Moving to new apartment. Happy child girl in cardboard box.
Millions of Americans moved during 2020 thanks to booming house sales, opportunities for remote work, and financial pressures. Are you one of those who are continuing the trend in 2021 and dreading every moment?
In truth, moving should be an exciting time that heralds a new start. It’s the chaos accompanying it that causes anxiety. Here’s how to plan a move, so you can avoid the last-minute rush.
1. How to Plan a Move Using a Checklist
The most important aspect of any move is a master moving checklist. Creating a series of to-do lists and packing lists will ensure you accomplish the many factors involved in a move timeously.
Before you pack a single box, write down everything you can think of, and then add to the list as you go along. Some items might include:
- Administration tasks like switching your utility bills
- Family tasks like new schools for your children if necessary
- Shopping tasks like buying packing supplies
- Packing tasks like the order of work
- Cleaning tasks
- Maintenance tasks
Create a folder with separate sections for each aspect of the moving process. Place a calendar in the front with each item entered on it. While planning your moving calendar, you should work backward from your moving date to make sure you fit everything in.
2. Book a Moving Service
hiring a furniture mover, also called a removalist, is imperative for a household move. It’s impractical and stressful trying to move everything on your own.
Remember, most people move during the summer months, so you’ll need to book well in advance if you need to move on a specific date at this time.
3. Pack Like a Pro
You can never start packing too early. Start with non-essential items like artworks, unseasonal clothing, and books.
When you have enough time, you can clean items and wrap them properly before packing them away
It’s vital to declutter as you go along, there’s no sense in moving things you don’t use anymore. Be sure to donate what you can and dispose of everything else responsibly.
Go room by room and create an inventory of everything as you go along. Keep one copy on the outside of the box and another one in your master moving folder.
4. Make Arrangements for Pets
Pets often experience trauma during a move, and you’ll need to supervise them to ensure they aren’t lost in the process. Rather, make arrangements for them to stay somewhere safe during your move.
A secure yard away from the action is ideal, but you can also place them in kennels for the day or get a family member to keep them for a day or two. Once you’ve created a safe space for them, you can welcome them to your new home.
5. Plan Your First Night From the Start
Plan your first night’s meal well in advance. You can shop for supplies the day before or scope out your new neighborhood for a takeout joint.
Pack overnight bags for the whole family and put them into your car before the movers arrive. Remember to include a box of essentials to make tea and coffee, breakfast goodies, and some snacks.
Make the Right Moves
It isn’t difficult figuring out how to plan a move, and you’ll find the prospect less daunting when you’ve broken it down into bite-sized chunks.
Would you like some more commonsense lifestyle tips to make your life easier? Browse our website for the answers you need.