Everyone wants to move out as soon as possible, especially from their parents’ house. It’s all part of growing up, but even fully functional adults can benefit from a change of scenery every once in a while. Moving can be an excellent adventure for the whole family, whether it’s across the country or down the block. As with anything worth doing, however, it can pose reasons for quite a bit of concern.
There are a few simple tips and tricks to make anyone’s move as smooth and worry-free as possible. The following are 9 ways to prepare for your next big move:
1. Minimize Your Possessions
When one hears the word “minimize” they might envision tiny houses and vagabond drifters without a material possession to their names. Minimizing your items, however, doesn’t require a complete lifestyle change. You can get rid of things that you no longer have space or use for. We all have things we just haven’t let go of for various reasons, whether they be sentimental attachments or hoarding.
You can reorganize your stuff by hosting a yard sale or garage sale, getting rid of all the things you no longer need, like clothes that don’t fit anymore or the television set you upgraded from a while back. Once you start going through your things, you’re sure to find at least a few items you could benefit from losing, and the best part of minimizing is that you’ll actually earn some cash too.
Selling your possessions has also never been easier than in today’s modern age. Getting rid of excess clutter is merely a matter of finding someone interested in it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
2. Invest in Help
Transporting all of your furniture can be a real pain, if not downright impossible to do on your own. The best advice would be to enlist family and friends for free to help you move all of your things, but if this is not possible, you should invest in movers to ensure that both you and your furniture arrives at the new place all in one piece. You don’t want to strain your back out or break a limb trying to get your couch or bedframe out of the doorway.
Professional movers are specifically trained to handle any moving situation, and if your friend doesn’t have a truck or van suitable for moving larger things, movers will definitely have exactly what you need.
3. Change Your Address
Likely, if you do not visit the post office and request a change of address, whoever moves into your old house will receive a stack of mail with your name on it. You don’t want a stranger getting your paychecks or important notices.
Go to your local post office and ask the clerk to have all your mail forwarded from your old address to your new one. The process shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes.
4. Host a Housewarming Party
Housewarming parties are more than just an excuse to gather all your friends and have a good time in your new place. Inviting all of your trusted pals over will help start your new abode off on the right foot, breaking it in with all of your loved ones present.
Get to know your new house with the comfort and support of friends by your side.
5. Get To Know The Neighborhood
You want to make sure that you aren’t moving into a crime-riddled area or living around suspicious characters. Take some time to get to know your neighbors upon first moving in. Most of the time, they will welcome you to the neighborhood and want to learn more about their new neighbor as well.
6. Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Good Condition
Nothing is worse than getting halfway to your new place of residence, with all of your stuff cluttered in your car, than breaking down.
Get your oil change and check all aspects of your car’s performance before taking a risk of being stranded in a new place with all of your belongings.
7.Prepare Your Pets
Moving can be stressful for cats and dogs. Try to support your furry little friend during the move. If possible, let them visit your new home and get acquainted with their new quarters.
8. Make Sure This is the Right Move
There are many factors that contribute to the decision to move from one place to another. Evaluate all your options before making the plunge.
Consider all of your financial, social, and physical requirements before deciding on a place.
9. Have Fun
Moving doesn’t have to be a headache. It can often be a fun and learning experience for everyone involved. Try not to worry too much about getting comfortable in your new place at first.
This will take time, and part of what makes you feel better about being in a new area is having a positive experience while you’re there.