Does Moving Always Have to be SO Stressful?

 

So you’ve purchased a new home and now you have to pack up your entire life and move it. Let’s face it-as excited as you are about that new home, moving isn’t fun. Moving is a necessary means to an end. And if you don’t absolutely hate the home you’re currently living in, there may be a little bit of sadness mixed in with the excitement as well. How do we make this easier on ourselves and our family?

 

1. First and foremost, PURGE. There are things in our homes that we keep for no good reason, and now is your chance to get rid of it. Have your kids go through their toys and donate things that they no longer play with. Lighten the load of clothes that no longer fit or are no longer worn. Are you planning on buying any new furniture for the new house? Then feel free to kick that old couch to the curb!

2. Look into a moving company. Why would you hire a moving company when your next door neighbor’s best friend’s college buddy’s parents own a truck you could borrow? Well if you are moving a lot of things-you live in a large house with many rooms full of furniture and treasures, having someone with experience and a strong back carry the heavy stuff will take a lot off of your plate on moving day. Utilizing a moving company will help if you have a limited timeframe to move, and they are great at packing more stuff in to a moving truck. They’re packing Tetris champions!

3. Recruit family and friends if hiring a moving company isn’t for you. Chances are, you’ve been on the receiving end of a call asking you to help someone move. Now is the time to cash in those favors! If you recruit your loved ones, make sure you feed them (ordering pizza is great) and provide lots of water.

4. Label, label, label. If your boxes are well labeled-what is in them and what room they go to-your helpers or moving company will be able to be more efficient.

5. Make a NECESSITIES box, label it well, and keep it separate. You will need immediate access to things like toilet paper, hand soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, plates, flatware, and dish soap. If you have children, you will want to easily locate their pajamas, favorite stuffed animal, bed sheets, and any other comfort item your child may need that first night.

6. Take a final walkthrough, check cupboards and behind doors. When I moved, I took a moment to thank my house for all of the wonderful memories we had made there, I said goodbye, and I locked the door for the last time.

However you choose to move, make sure to stay hydrated, take lots of breaks, and remember that at the end of the day, you are moving to a new home where you’ll be making new memories. Moving is always going to have some stress, but you can certainly mitigate some of it with these simple steps.

                                                                                                                                        ~Jenni Wahl