Moving is ranked one of the top 5 most stressful life events! Many people dread moving so much they put off selling homes just so they don’t have to move.
Is it easy to move house? No. But can you avoid unnecessary stress and headaches while moving? Yes! It’s no secret that moving is a lot of work, but with a solid moving plan, you can eliminate a lot of the moving stress.
That’s why San Diego real estate agent Mike Myers has compiled his list of 11 tips for stress-free moving! This list includes how to pack for a move and how to write a moving house checklist! So if you need some stress-free moving tips, keep reading.
Why Is Moving So Stressful?
Your home is a refuge, so it makes sense that taking it apart, boxing it up, and moving it somewhere else can be stressful. Plus, there’s the added challenge of organizing movers, cleaners, and other details.
Fitting your life into boxes can be incredibly challenging, physically and mentally. Especially if you’re relocating to a new area or a new state.
But while stress-free moving may sound like an oxymoron, there are still ways to make it easier. With a bit of patience and planning, you can make it possible. Read on for 11 tips for stress-free moving below!
1. Declutter Before Packing
The longer we live in a home, the more items we accumulate. But many of these items aren’t going to make the trip with you to your new space. Whether it’s all that holiday wrapping paper you’ve been saving or the many electronic chords without an electronic, we all have a lot of items we don’t use stored away.
So toss these before you start packing. Getting rid of clutter before you begin boxing your things can make packing feel much less daunting, as you’ll have a lot less to deal with.
2. Color Code Boxes
Color coding boxes is a great way to pack for a move. A color-coded system will not only make packing more manageable, but it will make unpacking significantly faster. Assign a color for each room, and label it on the outside of the box.
If you really want to be organized, keep an itemized list of the box contents. Then, when you move into your new home, organize your color-coded boxes by room. That way, everything you unpack will already be in the right place.
3. Use Suitcaces and Wardrobes
Everyone uses boxes to move, but don’t forget about the items you already have. Suitcases are a great place to pack breakable items, duffel bags can hold lots of clothes, and wardrobes and dressers can accommodate blankets and pillows.
This is a great strategy that will help you avoid using more packing materials than necessary. A wardrobe for bed linens you’ll need on the first night in your new home is ideal so you can find them quickly and settle in.
4. Moving Day Checklist
Write up a moving house checklist well before the day of your move. Keep it somewhere accessible, so you can add on to it whenever you think of another item or task. This will prevent you from scrambling to remember details on the big day.
It’s easy to forget things like laundry in the dryer or dishes in the dishwasher. Also include post-move items like changing your address on your identification.
5. Eat and Sleep Well
It may sound obvious, but it’s important to take care of yourself before the big move. Eating junk food and not getting enough sleep can be tempting when you’re busy dealing with moving preparations, but the extra mental and physical stress will make the whole process feel more stressful.
Avoid this by eating healthy foods and getting a good night’s rest. And don’t forget to keep lots of healthy snacks and water nearby on the actual moving day, too.
6. Give Yourself Lots of Time
Moving takes time, and the more time you give yourself for unplanned delays, the less stress you’ll have on moving day. Don’t leave packing to the last minute, and be sure to allow enough time to tie up any loose ends. Whether it’s saying goodbye to your neighbors or having one final walk around the area, you’ll be glad you made the time.
And don’t plan anything on your moving day except moving, because you never know how long the whole process will take, so don’t add the stress of trying to finish by a specific time.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Sometimes no matter how much you plan and pack, some things don’t go as planned. You might get a flat tire, or your movers come down with the flu, or your cat doesn’t want to get in its carrier! This is why you need a backup plan.
Your plan can include having friends ready to step in to help, a pet sitter on standby in case of emergency, and extra time built into the moving schedule. This way, even when those stressful events happen, you’re prepared.
8. Create a Cleaning Kit
Don’t get too overzealous about packing everything up just yet! Before you box it all up, don’t forget to put together a cleaning kit. Set aside paper towels, an all-purpose cleaner, and other essentials.
Inevitably, messes and spills will occur on the move-out day, so you want to be ready.
Pro tip: Corral these supplies in a large bucket. That way, once you’re done with your post-move tidy-up, you can simply throw the bucket in the car.
9. Organize Your Paperwork
The last thing you want to do before moving is to hunt through boxes for the necessary paperwork. And we all know how our possessions can mysteriously disappear in a move, only to turn up months later. To ensure this doesn’t happen, put all of your essential documents in a labeled box.
That includes your passport and any other personal identification you don’t carry in your wallet. You’ll also want to have the house title or rental lease, moving contract, real estate contract, and any other documentation readily available. If you want to be extra safe, make photocopies and stash them somewhere just in case.
What Are Some Tips for Moving With Kids or Pets?
Got children or pets? You might want to consider hiring a babysitter and pet sitter or leaving them with friends or family. Trying to manage a move while chasing after your dog or watching your toddler can make the process a lot more difficult.
If you’re not able to get a sitter, make sure you have many activities on hand. For kids, purchase a new book, toy, or activity that will keep them occupied for as long as possible. For pets, designate a safe area or room that they can’t get out of, away from the moving chaos.
Stress-Free Moving
Moving is a big life step, but it doesn’t have to cause anxiety! With a little advance planning, a checklist, ample supplies, and a good night’s sleep, you can tackle the big day with ease. If you’re thinking about moving and interested in selling your home or purchasing a new home in San Diego, contact Mike Myers.
With years of experience in the San Diego real estate market, Mike can help you get your goal offer and find your dream home. And he’ll work with you every step of the way, so you won’t have any stress moving or buying and selling a home!
Mike’s clients recommend him for his personal touch to real estate and his commitment to meeting and exceeding their needs. Tina H. said, “Mike went above and beyond,” and you can expect that commitment for each real estate sale or buy Mike handles.
If you’re ready to sell or buy a home or have questions, contact Mike Myers at (619) 980-2378 or [email protected].
