How to Make Moving More Bearable
I have yet to meet a person who joyfully looks forward to the process of moving, and if I ever do I’ll be extremely weary of them. It’s no secret moving is a daunting task, always filled with more stress, time and energy than anticipated. However difficult it may be, moving generally provides a solution to an existing problem (crowded space, job relocation, etc.) and is therefore worth it. I’ve recently moved out of my home of five years and learned some hard lessons along the way. Some of this advice may seem obvious, but they’re reminders I wish I had before I began my journey.
Make a plan
Before you begin throwing everything in boxes or the dumpster (which, believe me is very tempting to do especially towards the end) generate a plan. Outlining the major aspects of your move will ensure a smoother process. This includes timelines, order of operations, cleaning procedures and any other logistics necessary. Will you be able to vacate the home prior to selling it? Are you hiring any professional crews? The last thing you want is to be stuck in a loop of clean, pack, move, repair, clean, pack, move...you get it.
2. Gather Supplies:
As they say, a workman is only as good as his tools. Help yourself stay in a productive working groove by having all your moving supplies handy from the beginning. Make a list of all the basics you’ll need such as tape, boxes, moving pads and more. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little if it makes your life easier. I generally tend to be on the frugal side when it comes to supplies, but throughout this move I’ve truly understood the sentiment ‘time is money.’ If that $7 roll of tape works infinitely better than the $3 roll of tape it’s worth the extra few dollars.
3. Nutrition:
As a mom, wife, and human being I’m always up for a night off from making dinner (or more importantly doing dishes) especially if it means takeout from a favorite local spot. But when that starts to become the only source of food, it starts to feel like less of a treat and more like a chore. It’s important to fuel your body with nutrient dense foods that will keep you feeling fuller longer and more energized for all the manual labor that’s in store. Try stocking up on items that are quick to assemble, render little cooking, and make for easy cleanup. Some examples include fresh fruit like raspberries or bananas, mixed nuts, veggies and hummus, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs, protein bars, whole grain crackers and peanut butter. Having said that, make sure to order pizza at least once, it’s a moving right of passage.
4. Consider Professionals:
It would be wonderful if we all had craftsman-like capabilities of fixing up our homes, but the reality is that’s often not the case. If hiring professionals is an option for you, consider doing so for areas you may be struggling with. Despite spending countless hours on Pinterest, I’ve never been great at home decor. I chose to hire a staging company when listing my home for sale and after seeing their work I knew I had made the right decision.
5. Don’t Procrastinate:
There were so many small fixes I could have completed in my home that continually got put on the back burner. In a rush to move I knocked out my honey-do list so fast I didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy all my hard work. Take pride in your home and make the time to repaint the trim in that one room, or re-caulk the bathtub. It’s only fair that you should enjoy the fruits of your labor for a little while before the next resident does.
6. Express Gratitude:
I truly believe owning a home is a great privilege. When you’re exhausted and cursing your last box, take a moment to reflect on all the life that was lived during your time there. That home gave you warmth, safety and many memories. Appreciate the experiences you had in your home while looking forward to new ones you’ll have in your next home.
Moving isn’t all chocolate and roses, but it doesn’t have to be all bad either. By thinking ahead and being prepared you can accomplish the momentous tasks that lay ahead without completely losing your marbles. I hope my experience has provided you with additional insight and tips you can apply to your own move.