Making moving less stressful

Making moving less stressful, because let’s face it, it definitely can be. One that can easily leave you wondering if giving up all your earthly possessions and moving to a tiny cabin in the woods or mansion in the city might be the best solution.

Turns out, you don’t have to be quite so rash. I have taking some time, to put together a list of some helpful moving hacks to help you save time, money, the environment, including your last shred of sanity. Oh, and some tips for packing up the bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen.

Advice No 1 – GIVE YOURSELF TIME

Sadly, or unfortunately, time is not always your best friend when it comes to moving. Sometimes a move sneaks up on you, forcing you to move at the last minute, and you have to act fast. If you CAN plan for it, try to allow yourself at least eight weeks. This is especially if you need to hire movers or planning a summer move. Of course, it’s even better if you can plan for 12, but that’s just not always do-able. However, don’t fret, everything can be done without too much stress within eight weeks.

Advice No 2 – GET ORGANISED

To stay organised during your move, make a list of all the tasks you need to do, then divide them into weeks, allowing yourself enough days to complete everything on that week’s list. If you’re unsure where to start, check out a 2 / 4 / 5- week plan, that will ensure you stay on track.

Advice No 3 – CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Before you start packing, heed the golden rule: You don’t want to waste any time or energy packing up things you don’t need to keep. So before you start throwing things in boxes, take stock of your stuff, and throw out, or better yet; donate the items you no longer need or want. Go all Marie Kondo if you need to.

It’s best to tackle this one first: because decluttering will help you be, and feel, more organised. It will also ensure that when you begin packing, you’ll only be packing the things that you need to. There’s nothing more frustrating than packing items you’re going to get rid of after the move.

Once you’ve purged your closets and every room in the house, it’s time to start wrapping and boxing. To use every inch of space that you can, try putting big items in boxes first, then tuck smaller items in the area around them. If a box is getting heavy, but still has room left, put something light, like a towel, on top.

When tackling the kitchen, skip the bubble wrap and use towels (tea towels, or clothing) as padding between dishes
and other breakable crockery instead. When packing up your closet, turn garbage bags into garment bags by sliding them over clothing on hangers, then tie a knot at the bottom. Bag a handful of garments at a time so that you don’t go broke buying lots of rubbish bags.

Speaking of small items: you can pack jewellery into empty egg cartons, so it doesn’t get tangled (great idea!). Just tape it shut after you’re done and try to keep it upright during the move. When boxing up the bathroom, use a binder clip as a blade guard for your razor to prevent accidents while unpacking. You can protect your precious foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and other makeup compacts from cracking in transit by stuffing them with cotton balls.

Advice No 4 – REACH OUT

I know, it’s sometimes difficult to ask for help. But remember, most people have been through at least one move in their lives and understand how hard it can be. So reach out. People are usually more than happy to help. Ask friends and family if they can spare a couple of hours to help you sort, pack or move. If you’re moving far away, this could be one of the last opportunities you have to spend time together.

Advice No 5 – SAY GOODBYE

Allow yourself the time to say goodbye. Throw a party. Invite friends out for dinner. Take an hour every day to walk through your neighborhood. Visit your favourite spot every day. Feel the memories and allow yourself to relive them one more time. This will also help with the transition from the old to the new and give yourself some much-needed time to enjoy the moment.

Advice No 6 – TREAT YOURSELF

During a stressful time like a move, you might feel that there’s enough time to get all the tasks done. You might end up neglecting your own needs and health. You might go without enough sleep, spend long days packing without taking breaks, and end up eating junk food just to save on cooking time. While it may seem like you’re being efficient with your time, you’re also neglecting the most important moving tool that you have: yourself.

If you have children, treat them as well. Plan special evenings out to visit their favourite ice cream shop, restaurant or playground. Kids require some special attention during a move; they’ll need time from you and patience.

Advice No 7 – GET ENOUGH SLEEP AND EAT WELL

These two items are first on the list of items that are ignored, yet, they are the most important factors in keeping you healthy and happy. So, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and that you’re eating a balanced diet. Don’t skip meals and try not to live on coffee (although that can be difficult not to!).

Advice No 8 – GO WITH THE FLOW

Even if you’re the most organised mover ever, things will still go wrong. Unplanned events will happen, so you need to be flexible and allow yourself some extra breathing room to deal with these problems. Maybe return to your task list and timeline and work in some extra days if you can. Allowing for some wiggle room will ensure that you can adjust and feel calm even when chaos abounds.

Advice No 9 – HAVE A BACK UP PLAN

Now, you don’t need a full back-up plan, but having a list of options if some of the major pieces of your move fall out of place is not a bad idea. For instance, keep a short list of back-up movers and rental agencies, just in case. Allow a few days on either end of your move out/move-in day should your moving company cancel or not show up. This can happen even though it’s rare. You’ll feel better knowing that your uncle and his two-ton truck are available should you need it. Better still, to make your moving experience a little less ‘argh’ ask Van and a Man to help with your move. Because then you know you’ll be in good hands! Many of our customers have used them, and I’ve heard nothing but good things… !

Advice No 10 – BE PREPARED TO FEEL UPROOTED

You’re going to be living in chaos for a while, with boxes everywhere and things feeling out of control. It’s normal to be upset when you can’t find the spatula or the crockpot. Just remember to consult your lists and know that you’re organised and on track for this move. You’ve done the work, and even though there’s still more to go, it will get done.

And when you move into your new home, also remember that it’ll take a while for this new space to feel like your own, for you and your family to settle in. Give it time.

Remember to breathe.

If your impending move is still causing anxiety, even with all these tricks, check out this timeline infographic    For more information https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/living-room/tools-and-tips/stress-free-moving-tips.html

Contact My Storage if you need some storage space for short term or long term use. We have different size units available. Fill out the form below or call us on 03.544.4393.

Good luck with your move! Bye for now.