About 35.5 million Americans move each year. If you’re preparing to make a move, it helps to make a plan. Otherwise, the entire process could end up more stressful (and costly) than necessary.
Moving should feel like an exciting adventure, not a stressful experience.
Instead, discover how to plan a move without stress with these eight simple tips. Using these tips can help you remain efficient and organized. You can avoid potential issues and costs along the way.
Start planning a move with these eight simple tips today.
1. Make a List
First, get organized by drafting a list of everything you need before, on, and after moving day. Creating a checklist can help you remain on task. You can split your to-do list into smaller segments to avoid stress in the long run.
It’s normal for small emergencies and tasks to pop up along the way. Planning a move ahead of time can help you minimize these last-minute tasks.
Otherwise, you might accidentally forget something essential. You might not realize what you forgot until the day of the move. Waiting until the last minute to complete certain tasks can add to your stress.
Instead, organize your to-do list chronologically. Determine which tasks you can complete right away. Then, you’ll have less to do the day your move rolls around.
For example, you might want to fill out your change of address form while learning how to plan a move. Then, you’ll have it ready to go the week of your move.
Consider updating your driver’s license with your brand new address, too.
Make sure to organize your to-do list based on a schedule. Plan to get as much done as possible two months before the move. Then, create a list for the month before, week before, and day before.
Organizing your tasks into these buckets can help you avoid doing everything all at once.
2. Start ASAP
As you learn how to plan a move, it’s important to remember to get as much done as possible in advance.
For example, you should start packing as soon as possible. Pack anything you don’t need in the weeks before the move.
Start decluttering, too. Make a list of the items you want to sell, donate, or give away. Talk to friends and family members for help, too.
Asking for help long before the day of the move can help you find a moving team.
Starting as soon as possible can help you minimize unnecessary stress. Decluttering right away will give you less to pack, too. You can minimize how many boxes you’ll need to move as well.
Reducing the number of boxes you need to pack can help you cut costs.
Decluttering can also free up space throughout your home, making it easier for you to clean.
3. Call Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to call a moving company. Instead, Google “movers near me” at least a month before your move. Get quotes from at least three local moving companies.
Make sure you understand what’s included in the price. Get a list of the services each company can offer, too. Then, narrow down your options to pinpoint the best moving companies in the area.
Make sure the company you choose is licensed, insured, and experienced. Consider moving insurance, too.
You won’t have to experience unnecessary stress if the moving company damages or loses your belongings.
You can find nationwide movers here to start planning a move right away. Hiring experienced movers can take a little stress off your shoulders. You can reduce the risk of getting injured by moving heavy pieces of furniture, too.
4. Mark Each Box
About 42% of people move for a housing-related reason. For example, you might want to move into a better home or apartment. Maybe you’re moving for an employment reason instead.
Regardless of why you’re moving, look forward to the adventure! You can remain focused on the excitement of moving by remaining organized.
Consider making a list of everything you put into each packing box. Creating a list will make it easier to find what you need, when you need it. In addition to listing what’s in the box, put a number on each box, too.
If you lose a box during the move, you’ll know exactly which box went missing. You’ll know what was inside, too.
Keeping track of your possessions will help you file an insurance claim if anything goes missing. It can help the moving company provide a more accurate quote, too.
5. Schedule Donations
You don’t have to take everything with you when you move. Instead, consider finding items throughout your home to donate. For example, you can get rid of furniture, cooking items, and clothes.
Then, schedule a day for a donations company to pick everything up. For example, Goodwill and the Salvation Army can pick up donations for free.
You’ll have one less item on your to-do list as a result!
6. Take Photos
Take photos of your valuables before you pack them into their boxes. Having images of your belongings is essential if something goes missing. You can also use your “before” photos if you need to file a claim.
Don’t forget to keep track of which items are in which boxes.
7. Request Help
Remember, you don’t have to learn how to plan a move alone. Instead, call for help. In addition to hiring movers, you can also talk to friends.
Assign tasks based on everyone’s strengths. For example, your mom can help clean (instead of lugging heavy boxes around).
Have water bottles and sandwiches ready for everyone as a thank you.
8. Clean Up
Make sure to clean up every room before you vacate your home. Have your cleaning supplies in a separate box. That way, you can easily access and pack everything before you shut the door for good.
How to Plan a Move: 8 Tips for Sweeping Success
Learning how to plan a move doesn’t have to feel tedious or stressful. Instead, start using these eight moving tips. With these tips, you can plan a successful, stress-free move.
Get started right away to avoid last-minute hiccups.
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