Begin Early to Make Moving Into Your Next House Less Hectic
Photo: © Brad Killer | iStockphoto
Moving into your next house can be a fun start to a new chapter in your life, but if you're not careful, it can also be an organizational nightmare. Prudent planning and clear communication will help you mastermind a stress-free move. Here's how:
1. Declutter Early and Often
Don't wait until the week before you move house to start trashing junk and donating treasures. It's never too early to declutter. To avoid burn-out, sort through your items in short bursts. Even 15 minutes a day gets you closer to readiness. If you have the energy, you might make some spare change by selling items on eBay or Craigslist. Just be aware that the time you put into selling items may actually cost you more than you earn. You could save time by simply giving your unwanted things away. A few weeks before you move, go through your things one last time to clear out the final cobwebs.
2. Get Packing
Just like decluttering, it's never too early to start packing. Obviously, you can't pack anything you use regularly, but you can certainly pack items you rarely use. As you pack, label boxes clearly on more than one side. Some people like to jot down the contents of the boxes, others simply label each box with the name of the room it goes in. Pick a system and stick to it. Just before moving day, pack essentials into a single box: bathroom items, a change of clothing, coffee, a few dishes, and a first-aid kit. That way, you'll be able to access what you're likely to need at your new home without unpacking everything.
3. Update Your Contact Information
Tell the post office about your move so that you won't miss mail. You can usually do this online, and you can pre-schedule your change in address, so there's no excuse for not doing this today. You also need to inform anyone you do business with, as well as friends and family.
4. Plan Your Move
If you're using a moving service, make sure you book well in advance. Look for good deals, but don't scrimp on quality. You don't necessarily want the cheapest service. If you're moving yourself, then to make your life easier on moving day, hire a moving truck with a ramp, a dolly and extra padding. Get a team of willing friends together, order pizza and make it a fun day for everyone.
If you follow these four tips, moving house will go seamlessly. The most important thing to remember is: don't leave everything to the last minute. That's a sure recipe for stress – the one thing you don't need more of on moving day!
