This post was last updated on December 9th, 2022 at 04:30 am
The thought of leaving your home can be an overwhelming one. You’ve likely spent years, if not decades, accruing priceless memories and adding personal touches to the space. All the while, you’ve made meaningful connections with neighbors and the surrounding community. It’s only natural to feel excitement, nostalgia, and trepidation when it’s time to make the transition.
When you mention to someone you’re moving, the usual response is “Good luck!” followed by a look of fear, pitiful sympathy, or both. And nobody truly knows why because moving can be a fun and rewarding experience if you do it right.
Maybe working with a professional mover could cause unnecessary stress or cost too much money. But when taking the DIY approach, you have total control over the process, which can ultimately reduce stress and save money.
These tips will help you get started on the right path.
1. Make A Plan
Choose well in advance what day you’ll move, what activities you’ll need to do, and how you’ll tackle them. What about those furniture and other items you might not need at your new home until later? You may want to reserve a storage unit to keep them safely stored away for as long as you want. You can find a reliable service by including the state and city in your search. For instance, if you’re moving to Angola, IN, you could use a search like “storage units Angola IN” for a local solution.
Moreover, plan your budget carefully. Create a list of essential items that need to be bought for the move and try to stick to it. It includes buying packing supplies, setting aside money for meals and snacks, and budgeting for potential moving costs.
Finally, don’t forget to plan your time. Have enough time to pack everything carefully and safely transport your belongings. Set aside plenty of time for the actual move, and ensure you give yourself enough breaks along the way.
2. Ask For Help
It’s not always necessary to hire a professional moving company, but it’s always a good idea to enlist help from your family and friends. Moving is stressful enough as it is, and having an extra set of hands can make a big difference.
You can ask your loved ones to gather boxes and other moving supplies, help pack your belongings, or even transport some of your things on the day of the move. Assigning tasks to others can help speed up the process, get the job done more efficiently, and reduce any potential moving day headaches. You’ll also be relieved to know that your belongings are in the hands of people you trust.
3. Stock Up On Moving Supplies
Remember, it’s your responsibility to pack and secure all items in the truck. If something gets lost, damaged, or stolen during the move, it’s on you. So, do your research and ensure you have all the moving supplies you need for the move. Here are some essential items you should consider stocking up on:
• Blankets and moving pads to protect furniture during the trip.
• Boxes and storage containers for packing your belongings.
• Tape, markers, and labels for organizing your boxes.
• Bubble wrap and packing peanuts for fragile items.
• Furniture dollies, hand trucks, and other moving aids to help with the heavy lifting.
• A tool kit for assembling furniture and other items.
• Rope or straps to secure items in the truck.
4. Pack Strategically
Most people end up packing more than they need when moving, which can lead to additional time and cost. Some even mix and match items from different rooms, which makes unpacking all the more difficult.
To avoid this problem, create a strategy you can use while packing.
Separate your items by room and make sure they’re organized in containers of the same size – large ones for heavier items and smaller ones for lighter items.
Label each box by its contents and destination room so you can quickly identify your belongings when they reach their new home. It will make things much easier when it comes to unpacking and organizing your items.
Finally, don’t forget to pack an “open-first” box. It should contain all the essential items you will need when you first arrive in your new home.
5. Rent The Right Moving Truck
Imagine this – you’ve packed all your belongings, and now it’s time to move them. But you have rented a moving truck or trailer too small to fit all your items. Don’t let this happen to you. Ensure that the truck you rent is big enough for all your items. It will make the moving process much smoother and less stressful.
How To Do It:
• Measure all your furniture, appliances, and other items that need to be moved.
• Take note of the measurements and use them to determine what size truck you need.
• Look up rental companies in your area and decide which one offers the right size truck for you.
• Contact the rental company. Explain your needs and book the truck ahead of time to ensure availability.
• You might also want to check the rental company’s insurance policy if anything breaks or gets damaged during the move.
6. Get Plenty Of Rest
Moving can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. You’re moving out of your home and into a new and unfamiliar place. And it’s essential to take care of yourself and get plenty of rest during this process. A good night’s sleep can boost your energy and help you stay organized and focused. It can also help in the days leading up to the move, so try to get a good night’s rest as often as possible.
What You Can Do:
• Plan and get your body used to a new sleep schedule.
• Take regular breaks during the day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
• Avoid caffeine or sugary snacks late in the day.
• Avoid strenuous activities like working out too close to bedtime.
• Minimize exposure to blue light from electronic devices in the evening.
• Create a pre-bedtime routine to help relax your body and mind, like reading or doing some gentle stretching.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment in your new homes, such as blackout curtains or a noise machine.
All the energy and motivation you need to take on new challenges and opportunities come from getting enough sleep, so make sure you get the rest you need.
Conclusion
Moving – it’s not only leaving your current home and entering a new one, but it’s moving on to a new phase of life. Moving can be strenuous, but it’s easy and quick when you take the DIY approach. If you plan well, get enough rest, and are organized throughout the process, it can be a fun experience overall. Enlisting the help of friends and family can make moving out less daunting while making it even more enjoyable. And with the right moving supplies and rental equipment, you can move your belongings safely and in no time.
