Moving to a new house can be very exciting. The expectation of a fresh beginning and creating new memories brings a special kind of joy. It’s a wonderful experience, especially when you get to the decorating stage and start transforming a house into a home!
However, moving to another house is not always without hiccups. This is most especially true if you are moving out of state. Common obstacles include missing and damaged items, misunderstandings with the movers, and delays in the schedule, to name a few. These challenges can transform the process into a very distressing experience. So, how can you ensure a stress-free and smooth moving day?
Try not to let your anticipation and excitement cloud your ability to make sound judgments and decisions. Be wise about all aspects of the move, from packing and budgeting to choosing a moving company. Take your time and plan carefully. This way, you can cover more ground without stressing yourself out.
If you are moving to a new home but unsure about your first steps, here are seven smart moving tips and hacks to help you get started.
Tips for a Smart and Hassle-Free Moving Day
1. Declutter
It is best to declutter at least 2-3 months before moving day if possible. Get rid of anything that you can live without at the new place. Donate or sell things that are no longer of use to you. This way, you get extra cash and have fewer things to transport to your new home.
2. Sort, pack, and label things by room
When you start packing, make sure not to mix items from different parts of the house in one box. Items from each room should be packed separately and labeled accordingly. This step will help the movers know where to put the boxes in the new place. More importantly, this will make it easier to unpack and arrange home items when you get there.
3. Book moving services in advance
4. Make a list of all expected expenses
Nothing beats being well-prepared, especially when it comes to expenses. To avoid surprise expenditures and add-on fees:
- Make a list of all costs related to the move, including professional services.
- If you are transporting vehicles, find out how much is it to ship a car.
- Research services ahead of time so you can compare and get the best rates.
5. Take into account moving schedules, time zones, and travel time
One crucial thing you need to identify in advance is the time of departure from your previous home. Whether driving or flying, consider the travel time, time zones, and timeframe you will arrive. Also, know what time the moving company expects to get there. Make sure you will have time to settle in without worrying about having a bed for the night. Timing is critical to avoid such inconveniences.
6. Keep essentials with you.
When traveling long distances, keep your essentials with you. Even if you are flying, do your best to include the things you need most. These items include toiletries, laptops, phones and chargers, medicines, cleaning wipes, and extra clothes. It’s also wise to keep all your critical personal documents with you during the move. You’ll worry less about important paperwork and records if you know they are close by throughout the moving process.
7. Reach out to friends and family in your new city
Moving to a new home is a huge milestone, and friends and family are likely to be excited as well. It’s reasonable to share important dates with them, such as the moving day or arrival date. Apart from getting together to celebrate or catch up, you can also ask if anyone is available to help with unpacking. You might have a few volunteer helpers without asking, but it’s always positive to see familiar faces in a new place.
Moving to a new house can bring varying levels of excitement and stress depending on how well it’s all planned. These seven tips can help you organize, prepare, and face your moving day experience with ease and confidence.
