Transitioning to a new residence can be an electrifying but intimidating experience. Although the exhilaration of the newness of it all can be nearly tangible, the prospect of packing up your past and re-creating it in another location can seem, and often is, a huge and heavy task. With proper planning and a keen sense of the logistics involved, you can streamline the operation and make it a peaceful, if not joyful, time in your life.
Why a Move Plan Matters
A move plan is why some moves go off without a hitch and others go off hitch by hitch. I like to dream up an unreasonable number of hours it will take to accomplish these ridiculous tasks, like packing the kitchen and moving the not-quite-assembled dishwasher upstairs. Somehow, with the help of a few gods, I manage to work up the energy (underestimating nothing) to accomplish these tasks over the course of too many days to count. Then there’s the plan. It has to contain the silky thread of a signed lease, for one—the lease that assures me I will not be homeless when I initiate this series of well-timed (please let it be well-timed) leaps into the air.
Decluttering Before the Move
Before the move, having the opportunity to declutter the home is a perfect reason to lighten your load. You can even do this with family or friends. As you pack, you will need to assess each item in your home to determine its transportability and worth. When I made my last big move, I was ruthless. I kept only what was special and what I really used. And let me tell you, the process of going through everything was more than just therapeutic. It was energising. I hope the same happens for you.
Deciding on the Suitable Moving Company
The be-all and end-all of the decision-making process surrounding moving is choosing a moving company. Recommendations from friends or family can be invaluable. But I also believe in the strength of carrying out your own research—which, today, can largely be done online. The digital space is rich with not just info about potential moving companies, but also with customer reviews and ratings. And trust me: these are worth poring over. The moving experience can be a toughie. And it’s made all the tougher if you’ve hired a company that doesn’t really know what it’s doing half the time. Avoid that pitfall. And also: a reliable company can provide a much-needed sense of security when it comes to your stuff.
Packing Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore
One of the most time-consuming aspects of moving is packing. You can turn this time-consuming process into a more enjoyable one, with a little planning and some excellent packing materials. First, you should gather good packing materials, like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. These are your essentials. Then there are your soft items—towels, clothes, and the like—that double as fragile item cushioning. Indeed, the towels and clothes not only protect delicate items like dishes and picture frames but also help reduce the need for extra packing materials. Beyond that, though, packing is largely about doing it with purpose: keeping like items together, grouping them in boxes, and above all, labelling the boxes clearly so that when you arrive at your new place, you can find all your stuff. It’s worth noting that removalists charge per hour for their services, so understanding how to pack efficiently can save you time and money.
Getting Ready for Moving Day
As the day of the move approaches, it is essential to verify one’s preparations. It is a good idea to put together a “first-night” box that will contain all the necessities one will need right after moving in. This could range from kitchen supplies to some very basic bathroom items. It is so easy to get thrown off when one cannot find the simplest of things. Having even a bit of order to the night after the move makes for a less stressful experience.
Getting Comfortable in Your New Abode
After you have reached your new abode, pause to embrace the transition and make it truly yours. Start by disturbing the minimally existent organisation of your far-from-unpacked things in order to find your essential items. Then move on to the unpacking and organising stage, remembering to take it a box (or two) at a time. You want to live without constant clutter around you, especially as you attempt to explore your local area, so prioritising the unpacking and organisation of those most essential-to-you items will allow you to live with some semblance of order.
Ultimately, relocation is a chance for a new beginning. Though the actual process of moving can be complex and even a little bit daunting, with thoughtful planning and a good set of helping hands, it can also be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Moving is not just about changing residences; it’s about starting something new. In a way, every relocation is a sort of minor adventure—one that we can prepare for and escort to its successful conclusion.
