We outgrow homes as the phases of our lives change. Growth might spur your move from a condominium to a family-friendly home and later, downsizing for retirement.
It all starts with finding the new home and getting it ready for your occupation. Unless the house is newly built some repairs may be required. You might find yourself repainting or looking for a deal on wholesale cabinet hinges to replace old creaky ones. Take it in stride, it will pay off in the end.
However, relocating to your new home does not have to be so hectic. To help you with your next move, here are a few things you need to take into consideration to make it easier:
Measurements and Fittings
The kind of furniture and household items you will move to your new home need to fit in. Plan ahead by taking measurements of entry points at the new house and compare them with measurements of your furniture. Based on the results you get, you will know if you need to take apart any pieces for the move.
Window treatments are also better anticipated in your preparatory phase of moving. The windows in your new home may be bigger or smaller than what you have had before. Getting suitable drapes tailored beforehand might save you from hanging ill-fitting ones or risking prying eyes into your home.
The key here is to avoid frustrating surprises on your day of arrival and last-minute solutions.
Cleaning and Fumigation
Vacant houses are often not tended to. Even when they are staged for an open house, the cleaning may not be done too thoroughly. Furthermore, depending on how long they have been unoccupied, pests could creep in and breed.
It will be very difficult and strenuous to get rid of an infestation when you have already taken occupancy. More importantly, most fumigation products are not safe for human contact. When it comes to cleaning, it is easier to do it without the worry of damaging furniture or carpeting.
So as to avoid all these challenges, keenly inspect the house and determine what needs to be done. After your assessment, have the fumigators or cleaners come into work. It is important to let the house air out for a day or two after their job is done.
Declutter
We all have things that we have had for years and never use. They range from clothes and books to old linens and Tupperware. If you have not used it in a long while, it is only cluttering your space. Avoid carrying it into your new home.
Whether you are packing on your own or have hired help, take the time to purge. There are many guides you can follow but the goal is to give away everything you no longer need. Someone else will greatly benefit from it.
As you sort through what to toss out and what to keep, your haul of stuff will significantly reduce. It will equally save you time and moving costs. The icing on the decluttering cake is a great improvement in your quality of life.
Packing
How you go about packing, depends if you intend to hire movers or do it yourself. In a scenario where you hire movers, be present to guide and supervise them through each room. It is an easy process.
Alternatively, if you intend to do your own packing it is more involving. A few steps you can follow include:
- Gather your packing resources such as boxes, tape, and markers to label the boxes
- Work from room to room and label each box clearly
- Have extra padding in boxes containing fragile items. Indicate which side is up and the fragility of the contents therein
- Make a note to take down any light fixtures or other pieces of decor you had installed and wish to take with you
Moving parties are a great way to make packing easier. Consider inviting a handful of friends over for a drink or light meal in exchange for their help with packing up.
Transportation
Aside from finding a suitable transportation service, this is probably the easiest part. However, ensure to make a booking in good time for a moving van. It is also advisable that you inspect the loading of your property so that nothing is left behind.
Unpacking
Think of your new home as a blank canvas and you, its chosen artist. The move provides you with the opportunity to improve on the feel and arrangement of your home.
Before you begin to unpack, take a moment to envision the best way you could use the space. Factors such as how to maximize natural lighting will guide you in arranging furniture and other decor pieces.
Usually, by the time you get to unpacking, you might be quite exhausted. Ask for help or stagger your unpacking process over a week or two.
Change of Address
Picture this, you have just ordered a take-out delivery after a hard day of moving to your former address. It is a common error before getting used to your new home. To get around it, make a point to change your mailing address and information on pertinent platforms.
Adjusting
Moves are necessitated by different events. Sometimes they represent a step forward in life but on other occasions, they arise from difficult circumstances. As a result, your mental health and that of others involved may be affected.
A support system is important in this transition, both the mental and emotional kind. Do not shy away from reaching out to friends and family or a counseling professional. Where children are involved, do everything possible to prepare them for the move way before it happens. Engage them in regular emotional check-ins to find out how they are coping.
Conclusion
The length of the moving process does not only span through the day you actually move. It is intricately longer than that but planning can make it infinitely easier on you and your loved ones.
In any situation, change takes some getting used to. Nevertheless, hopefully, you will get around to enjoying your new space in no time.
