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Moving is right up there on the list as one of the most stressful life events you can experience. It’s high on the list with the death of a loved one and changing jobs.
How on earth then can you make a move as stress-free as possible?
Well, I’m in thick of moving right now, and I’m here to share with you what’s been working for my family and me.
Table of Contents
How To Make Your Next Move Stress Free
Plan Early
It’s been almost twenty years since I lasted move and I forgot how much goes into the plan. So to make it easier on myself, I sat down and formulated my strategy.
I started the planning phase a full two months before the move.
My strategy includes both things that need to happen to move me out of my current address and things that need to occur to move me into my new home.
I’ve kept a notebook, and anything related to the move goes into it. This way everything I need is easily found within its bounds.
It’s never too early to start your plan because a well thought out plan means less stress for you.
Purge and Then Purge Again
So as soon as I knew I was going to be moving, I decided that a yard sale was in order. It would be the fastest way for me to ditch as much stuff I didn’t want to take with me.
So I started throwing things in boxes and going room by room until I took all the things I didn’t want or need anymore and assigned them to the yard sale pile.
You can read all about how I made over $2500 at that yard sale, but needless to say, it was a huge hit and a big money maker.
It’s rarely the furniture that will have you pulling your hair out.
It’s all the nick nacks, do-dads, and trinkets that you have to pack and then unpack.
The best way to avoid the stress is it get rid of it.
But don’t just throw all your stuff away. When I was figuring out what I wanted to keep and what I wanted to toss, I used the Kon Mari Method. I’ve written about this in my article How To Part With Your Possessions.
If it doesn’t bring you joy, you shouldn’t waste your time or energy in packing it up, moving it and then unpacking it, should you?
Find Help
Moves are stressful but nowhere does it say you have to do it all yourself.
If you have the resources, I recommend hiring out as much help as you can. Here’s how I’m budgeting for my move:
- Professional Movers – At first I had this idea that I would move most if not all my boxes with the help of friends. When the movers gave me a quote I asked for two; one without the boxes and one with. Honestly, there was only a $200 difference, and so I’ve budgeted for them to move it all. It’s worth it to know I don’t have to ask family or friends to lug my stuff up and down stairs. Believe me, the older you get, the less likely you want to do any of this.
2. Cleaning – I have zero interest in cleaning this 3600 square foot home we are moving to. Now, of course, my space isn’t as big as the main house, but still I don’t want to do it. At all! I’ve hired a woman who will clean top to bottom the entire house, including cabinets, and windows before we move our belongings.
3. Painting – I’ve done a lot of painting in my day. In fact, two years ago I helped my best friend paint her 3000 square foot fitness studio. After that paint job, I knew I was done with painting forever.
Of course, these are big ticket items, and you might not have the budget for them in which case get ready to feed your friends and family to help with the moving, cleaning, and painting.
Don’t forget to ask for help with watching your little ones. You don’t want them underfoot when folks are moving your stuff. Best to have them occupied and somewhere safe for the day.
Keep Your Receipts
Moving can be a big tax write off, so keep a folder with your receipts. If you need to stay in a hotel, if you’ve hired movers, whatever expenses are related to your move, keep tabs and have a lower tax bill next tax season.
Take Care of You
Moving is stressful. Make sure you take the time to care for yourself during this transition.
Get plenty of sleep. Avoid eating fast food and foods that are generally unhealthy. Watch your stress and don’t pack boxes on the floor. Your back will kill you by days end.
If you’re planning a move anytime soon using these suggestions and strategies will help you move in a way that is as stress-free as possible.
