Relocating in 2020? Follow These Moving Tips for a Stress-free Transition!

Relocating This Year? Following these Moving Tips for a Stress-Free Transition!

Whether you are moving to a new property, downsizing from an existing house or venturing into the market as a first time homebuyer, there are plenty of things to do before the big day. Organizing, planning and preparing are important steps in ensuring your move is a smooth one.

We’ve compiled a list of 15 tips to make sure the stress of packing and relocating do not overshadow the excitement of moving into your new home! 

1. Prepare as soon as you list
   Prepping your house to sell requires a lot of cleaning and decluttering, and what better time to start getting things organized for moving day? Getting rid of unwanted items is a great way to clear out your home now - which also means moving less in the future!
2. Collect moving boxes
   There are a number of businesses and online marketplaces that offer up empty boxes for those looking to move. Check out some places in your town and start collecting early! Before recycling your boxes when moved in, consider folding them up and hanging on to them in case you may move again in the future!
3. Hire movers as soon as possible
   This may seem like a no-brainer! However, as soon as you have a set moving date, call around and find available movers. Waiting too long may mean they are pre booked and you will be left to handle it on your own. Make sure to call a few different companies to compare quotes and availability.
4. Rent a moving truck
   We all have that friend with a truck, maybe you even own one yourself! However, when moving all your worldly belongings from one location to another, using a large moving van or truck will allow for less trips back and forth ensuring you make the most of your time.
5. Schedule days off
   Many people will schedule their move for a weekend as they generally have time off work. Depending on how much and how far you are moving, two days may go by before you know it and you’re left searching through boxes for your work bag. Setting aside some additional days off work will make the move considerably less stressful as you won’t feel the pressure to get everything done in 48 hours.
6. Call Utility companies in advance
   The last thing many people are thinking about when they are packing and moving is setting up or cancelling their utilities. Call all companies in advance to ensure there is no service interruption and schedule installation of cable, internet and phone if necessary.
7. Color code moving boxes.
   Color coding moving boxes is an extremely simple and efficient way to ensure your belongings end up where they need to be once moved in. Telling friends, family and movers which boxes go where will allow for faster unpacking in the future.
8. Make an inventory list.
   Whether jotting down the contents of the boxes on the outside or complaining a detailed inventory list, knowing what is where and in which box will save a lot of frustration and searching.  Even simple lists such as kitchen supplies or toiletries will mean you aren’t opening every box just to find your toothbrush.
9. Pack smarter - not harder!
   There are plenty of ways to efficiently pack up one's belongings. Wrapping clothes in garbage bags while they remain on the hangers, storing knives and other sharp objects in oven mitts, using towels as glass dividers and filling bowls and pots with smaller items are just a few ways you can fit the most things in the least amount of space! 
10. Keep cords with their respective appliances.
    Wrapping up cords and cables and taping them to their respective appliances is a great way to keep organized on moving day and when setting up the new home. Loose cords and items such as chargers can be all packed together and easily labelled with a piece of masking tape.
11. Tape hardware to unassembled furniture.
    

    The last things you want to deal with when moving into a new property is lost or misplaced screw, bolts and hardware. When furniture is taken apart, place all of the hardware in a ziplock bag and tape or attach it to the pieces it coincides with.

12. Pack an overnight bag
    Chances are your moving day will leave you exhausted. You may not even be able to stay at your new property that first night. Plan ahead and pack yourself and your family an overnight bag consisting of toiletries, necessary medications, a change of clothes and phone chargers.
13. Pack a cooler
    Putting together a cooler full of water bottles, snacks and refreshments is a great way to avoid getting “hangry” during your move. Many people try to move as little food as possible from one house to another, and having a cooler readily available, especially if you have children or friends and family helping, will keep everyone happy.
14. Organize a babysitter or pet sitter
    Moving is stressful for the best of us, for pets and children moving day can be a whirlwind of emotions. If available, having family or friends take the children or pets (or both!) will allow for your focus to be solely on the task at hand. Most adults don’t love moving - so you can imagine how it goes with a handful of children running around!
15. Unpack what you need first.
    Once everything has been moved from your old home to your new home, it can feel pretty overwhelming looking at all the boxes. Unpacking your necessities such as toilet paper, coffee maker, medications, bedding, toiletries and clothing will ensure that after a long day of moving things you actually need are readily at hand.

The key to a stress-free move is preparation! Organizing one's home and belonging from the time you decide to sell or move will definitely pay off come the big day. Little steps along the way will pack a big punch and your future-self will thank you!