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If you’re changing where home is, then the first thing I have to say is “Congratulations!” Moving can be a fantastic adventure. I should know, I’ve moved many times in my life.
A new house can be your license to experiment with new designs, furniture, and decorations. It can be SO much fun! You could make a new life for yourself in the home of your dreams.
It could be even more fantastic if you’re off to a whole new area. That’s a great way to explore and discover new things. It’s terrific fun to live somewhere new. You can find out about all the cool restaurants and cafes. You can seek out the cultural hotspots if you’re in the city. Moving to the country can be your cue to reconnect with nature. It’s official – changing houses can be fantastic!
That’s all about discovering your new home, of course. The actual task of moving itself is no fun at all. In fact, it’s one of the most stressful experiences that you’ll go through in your life.
Dealing with the stress of moving isn’t easy for everyone. There’s so much for you to remember. It’s expensive and time-consuming. Any mistake could cause serious delays and costs for you as a family.
What’s more, there’s also the emotional issues that come with moving. It’s often difficult for people to leave homes where they’ve spent a large proportion of their lives. Some people, for instance, find it hard to leave houses where their children grew up. Severing those emotional bonds can be heartbreaking for anyone. That’s understandable, and you’ll be able to work past that.
The best way to keep a level head during your move is to plan everything out. If you keep yourself organized, your emotions won’t get the better of you. Organization is the key to de-stressing.
It’s just as well that I’m here to help! I’ve got a fantastic checklist that suits anyone who’s moving. Follow my lead, and you’re sure to forget nothing. This list can make your move simple and hassle-free.
The Post Office
Once you have a new address, it’s time to think about what you need to organize. A good place to start is with the post office. Your current address, even in today’s virtual world, gets a lot of mail. It’s a good idea to get your post re-directed for a short period.
That will make sure that you don’t miss out on any urgent letters. You should also send out change-of-address letters to anyone important. It’s a good idea to start with friends and family. That way, they’ll know how to contact you if necessary. They might also get you a housewarming gift!
Utility Companies and Schools
You’ll then need to sort all the official things that matter about your financial arrangements. Disconnect your phone line and arrange for the phone company to reconnect you at your new address (if you still have a landline).
Talk to your energy provider. You don’t want to pay old electric bills when you’ve moved to a different house altogether! Most energy suppliers have a website about moving that can help to answer any questions you might have.
You should also talk to your children’s school if you have kids. They can give them some time off to help with the move. They’ll also send any relevant records to their new school if you need them to.
Moving Companies
You should now be ready to contact a moving company. They’re essential if you’ve got a lot of heavy stuff that needs moving. Visit a moving company’s website for a quote. It’s a good idea to get as many quotes as possible. Compare the market and find the best option for your needs.
Packing Supplies and Donations/Selling
Once that’s sorted, you can begin to pack. It’s best to identify the items that you won’t need during the move. Pack those up first – it’ll save time. Also, this is a great time to get rid of anything you don’t use anymore. Donate items to churches, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or sell them eBay or Craigslist to earn some extra cash for your move.
You don’t want to fish your essentials out of sealed boxes. Speaking of boxes – get some boxes! Stores will always have spare cardboard boxes lying around. Stop by and ask them if they can give you a few for free. Also, some moving companies give you free boxes so be sure to ask before deciding on a company. They’re invaluable when you’re moving houses.
You’ll also need tape and some stuff to protect anything that could break during the move. Marker pens are also useful for labeling boxes. That will come in handy when you arrive at your new home. You’ll be able to put your boxes in the right rooms ASAP.
Moving Day Personal Items
Before the day of the move, you should set aside certain essential items. Gather them all together in one place – a box, perhaps, or a small bag.
These items should tide you over during the day of the move. Remember to pack some food, toiletries and anything else you might need.
Family Time
Another helpful tip is to try and take some time out for yourself. Moving is a time-consuming exercise. It’s stressful and annoying. If you aren’t careful, it can take up your whole life for a few weeks. You can reduce your stress levels by having some fun as a family during the evenings or on the weekends. Family time is vital anyhow, but it’s even more important during times of stress.
It’s a good idea to get out and away from the house for some time as a family. Just going out to the movies can help to ease the stress of moving. It might be a good idea to get some fresh air – go for a walk. Take the kids to the park. Stick a lead on the dog and explore the neighborhood. It might be the last chance you get.
Unpack
Once you’re in your new home, it’s important to get settled fast. Put up some photographs to give the place an atmosphere of home. Sort out your sofa and your bed – it’s a good idea to feel comfortable. Check that everything has arrived – and don’t forget to pay the moving company! Once that’s done, you can get on with the fun stuff.
It’s time to enjoy your brand new home. Yes, it’s been a long and challenging road. We hope that on that first night at your new address, it all feels worthwhile.
5/11/18 Happy Friday! On today’s agenda (after work and school) is the dog park. Sundays have become our family day but Oreo is leaving tomorrow for a three-week training tomorrow. She’s usually part of the fun so we are doing it today!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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