Some tips for a smoother move
Spring has sprung, and along with flowers, you’ve probably noticed a fair number of “For Sale” signs popping up around your neighborhood. If you’re one of those contemplating a move in the coming months, read on. Whether you are heading across the street or across the country, the task of moving brings with it an enormous amount of preparation and responsibilities. The good news is that, by staying organized and on top of things, it doesn’t have to be as stressful as it may sound.
Alicia on ‘One Step at a Time’
One reason the moving process tends to get manic is the number of disparate duties that are suddenly on your plate – hiring a mover, selling your home, closing on your new house, then packing and finally settling in. By taking on each of these tasks one at a time, you can make sure that each gets the attention it deserves, and lessen the chance that you’ll forget something.
Sarah on ‘Trust’
When you move, trust is key to relieving a huge amount of stress. This is especially true with movers. These people will be in charge of your most personal belongings, so you should feel secure in that arrangement. Get recommendations from friends, talk to the movers, and, most of all, don’t just choose your mover by cost!
You know to pack the weights and china separately, and to lift with your legs. But here are some other helpful moving hints.
1. Calendar
When you decide you’re moving, the first thing to do is to buy a calendar, mark your move date, and work your way back to the present day. Establish dates by which certain things need to be done, and who exactly should be doing them. By parceling out all the to-do’s to different people in an organized (and visible!) fashion, not only do things get done more efficiently, but everyone shares the load, and reduces your stress.
2. Addresses
Changing your address is one of the more annoying tasks of moving. Fortunately, you can now take care of most of the changes online. Your official US Post Office change of address form is available at: https://moversguide.usps.com. A helpful hint: a few months before you move, start making a list of the magazines you receive in the mail, then once you’ve compiled your list, take an hour at the computer and update your addresses at the Web sites of each magazine.
3. Boxes, Boxes Everywhere
One way to simplify the unpacking process is by thinking ahead and keeping track of what went in each box. Either mark each box with where it came from/needs to go (kitchen/bedroom/bathroom), or number each box and keep track of its contents on a separate sheet of paper. You’ll now have the right boxes in the right area, making it easier to settle into your new home.