5 Tips to Make Moving Day Less of a Headache!

In the U.S. alone, over 40 million people move each year. In the UK, about 4-5% of the population moves to a different city or county every year. With so many people moving all over the world, you’d think it would be an easy process. 

Unfortunately, moving can often be a hassle and a headache, especially if you’re moving a whole family!

There’s so much to plan, so much to prepare, and so much work to be done when it comes to a big family move. No matter what you do, it’s likely that there will be some stress involved. 

But, moving day doesn’t have to be an endless nightmare that you dread. There are some things you can do to make it an easier and less stressful experience for yourself and your whole family. 

So, take a breath, pack that last box, and keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your move – whether you’re going across town or across the globe. 

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1. Create a Schedule/Timeline

One of the best things you can do to save your sanity during a move is to be as organized as possible. Creating a schedule is a great way to do that. Your schedule/timeline could include things like: 

• How long it will take to pack each room
• When to call interstate removalists
• When to start cleaning the house
• When to list it for sale

Speaking of interstate removalists and moving trucks to rent, be sure you know how to work with the right people. You always want to choose a reputable company that is willing to work with your schedule and the date(s) you have listed. You may benefit from using a moving company when it isn’t peak season – like the fall and winter months. Moving companies sometimes charge less for their services during these times because they have fewer clients. 

Your timeline will be specific to your own needs and how you want your move to go. Keep in mind that things do happen, and you may not be able to stick to a rigid schedule all the time. If things fall a bit behind, don’t fret. Do what you can to get them back on track, and move forward with your needs. 

2. Don’t Take What You Don’t Need

Packing can be one of the most overwhelming parts of moving. Sometimes, it’s hard to even know where you should start when you take one look at a room and realize how much stuff you have. 

So, why not clear the clutter? 

Moving can be a great excuse to get rid of things you don’t need or want anymore. Why box something up and take it with you to a new house if you don’t have any intention of using it? From electronics to toys, to articles of clothing you haven’t worn in years, use this opportunity to declutter and donate the things you don’t want to bring with you. You might be surprised how much you’re willing to part with, and how much easier it can make your packing experience. 

3. Label Which Boxes You Want to Open First

This might seem like a small or even silly thing, but it can make a huge difference once you’ve arrived at your new home. When you’ve packed up the entire contents of your house in boxes that all look alike, it can be a hassle knowing which ones to open and where they go!

One (or a few) of your boxes should include personal items that will need to be put out right away. That includes things like toiletries, towels, bedsheets, prescriptions, and even things like a book you were reading or your favorite coffee mug, so your new place can start to feel like home right away. 

Another tip is to write down what’s inside of each box. Most people go so far as to label where boxes are supposed to go. But, jotting down a brief summary of what each box contains can make it easier to determine which ones should be a priority when the time comes to unpack. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple kids. Chances are, they’ll want to unpack their bedroom boxes quickly, and when they have an idea of what’s inside each box, they’ll be able to get things organized right away. For most kids, the sooner they can put together their rooms, the more “at home” they feel after a big move. 

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4. Take Pictures When You’re Disassembling Furniture

If you’re trying to fit certain pieces of furniture into your car or even onto a moving truck, you might need to take them apart. While disassembling furniture makes it more compact, you can create a big headache for yourself if you aren’t sure how to put it back together! And, let’s be honest, how many of us actually save the manual after putting together a bed or dresser? 

One way to make life easier on yourself is to take pictures of the disassembling process, and even to take notes as you go along. Doing so will make it easier to remember what you did and how the piece was put together. So, when the time comes to reassemble, you’ll be able to refer back to your pictures and notes for some clear direction. 

5. Take Your Time

Moving can take a lot of energy. Once you’ve finally gotten to your new place, give yourself time to adjust. Instead of unpacking everything at once, take your time and settle in slowly. Don’t cook for the first few nights and add extra stress to yourself. Instead, order take out or go to local restaurants so you can learn more about your new neighborhood. 

While moving to a new place doesn’t mean your life gets put on hold, it does give you an excuse to take it easy for at least a few days as you adjust to this major transition. Hopefully, the tips listed here will make that transition even easier for you and your family. 

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