11 painless ways of moving

You’ve made the decision – it’s time to move. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or relocating for a new job, moving is always a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck! Follow these eleven tips, and your transition will be smooth as silk.

Start packing early

The earlier you start packing, the less stressful it will be. Make a list of all the things you need to do and tackle them one by one.

Purging your belongings

If you’re moving long-distance, start by purging your belongings. The last thing you want is to pay to move stuff you don’t even use! Have a garage sale, sell items online, or donate them to charity. This will lighten your load – both physically and emotionally.

Non-essentials go first

Once you’ve sorted through your things, start packing non-essentials first. Out-of-season clothes, knick-knacks, books you haven’t read in years – these can all go into boxes well in advance of the big day. That way, when it comes time to pack up your essentials, you won’t be scrambling.

Get organized

Organize your boxes by room and label them accordingly. This will make unpacking a breeze and ensure that you don’t have to search high and low for your toothbrush on moving day.

Do a dry moving run

A few days before the move, do a dry run. Pack up your car with everything you’ll need on moving day – snacks, drinks, clothes, toiletries, etc. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambling on the big day.

Make some calls to alert utilities that you are moving

Notify your utility companies of your impending move and set up service at your new address. This will ensure that you have heat, water, and electricity when you arrive at your new home.

Update your address

Be sure to update your address with the post office, your bank, and any other companies you do business with. This will ensure that your mail gets forwarded to your new home and that you don’t run into any issues with billing.

Hire movers

If you can afford it, hire professional moving services. They’ll do all the heavy lifting – literally! This will save you time and energy. This is invaluable when you’re trying to juggle everything else that comes with moving.

Pack an overnight bag on moving day

On moving day, pack an overnight bag with all the essentials – toiletries, clothes, pajamas, etc. You’ll be glad you have it when you’re exhausted and just want to crash.

Unpack right away

Once you’ve moved all your belongings into your new home, start unpacking right away. The longer you wait, the more daunting the task will become. Plus, getting settled in will help you feel at home in your new space.

Give yourself a break during the moving process

Last but not least, cut yourself some slack! Moving is a lot of work, so give yourself time to adjust. Explore your new neighborhood, try out some local restaurants, and just relax. You deserve it!

By following these tips, you can take the pain out of moving and make the transition as smooth as possible. So what are you waiting for? Start packing!