Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Family Move
Control What You Can
One of the best tips you can receive about moving is this: Focus on what you can control. There are a lot of moving pieces in any move. You can manage most of it well, especially if you have a good plan in place.
In fact, having a plan is key to a successful move. Time means a lot to you and to your moving team. Most people have grown beyond the “college fraternity” attitude that gathers a group of people together on Friday to help with a move the next day.
Today, even DIY moves require scheduling and planning. This is because moving is never an easy task and that becomes even more true if you are moving as a family with children.
Author and blogger Tania Griffis writes, “When we got ready to move . . . , I didn’t think the insanity would ever end. . . . It wasn’t just packing six people. It was the uncertainty of when we would actually move.
“There’s always a last-minute scramble for paperwork, and we are no exception. And the closing date for both old and new houses was in limbo as our realtors and mortgage brokers scrambled to get everything ironed out.” (livingwellmom.com)
“As our (hopeful) moving date came closer, I went into crazy planning and organizing mode. While there were some things I couldn’t control (appraisals and underwriters, to name two – here are some tips for surviving the paperwork madness), packing was one thing I could do.”
The other things you can do, and control are listed below. Always remember that when it comes to moving as it comes to life, there are things that you can control and many others you can’t. Go with what you can and keep an eye on the things you can’t.
Do what you can… and be mindful of what you can’t
Stay Organized People say this a lot! Organization is something you can easily do, and it is a key to making your move less stressful. Always remember you do this by having a plan in place. It may be a smaller plan, but any plan is better than none. Label your boxes according to which room they came from to help you unpack, too. The more organized you can be, the easier the moving process will become.
Update Key Contact Information Be sure to keep your contact information updated. This includes everyone from movers to utility companies, especially with details like changing your address with the Postal Service. Update your contact information online with any banks, lenders, or other important companies.
Let Go! Moving furniture and things that you do not need or use anymore only adds stress to your move. Let go of things that you don’t want or furniture and accessories that are out of date. Donate items like clothes and furniture. If you have large items, don’t forget to schedule a time to have them picked up before your move! Mentally, you will feel lighter if you let go of things that you no longer need.
Hire a great moving team. Get at least three bids, and don’t just accept the lowest one. You want to choose the relocation team that will be best for your move. It’s less stressful to watch other people move your things. Show movers around your home and let them know any requirements or concerns you have. This will make the process go smoother.
Set Up Utilities Before you move, be sure your utilities are on. Setting up phone service, cable, and internet, too. Then when you arrive, you have these things working and ready to use. Don’t forget that sometimes turning utilities on can take time. So, make that schedule and then you can control this part of the move better.
Set a Budget, Get Moving Quotes You need to set a ballpark moving budget. Most reputable movers provide free quotes. But also remember there are other costs. Some relocation companies provide an estimate without a walk-through. If possible, you want an on-sight estimate so the relocation teams know what you have and you know that they have a clear understanding of what you have. Don’t sign any contract without a clear understanding.
Don’t forget about you.
Take Care of Yourself Even if your move is small or over a short distance, be sure to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated and staying organized. When you do take care of yourself, moving can be easier than you expected.
Get Packing! Start packing as soon as you know your move will take place. If you can, at least two months before your move date. This will give you plenty of time go through your items, purchase packing supplies, and pack at an easy pace.
Label boxes, label rooms and color code boxes to rooms where movers need to place the boxes. If your boxes and furniture are in the correct room, unpacking will be quicker. Have plenty of packing supplies on hand. This can be hard to estimate but if you have the right materials, you can move quickly.
Not everything goes in the moving truck. There are many items that you will want to move before the movers arrive. Make a list of items that are fragile and things like framed prints that you want to carry to your new location in your car or SUV.
In addition to these items, you’ll want to keep essentials like chargers, cash, medications, toiletries, and valuables in a separate box or boxes that you will move yourself. This ensures you have what you need when you need it.
Remember to Dot Your I’s, Cross Your T’s
Sometimes it’s the little details that can cause the greatest stress—even with a well-planned move.
Examples of this includes letting neighbors know that you will be moving on a certain date; scheduling services to take care of your children and/or pets. Moving is a high stress event for both groups. A short stay at your grandmother’s or with a trusted pet sitter can also take the stress off of you.
Finally, think about asking a friend or family member to check with you from time-to-time to see how you are doing and if you are staying on schedule. Most everyone has moved at some point in life. We learn by listening to others. Just make sure what you hear is not someone else’s horror stories.
Separate the good advice from the stressful advice. Make your plan and stick with it, and you will have a great move!
When it comes to moving to Alabama, West Georgia, or the panhandle of Florida, finding the right moving company with the right services makes all the difference. You want a company that provides reliable and efficient moving solutions and prioritizes the highest quality of service. Look no further than Alabama’s Authorized northAmerican Mover —Lambert Moving Systems, the leading name in the industry.
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
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