Moving is a huge hassle, yet still an ongoing reality for thousand of Americans. Whether it’s downsizing, moving into a home, transferring belongings to/from a storage unit, or moving cross-country; it’s estimated that at least 25% of people move every year. At times, moving is simply an unavoidable necessity, but stressing about it doesn’t have to be. The keys to keeping your move stress-free are planning and organization! Here are ten great tips on surviving all the yearly moving madness.
Article appears courtesy of StorageMasters.net
1. Plan Ahead
Experts recommend to start planning your move at least four weeks in advance. For those planning to move during the summer months allow for six to eight weeks, as this is peak moving season. Regardless, the faster you start planning your move the better!
Photo Credit
2. Decide on a Budget and Stick to It
Moving can get expensive, so decide on an affordable moving budget and try not to deviate
from this amount. Take into consideration any money you might make off the move. Many
people hold garage sales prior to moving, this can be an easy way to pay off some of your
moving costs. These costs could include paying for movers, packing and unpacking services,
self storage and closing costs.
3. Get Organized
Use a binder or folder to keep all your moving related paperwork. Not keeping track of loose
papers such as contracts or contact numbers, is just asking for these important documents to
get lost in the moving madness. Make sure you know where the folder is at all times.
4. Make a To-Do List
Attempting to remember the mountain of tasks to complete when moving will only add to stress.
Don’t forget a thing by writing everything down in a to-do list and moving and storage checklist!
Not only will your to do list keep you organized and on track, but checking off these items can
be therapeutic too.
5. Evaluate Your List
Use your to-do list as a tool to plan your move. Look over the list and figure out what it is you’ll
need help doing. Are you going to have to donate items or plan a garage sale? Will you need
help packing and unpacking? Then use the list to plan it all out. Generally, allowing a week to
pack each room is a good rule of thumb.
6. Find the Right Moving Company
Unfortunately moving company nightmares are an all too common experience, so picking the
right company is crucial. Getting referrals from friends is your best option, but also try to get
at least three estimates. Keep in mind the best price is not always the best mover. Take into
consideration moving insurance, training and experience. Also, know that no reputable moving
company will make you pay before delivery.
