Moving Tips for Stress-Free Moving
Cord Moving and Storage offers some advice that may help you whether your move is just down the street or across the globe, it can be quite the undertaking for anyone. When moving to a new place, it’s likely that you won’t want to be stressing about plans and you’ll want to have plenty of time to enjoy this exciting milestone. The easiest way to prevent moving day stress is to hire a reputable moving company. Cord Moving and Storage, with offices in Saint Louis, Memphis, Belleville, IL and Dixon, MO (800) 873-2673 can be your moving company. Cord Moving and Storage is proud to be one of the best St Louis moving companies and have offices in Memphis, Belleville, IL and Dixon, MO. Hiring movers can lift a huge weight off your shoulders, but you’ll still have to do some planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you eliminate extra stress on moving day.
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Clear Your Schedule!
Even if you hire a mover, there are a lot of things you must complete in advance to prepare for your move. The most stress-free way to handle the planning, packing and sorting is to set aside time that you can solely dedicate to your relocation. Clear your schedule for an entire weekend or request time off from work. Make sure big tasks involving children and pets are taken care of. Schedule a babysitter or ask family and friends if they can watch the kids and pets so you can focus on your move. You’ll get more work done if you’re consistent with packing, as opposed to prolonging the process with your kids and pets getting in the way. Asking a spouse, family member or friend to help can move the process along faster. Eliminate the possibility of stressful last-minute rushing, and clear your schedule for an allotted amount of time to make things easier.
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Declutter Your Home
Several weeks before moving day, sort through your belongings room by room to determine what is worth taking with you. This is especially beneficial for people who have lived in the same home for many years. Separate any unwanted items into three piles: sell, donate or toss. Take any donations to your local Goodwill or thrift stores. Donations are often tax deductible and many organizations will even pick up your “junk” for you. This is an easy way to get rid of extra clothing, home goods, furniture and more. You’d be surprised at the number of people who could benefit from donated items, so make sure you don’t throw everything away!
If weather permits have a yard sale. Selling your old belongings is an easy way to eliminate extra clutter in just a few hours. If you don’t have enough stuff to sell at a yard sale, try selling on websites like Facebook, eBay and Craigslist or even donate to Habitat for Humanity. This is a simple way to make money off any unwanted valuables or collectibles you may have lying around. Lastly, clear your extra clutter by tossing or recycling anything that is no longer in shape to be used. Any damaged or broken items that are unable to be donated such as appliances can be thrown out or recycled. Getting rid of extra clutter will not only lower your moving costs, but it will also make moving much easier.
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Have a Packing Plan
After clearing your schedule and decluttering your home, it’s time to pack! Don’t start packing until you have a strategic plan in order. The best way to pack your belongings is to systematically move from one room to another. To stay on top of things, pack one room at a time. Don’t start packing a different room before another has been finished, as this could lead to excess time spent on packing. Clearing out one room before the next will ensure an efficient packing process.
Clearly label all boxes by the room from which it was packed. You can even color-code the different rooms if you’re feeling creative. For breakables and valuables, write down any distinguishing information such as “fragile” on the label or box. You can also include a short description of its contents. This will not only help you stay organized, but it will help the movers know where to place boxes after unloading the moving truck, making your moving day run smoothly and on schedule. Set aside a suitcase with clean clothes, your toothbrush and any other essentials you may need for immediate access, and take it with you in the car on the way to your new home. This is useful for long-distance moves, but can also benefit you if any unexpected occurrences arise on moving day. Plus, you wouldn’t want to have to dig through your boxes for your toothbrush and soap on the first night you move in.
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Remember Why You’re Moving
It’s easy to get so caught up in planning your move that you forget to stop and take some time for yourself. Throughout the moving process, remind yourself why you’re moving so you can reflect on this exciting time. In the weeks leading up to your move, late nights spent worrying and packing can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Moving is a lot of work, but it will seem like even more work if you are exhausted and cranky due to lack of sleep. Take periodic breaks, stay hydrated, and keep up with your regular meals and snacks. This will keep you feeling refreshed and more relaxed throughout your relocation.
Preparing in advance will help you avoid any frantic last-minute planning. Moving stress is only enhanced when you are unprepared and trying to complete everything in a hurry. Be prepared, don’t rush, stay organized, and take a “slow and steady” approach if you want to make your move an easy and stress-free experience.