Moving to a New Home? Simplify Your Move, Plan Ahead

I like to move it, move it. I like to move it, move it.
I like to move it, move it. You like to MOVE IT!

Despite your excitement of locking down a place to call home, moving to a new home can be a stressful – busy – time. There are many ways to simplify your move before actually loading up all of your stuff. Try doing the following before your big day to help make your move go smoother.

8 Weeks Before Your Move

Make a plan with deadlines

Planning your move in advance will significantly decrease your stress levels because you’ll know exactly when you need to start every aspect of your move. Make a master task list that includes changing your address, stopping services, grabbing moving supplies, etc.

Tip: Be sure to include deadlines to hold yourself accountable.

Truck, car, movers, or storage

Decide if you will be renting a truck and driving it yourself, taking car loads periodically, hiring movers or putting any of your items in storage. If you’re renting, hiring movers, or obtaining storage make sure you reserve these well in advance. Be sure to shop around for quotes if you’re looking for movers.

Tip: Be open to telling the moving companies you’re shopping around—it may result in a lower quote.

Notify your friends and family

Moving to a new home may be hard on you, but it can also be difficult on those around you. If you tell your friends and family about your move it will allow them time to adjust to the change too. Plus, if you let them know in advance they may be willing to help you on moving day.

Tip: Schedule your moving day on the weekend, if possible, so your friends and family are more likely to be available. If your friends don’t want to commit to an entire day try scheduling them in shifts.

6 Weeks Before Your Move

Gather packing supplies

When it comes to gathering boxes and bubble wrap, you can either buy it, or find it for free. If you’re like any person who wants to save a few bucks, you’ll hit up your local hardware or grocery store and ask for any boxes from shipments, or food items. Although these may not include bubble wrap and packing paper, you can use towels, blankets, and clothes to pack your more fragile items.

Tip: Go to your local grocery store late at night to grab the most boxes.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

Start packing

Packing is the most strenuous and time consuming part of moving to a new home. If you haven’t hired movers, it’s never too early to start packing. There are many ways you can begin this process. It’s usually easiest to pack by room so you can keep each room’s belongings together.

You’ll get the most accomplished if you start with the bathroom. If you start here you’re less likely to get distracted by old photographs or papers you’re not sure you should keep.

When you finally start working on the other rooms, use it as a time to sort through all the stuff you don’t use. If you didn’t use the panini press in your old home, you probably won’t use it in your new home.

Tip: If you’re unsure of whether or not to get rid of an item, place it in a box and give yourself a deadline to open it—whether it’s 1 week or 6 months. If you haven’t opened it by the deadline, get rid of the items inside.

Organize repairs and clean

Before moving day you’ll want to leave your old home, whether an apartment or house, in spick and span condition. Repairs can take a lot of time or no time at all. Making repairs early can give you enough time to discover whether or not you need to schedule anyone to help you.

Tip: Take this time to clean those rugs, curtains, and sheets before dragging them to a new home.

2 Weeks Before You Move

Take care of odds and ends

Transfer those prescriptions, cancel or switch your home insurance, and conduct any car maintenance. If you have pets, make their travel arrangements as well.

Tip: If you have any kids, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. Things will go a lot smother if you don’t have to watch them and move at the same time.

Start using up your food

There is no point in buying tons of new food if you already have a lot of food to use up. It’s time to start thinking how you can incorporate that dusty can of black beans into a meal. The more food you use before moving to a new home, the less you’ll have to take with you.

Tip: If you can’t use the remainder of your food and you don’t wish to take it with you, find a local food bank to donate to.

2 Days Before the Big Day

Pack a survival kit

At this point you’ve reached the final countdown! Make sure you pack a survival kit to hold you over for a few days into your move. This kit should include things such as a toothbrush, phone charger, and a change or two of clothes.

Tip: Pack a first aid kit in your survival bag. You never know when you might need one.

Moving simplified

Moving is definitely not at the top of anyone’s list when it comes to fun activities. However, having a plan and staying on track will make the entire process more bearable for you and everyone else involved.

How did you simplify moving to a new home?