ways to make it less painful. Mind you we didn’t say painless!
If it is a downsize or a rightsize, be sure to check out Karen’s website where there’s a lot of valuable information meant to encourage and provide insight!
Where to begin? Create a plan using Karen’s Steps to stay organized and prep way in advance of the big day.
Purge the Excess Stuff
We’re all accumulators. Of stuff we need, and stuff we don’t need. And after a certain amount of time, virtually everything we’ve accumulated winds up in the latter category. So, before you move, sort your clothes, personal items, furniture, collectibles, and everything else you own into one of three categories: save, throw away, and sell/donate. Save only what you love, and have worn or used in the past year. Then, go ahead. Throw things away, especially things that have little to no value, and that nobody else would want (remember, we’ve all accumulated too much stuff).
Whatever is left, and has value, group into sell/donate piles and have a garage sale, and/or donate to your favorite nonprofit.
RESOURCES
Goodwill has donation centers everywhere with convenient drive thru drop offs.
Professional Organizers – You may want to bring in some professional help. Ask for recommendations or search on site Find My Organizer.
Moving Professionals or DYI
Planning is everything. Consider your options for how you will move to your next location. Is your employer covering your moving expenses? Make sure to have everything in place for the moving company, including the date of your move and payment policy. If you’re not so lucky, and you are paying for the move, then make sure to reserve a moving truck, and do the obligatory ask for friends to help you move (most of them will have something else planned for that day, even if they don’t know what day it is).
You can also do a comparison of local moving companies and select one to do the work for you (and your so-called friends).
RESOURCES
Of course, there are many more reputable movers, but this list was published by Forbes Magazine.
Buy Packing Materials
Proper packing materials are essential to keep items secure. Buy packing tape and cardboard boxes in varying sizes. To protect breakable items, you’ll need lots of Bubble Wrap or other cushioning, such as bath towels, bedding, or small throw rugs. Crumpled newspaper is an inexpensive way to protect fragile items.
RESOURCES
There are post of multiple Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
Groups for “Free Moving Boxes.” Start looking well in advance of when you must pack. Getting them free is great for the environment and your wallet!
Start Eating and Drinking
About a month before your anticipated move date begin using up items in your pantry and refrigerator. Avoid the temptation to buy more nonperishable food items, such as cereals or canned goods. Take inventory of the foods in your freezer, as well as refrigerated items, and plan to cook and eat what you already have. An empty refrigerator is easier to clean, and you’ll be saving money on groceries.
Get Packing
Start packing about four weeks prior to your move date. Begin with items you don’t use daily, such as framed pictures, wall decor, collectibles, and knickknacks. Pack up seasonal bedding, clothing, and shoes. Move on to small kitchen appliances and dishes you won’t need for a few weeks.
Create a packing schedule to keep yourself on track; to avoid becoming overwhelmed, consider packing one hour every evening instead of cramming too much in on the weekends.
If you are anxious about your move, try to take it one day at a time!
Karen is available to answer any questions and offer her list of professionals called Salters Sources to help with various moving tasks. As someone who once moved twice within one year, and sees clients move multiple times a year, she gets it!
