4 Tips For Stress-Free Moving

Packing and Moving Tips

Packing your whole life into a large truck is an exhilarating experience. After putting in all the effort to get your home ready for market and managing the stress of buying or selling, the “delight of moving” feels like the next logical step toward sanity, right? Handing over your belongings to a group of total strangers can feel a little unsettling too.

All kidding aside, moving from one residence to another is daunting and can rattle even the calmest sellers as they begin a new chapter of their lives. It takes mental energy, patience, and preparation. That’s why it’s so important to set aside negative past experiences, focus on what’s ahead, and give yourself time to prepare for the move. You can also find a helpful moving checklist on page eight of our homebuyer’s guide.

In this post, we’re covering four ways to make moving easier. We don’t mean to make light of the experience. I, for one, don’t love the idea of packing up a room into boxes only to unpack it all again on the other side. Still, we feel confident these packing and moving tips, along with our checklist, will help you settle into your new home with less stress and more confidence.

1. Give Yourself Time

Preparation is key. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, big decisions take time. Moving for some is excruciating, like on the level of public speaking bad. Yet if you give yourself extra time for unforeseen issues, you’ll be much better equipped to handle them and stay calm.

Our advice is simple: don’t procrastinate. Whether you’re leaving an apartment or a home, or whether you’re buying or selling, once the wheels are in motion, it’s best to act quickly. Many of the best packing and moving tips begin with giving yourself more time than you think you need.

2. Gather Intel

For some, a change in scenery is welcome. For others, there’s apprehension. Whatever the move brings, it’s important to eliminate as much of the unknown as possible. Chances are you’ll ease some of that stress if you gather information on your new town or neighborhood before setting down new roots. What is your new city or neighborhood like? What places would you like to visit after your move? What activities would you like to do once you get settled?

The more comfortable you are with your new surroundings, the easier the transition will be. Those who put in the effort from day one are often better suited to handle the curveballs that come their way. Learn all aspects of your move and mentally prepare yourself.

Moving apps like Sortly and Updater have helped others organize their thoughts as well as their possessions. They may be helpful for you, too.

3. Hire A Reputable Mover

Not every move requires professional help, but many do. Someone once said, “You never know how much you accumulate until you move.” Boy, isn’t that the truth! If you need to choose a moving company, do your due diligence and research which options are best for your circumstances.

Before contacting movers, make a list of five or more companies and read testimonials from buyers and sellers who faced a similar task. What are the good and bad stories people are sharing? Make sure to do your homework on sources like Angi, Nextdoor, Yelp, Google, and Facebook.

After you narrow your list, compile questions for each company. Need help creating your own questions? This is a great place to start. There may also be factors to consider, such as packing or storage services, budget concerns, or how you’d like valuables transported. Ask each company if they have a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration number, how they estimate costs, what additional fees may apply, and what type of insurance they offer.

Based on this research and their responses, you’ll have a much better idea of who to hire. Let’s face it—there are many choices in real estate, banking, and even cuisine. Narrowing them down isn’t a bad thing. Finding a reliable moving company should be high on your list. We hope these packing and moving tips help you make the right decision.

4. Soothe Thyself

Throughout the process of packing your life away and dealing with a real estate transaction, it’s vital to take care of yourself. That may sound a bit holistic, but stepping away from the process now and then is healthy.

If you love to read first thing in the morning, keep doing that. If taking an evening walk is your thing, keep walking. If working out helps your energy and relaxes your nerves, then by all means, do those burpees. If you have an area of your home that feels like a sanctuary, don’t box it up until the last possible day.

It’s also important to keep ties with those you may be leaving behind, such as family, friends, and neighbors. Set aside time to get together with people in the community you’ve enjoyed getting to know. Schedule your next return trip with loved ones, giving everyone something to look forward to.

Moving is a trying time, yes, but there are ways to make it easier. Stay focused on what matters, give yourself grace, and try not to beat yourself up when things go sideways. We’re here to help throughout the process. Call one of our professionals if you’d like assistance along the way.