Most people will move home at some point in their lifetime. When it happens, it can bring with it a mixture of emotions and problems as well as exciting opportunities. The experience is different for everyone, and no two moves are the same. This is why it’s useful to remember that the tips which work for one kind of move or person might be completely different from the tips that work for someone else’s move. Here are just a few unusual points to consider when moving home to perhaps inspire you to find unique solutions to your problems.
The Days Before the Move
Prior to the last day in your old home, there are a few final tasks you’ll need to remember. It can be tempting to leave these until the last minute since stress is a frequent cause of procrastination. Resist the urge to put them off and instead face them head-on. For example, take the move as your opportunity to declutter your unwanted possessions. Instead of packing up those disliked books or unworn clothes, send them to a donation center or sell them online. Knowing that once you arrive in your new home, you’ll be able to start afresh with only your most treasured belongings will spur you on and motivate you.
Mental Preparation
Moving home is a huge upheaval, and even the most stoic of people will experience some discomfort or stress while uprooting their lives and transplanting them elsewhere. It’s only natural to feel unsettled by the events of moving, but succumbing to these feelings or ignoring them entirely are two unhelpful extremes. Instead of dwelling and obsessing over every minute detail of the move and pushing yourself deeper into stress, take a step back and remind yourself that you’ve done your best, and hiccups are to be expected. On the other hand, if you feel that you must put on a brave face for your family, remember to make time for yourself to unwind amidst the chaos. Keeping a calm and level head during a stressful move isn’t about bottling it up. It’s about taking steps to stay rational.
Pets
Make sure you have a firm plan in place for your pets during the move. You know the temperament of your pet better than anyone else, so make sure you take into account their possible anxieties and behaviors that might come up when moving. Maybe your dog is perfectly capable of traveling calmly to your new destination, or maybe you’ll need to visit the vet beforehand for advice on how to appropriately soothe or sedate your pet for transit. If a friend or family member can care for your pet while you do the bulk of the moving, you might spare your furry friend the stress of a chaotic environment.
Transport
Plan well in advance how you intend not only to move your worldly possessions to your new home but also your family and yourself. Have an accurate estimation of the size of removal truck you might need for the number of boxes and furniture to be moved. If you’re moving somewhere far from your old home, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the finer details of bringing everything over a large distance. Find a car storage unit near you to safely store your car while it isn’t in use and book any travel tickets with plenty of time to spare. This saves money and stress in the long run. Even if you are only moving within your city, it’s useful to plan out how you will transport your possessions with the most efficiency.
Unpacking Strategies
If you pack with a consistent method, it will be much easier to unpack at the other end. Divide your belongings by room and write the room name on each box. When you get to your new home, put the boxes in their rooms. You’ll feel much more organized and satisfied than if you have a mess of boxes scattered all over the place. Give yourself time to unpack methodically and carefully. This takes forward planning – don’t arrange to move when you know you will have to work soon after. Try your best to schedule the move when you have enough time to give it your full attention.
Your First Night
The first few hours after the removal truck has been unloaded and you’ve stepped through your new front door can be strangely daunting. No matter how excited you might be about the move, it’s normal to experience some trepidation and doubt on your first night in the new place. Make sure your cooking tools are easily available to unpack so you can start your life in your new home with a good meal. Items that bring you to comforts, such as cozy clothes, cushions, and mood lighting, can all help to make the atmosphere less cold and more welcoming. The start of a new chapter begins.
