The more times people move house, the more likely they are to say “never again.” From the initial decision to make such a major change to the anxiety as you negotiate and exchange contracts to the upheaval of moving day to the challenges of settling in, moving involves one stressful scenario after another.
Moving to a new home can also be one of the most exciting and positive steps you can take in life too, however. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the positives while minimising the pain.
Go into it with your eyes open
There is no magic formula that will completely eliminate stress, and no matter how well prepared you are, there are going to be complications and days of hard work ahead. If you can accept that and be prepared for it, you stay in control. Make it a priority to get enough sleep, eat regular meals and keep your serotonin levels up, and you will be in the right mindset to deal with each stage of the moving process.
Give yourself time
When you are working against the clock, stress levels escalate, so try to avoid giving yourself tight deadlines. Each step takes time, and how much time depends on the size of your home and the circumstances of your move. For example, it takes a couple of days to pack up a small apartment, but for a three bedroom family house, you need to allow yourself a week. Also consider the time you need to research things like movers and utilities in the new home, giving the old one a thorough clean before you go and so on.
Be organised
The other advantage of giving yourself plenty of time is that you can be methodical in everything you do. Checklists that set out exactly what needs to happen and when will keep you on track and reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises. Also, make sure you have plenty of sticky labels when you are packing and use them on everything. It will make life much easier when you unpack, and also when you suddenly realise you have boxed something up a week before the move and you suddenly need it!
Use the professionals
Renting a truck and enlisting the help of a couple of friends might sound like a great way to cut the costs, but it puts so much more work on your shoulders. If at all possible, try to find room in your budget for professional movers, it just makes such a difference. These people know how to get large and bulky items from house to truck to house quickly and efficiently. They will also be able to assist with packing materials and ensuring fragile items are transported securely.
Give the pets a holiday
Nothing is more stressful than waking up on moving day to find that the cat has done a disappearing act. Similarly, you really don’t need the dog getting under the movers’ feet, or worse, running out into the road. Put the pets into kennels or a cattery for a couple of days, and arrange to collect them after you have moved in and the dust has settled.