Are you planning a move in the near future? Are you already fretting over the numerous tasks you’ll have to attend to before the big day? Packing up your home and remembering to take care of odds and ends like canceling newspaper subscriptions can make you feel like pulling your hair out.
If you want to lighten your burden prior to move-out day, it helps to have a strategic plan. Check out the following 10 tips that can take some of the stress out of moving day:
1) Use patterned or colored packing tape on boxes containing basic items you’ll need for the first couple of days in your new home. Your first night in a new place can be a fretful one; being able to easily locate basic items can reduce your stress and make getting unpacked easier.
2) Cut handholds in cardboard boxes prior to packing. This will give you a better grip on the boxes and reduce the strain on your shoulders and neck.
3) Get ready for your move ahead of time by packing out-of-season gear. If you’re not going to use it in the next few months, get it ready for the moving van.
4) Hold a garage sale a couple of months before your actual move-out date. You don’t want to be dealing with barter-hungry shoppers when you’re already stressed out over moving.
5) Label cords for your electronics prior to unplugging. You’ll be able to reconnect cords to the appropriate appliances in your new home with no frustration. (Related: Advice for Homebuyers So You Can Buy With Confidence)
6) Shred unwanted paper ahead of time. You don’t need to move out-of-date paperwork to your new home and the shredded paper is great for cushioning breakable items in boxes. Newspaper can leave ink all over your dishware; shredded paper is a much better option.
7) If you don’t have enough shredded paper, use towels from your linen closet to cushion your breakable items. Just don’t forget to carefully unwrap each towel once you reach your destination.
8) Don’t load your moving truck the night before your move out date. Thieves target moving vans; the time saved by loading the moving truck the night before isn’t worth it if all of your worldly possessions are stolen.
9) Arrange to transfer important records ahead of time. School transfers, utilities, and medical files are just a few records that may need to be transferred to your new location.
10) If you have small children, arrange for a babysitter ahead of time. Get a relative or babysitter to take the kids for the day so you will have one less thing to worry about while you are moving.
Developing a moving plan can help you feel more organized and in control of your day. You can get moved to your new residence and still have some hair left at the end of the day. Will you be trying any of these tips to alleviate moving day stress?
