Don’t let a local move deceive you. Even if you are moving in-town, it can still be a stressful process. There are many things that you can do in order to ensure that the process is as easy as possible. Luckily, we’re here to help! Follow these seven tips to simplify your next local move.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
One of the main reasons that people are stressed about moving is because they don’t give themselves enough time. That is why you should start preparing for your move as soon as you can. The size of your home is one of the factors that will determine how much time you need to give yourself. It will probably take you about one or two days to pack up a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you live in a larger, three-bedroom plus house, then you will likely need at least five or six days to pack.
2. Declutter
The more clutter you have in your home, the more stress you will have. The easiest thing that you can do to take the stress out of your move is to declutter. You should go through everything in your home and decide whether you want to sell, donate or throw away the unwanted items.
If you have high-value items that you do not want, then you should consider selling them. You will have some extra money that you will be able to use for the move. If you decide to donate unwanted items, then you will have something that you can write off your taxes. Items that are no longer any good should be thrown away.
It is important for you to eat up all of your perishable food before you move. Problems can arise even in short distance moves and it doesn’t take food long to spoil in the back of a hot truck. Get creative with the meals that you cook. They could be the last memories you make in your old home.
3. Start Off Small
The thought of doing too much at one time can stress you out. That is why it is important for you to start off small. For example, if you focus on packing up one room at the time, then packing may not be as intimidating and the likelihood of missing a drawer or cabinet goes down significantly.
4. Get Plenty of Boxes
You will need a lot of boxes for your move and we mean a lot. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy a lot of boxes. There are several ways that you can get boxes without spending a lot of money. For example, you can ask your family members and friends if they have leftover boxes. You can also ask stores if they have leftover boxes. Additionally, you may be able to get boxes from non-profit organizations, such as the Goodwill or Salvation Army.
5. Ask for Help
Moving is not something that you have to do alone. There is no need for you to be stressed out when you don’t have to be. You should ask your family members and friends to help you move. They can help you pack up and transport the items to your new location. Make sure that you ask them ahead of time. You should also offer them something in exchange for helping you move, such as a free meal or a few cold (adult) beverages.
6. Get Plenty of Rest
You may have tight deadlines that you have to meet. However, you shouldn’t sacrifice your rest. If you are sleep-deprived, then it will be a lot harder for you to take care of your tasks. That is why you should get seven to eight hours of sleep every night leading up to your move day.
7. Hire Professionals
If your moving budget has some wiggle room, then it is a good idea to hire professionals. This is one of the best things that you can do in order to alleviate moving stress. They can pack up your belongings, wrap and protect your furniture, and lift all the heavy items. You won’t have to do much. Not only will you save stress, but you will also save time. You can take care of other moving-related tasks while the movers take care of the packing and transportation. Just be sure you do your research before you pick a company. Local moves may seem easy because you’re not going far, but choosing the wrong company can be worse than not hiring one at all. Find a company that specializes in local moves like MoveDay Movers. They’re professional, affordable, and experts in local moving.
A stressful move can make you want to pull your hair out. However, you can take the hassle out of it by starting early, decluttering and starting off small. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help and get plenty of boxes. And when in doubt, consider splurging on professionals. Your mental health (and your back) will thank you. Happy travels!
