11 Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving is at the top of the list of most stressful events, but it doesn’t have to be! If it’s thought-through and broken down into small steps, you can ease the mental (and physical) burden. 

We came up with a list of what we think can help make moving day a little easier so you can get excited about your new chapter!

1. Organize your documents. There’s nothing scarier than not being able to find personal documents and rummaging through boxes like a crazy person. We recommend a binder or portable filing folder for dividing and organizing your documents into sections. Important documents like birth and marriage certificates, passports, vaccination records, etc. can stay together in one section. Tax documents, receipts, and other financial information can be kept in another section. Have a section for paperwork pertaining to the family cars, a section for your pets, and then another for miscellaneous paperwork.
2. Plan a garage sale. One of the best parts of moving is the opportunity to organize and purge your belongings. Color code items in your garage and attic with post-it notes or stickers. Designate one color for items to donate and one color for items to sell. Start marketing your garage sale with signs or online in your neighborhood Facebook group, Nextdoor App, and Craigslist. You’ll make some extra cash and have a lighter load to move.
3. Have a list on your phone, in your handy binder, or on Google Drive/Dropbox to manage all of your moving appointments and documentation. Call your movers and make sure everything is set prior to the big day.
4. Spend a few weeks prior to your move making a list of all your utility companies and the date services will need to be turned off or transferred to your new home (if you’re staying local). Going along with this, make sure to update any services and companies you use with your new address and the date you plan to be there full time. 
5. If you’re moving out of town, request any school or medical records you may need.
6. Designate a box or storage bin with things you’ll need for your first night at your new place. This should include toilet paper and paper towels, some cleaning supplies, toiletries and towels, a toolbox, snacks, first aid kit, medications, and a few things to do like books or games. 
7. Pack by importance first, area second. Things like Christmas decorations, old photos, random kitchenware can get packed first and unpacked last. Once the less-used items are packed up, start packing by room and labeling your boxes accordingly. Different color masking tape to label your boxes by room will be a lifesaver! 
8. Take photos of your furniture and appliances BEFORE the move, just in case anything gets damaged in transit.
9. Save money by asking your neighborhood Facebook group/Nextdoor/local friends if anyone has recently moved and has extra boxes and other supplies to spare. Grocery stores and liquor stores are usually pretty generous with their boxes, so you can always swing by to ask if they have any they’re willing to part with. Good for the environment and your wallet.
10. Keep your clothes on the hanger and store them in clean trash bags! Just cut a hole in the center at the bottom of the bag for the top of the hangers to poke through for easy carrying.
11. Pack a little each day. Don’t procrastinate! You’ll thank yourself later.