Stress-Free Moving is Possible… With These 5 Tips and Tricks

#1 Start Your Preparations With a Solid Plan

First, write down all that has to be done until the day of the relocation. Then sort it out and allocate slots for each task. Some kind of board or panel will work best for this. After you’ve done it, you’ll have a much clearer picture of everything that awaits. Furthermore, you can make a plan according to your preferences. It’s not the same if all the potential administrative issues have to be done in a few hours or during the span of a few weeks.

Also, prepare a healthy stash of boxes, crates, and other relocation supplies. When all is put on paper (or board), it’s time to think about the crucial next step of planning – deciding whether to hire a reliable moving and car shipping company or do it yourself.

Hire Reliable Movers for a Stress-Free Move

How to make moving easier and less stressful? By hiring a good moving and auto transport company, that’s how! Choosing the company that best suits your needs is not that difficult, but it does require some research. The first rule here is only to consider licensed companies and check whether they are legitimate.

Then, proceed to compare the cost of interstate relocation. In that regard, it is better to hire cross-country movers that gives you a binding quote. That way, you can be sure there are no hidden fees or additional costs, which is not the case if the long-distance moving company gives you only a rough estimation of costs.

Feel free to turn to the customer reviews section on the website of the movers you wish to hire, as a source of information about the companies and their services, but tread with caution. With the internet, as it is today, it is important to know how to recognize fake reviews.

Things to look for in a company are whether it offers storage space or an auto transport service, just like Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving. After all, you’ll need your car wherever you go. Of course, sometimes events take us by surprise, and planning ahead isn’t possible. If you have to do a last-minute move, be sure that your company can help you with their packing service, as well.

#2 Clear up and Declutter Your Home Before Packing

Over the years, you have undoubtedly filled up your home with stuff that you don’t really need. Relocation can be a perfect opportunity to get rid of unnecessary things. Sift through all your possessions, and make decisions on what should stay and what should be thrown away.

All kinds of collections of basically useless junk should end up in the second category. If you discover a shirt you’ve completely forgotten about, well, forgetting it should be a cue in the first place. By all means, figure out your own criteria for this, but the main question should be whether you’ll use something soon. If the answer is no, that should pretty much be the base of the decision.

When the triage is done and tough decisions are made, the extra stuff should be disposed of in the right way. The best way to do it is through donations and a yard sale. Selling unneeded items is an excellent way to beef up a budget to an extent, but also an opportunity to have one last chit-chat with your neighbors and say goodbye.

As for giving stuff to charity, you’ll have to make another sorting. Organize things for donation in such a way that only the stuff that is not damaged remains on the “donate” pile. Another option is to take the stuff to a second-hand store.

Deal With All the Items Your Long-Distance Movers Can’t Move

A word of caution, though. If you’re using professional long-distance moving services, stay informed on your mover’s policy, since there are things they will not transport. It’s best to know exactly what not to pack, so there are no surprises.

As expected, that list is mostly comprised of toxic and flammable materials, firearms and ammo, and chemicals. Most movers won’t take potted plants or any other living being. Therefore, your plants and pets will have to travel with you in the car.

Call up Disposal Services to Deal With the Junk

With all unneeded but functional items sold or given away, the last part is throwing away the junk. Put it in some of the old boxes or bags with a particular label. You can take them out by yourself or with the help of family and friends.

However, it may be a good idea to call the disposal service in advance. They may then ship the discards to recycling or someplace else, as they see fit. Have no doubts that, after this entire process is over, your home will feel a lot lighter, and packing will be more efficient and a lot easier.

#3 Packing Early Is Crucial for Stress-Free Moving

Packing is, in many ways, one of the most stressful parts of a move. Having to practically deconstruct your home is not easy. But with our tips, you can make it at least a bit easier. Pack in phases, since that’s proven to be one the easiest way to pack

Start with things that you won’t need in the short term. If you’re moving in the summer, you can safely put away winter jackets and blankets first, for you certainly won’t miss them until the move. Just ensure you’ve folded everything the right way, to keep clothes from wrinkling. Then proceed accordingly, room by room, in order of everyday usage.

Well-organized packages are of utmost significance. Label every box and crate, for you never know when you’re gonna find yourself in desperate need of a specific item. By getting properly organized to move, finding anything you may need at any moment will be a piece of cake.

Keep Your Valuables and Essentials Nearby

When it comes to stress free moves and packing, a valuable tip is to keep all valuables and documents in one place. Avoid putting such possessions in a moving truck and keep them close to you during the travel to a new home. Believe it or not, they are among the most commonly forgotten things to pack.

Another smart tip is to have a bag of moving essentials ready and nearby. It should include all the stuff you may need in the first few days after the move, including:

• A few changes of clothes,
• Toiletries,
• Essential medication,
• Bedding,
• Electronics’ chargers,
• Snacks and water.

#4 Prepare the New House in Advance, if Possible

To further ease the burden of relocation, it would be wise to prepare your new home in advance, if possible, especially if you plan to move to a new city alone. If you can, go there, clean the place, and do a full assessment. That way, you’ll avoid any potential surprises when the day of the unpacking finally arrives.

It is a perfect opportunity to measure the floors and windows, in case you wish to buy carpets or blinds. Knowing that a clean and ready new home is waiting for you at the end of the process can do wonders for your state of mind. It may also be an opportunity to meet new neighbors and start the process of settling into the community.

#5 Say Goodbye to Friends and Favorite Places

Imagine you’re relocating from California to Florida, all the way across the country. In the sea of relocation-related tasks, it’s not hard to forget about yourself. In fact, that is probably the most significant stress inducer of all. So don’t let it prevail. When making a plan and a schedule, reserve a slot or two each day for yourself.

Meet with people, have a few drinks, and talk about the time you spent together. Saying bye to friends is not easy, but it is important. If you are going far away, this may well be the last time you see each other in person for a while. So, throw a moving-away party, pass a few balls, or invite them to dinner. You’ll feel better in the long run.

Also, take the time to walk around. Go to that park you spent your childhood in, or watch a movie at your favorite cinema. Try to visit as many of your special spots and enjoy memories before the moment comes to leave all that behind.

Take Your Kids to the Nearby Sweet Shop

If you are a parent and you’re relocating with kids, it’ll come as no surprise to you that kids should be treated carefully in stressful circumstances, of which a household in the process of relocation is an epitome.

Take them to the playground, or have ice cream with them. Show patience, and your children will respond kindly. By making it easier for them, you’ll make it easier for yourself as well.

Final Tips Before You Set out on Your Cross-Country Moving Journey

With all the technical details and moving day preparations that are ahead, keep in mind that good sleep is essential for your wellbeing. Never skip a meal. Take time to eat properly, for though it may seem so, coffee is not a miraculous elixir. But most important of all – try not to lose it when things are not going entirely according to plan.

In the last instance, if you’re still not sure how to make moving less stressful, ask the movers for help. After all, companies like Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving did it all countless times. If you have any questions regarding your move, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team will be glad to make your journey as smooth as possible.