Take The Stress Out of Moving With These Helpful Tips

by Team HomeServe Top Tips and Lists  
Woman holding a box

Earlier this year, I moved out of my four-bedroom apartment (in a fourth-floor walkup, no less). And of course, not a soul was available to help. (Yep, that’s right, not one of my three roommates happened to be around - how convenient.) When asked “how did the move go”, my response was one simple word: stressful.

No matter what the situation, moving all your worldly possessions is a stressful life event. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or relocating to your second or third abode, managing the stress of moving can help make the experience better.

Follow these tips for moving into your new home like a seasoned pro:

Purge before you pack

Before you even touch cardboard boxes and packing tape, go through every room in the house and get rid of the items that don't need to come with you. Organize them in donate, sell and trash piles.

Take photos before you pack

If you want to replicate your current set up in your new space, take pictures of how you have everything arranged so you can easily recreate the look in your new home.

Label everything

Label each box with the name of the room so you can easily place boxes and its contents in the right places when unpacking. If you're one for details, consider creating a record of all the items in each box. The Spruce suggested labeling each box with a number and then creating a separate list with all of contents written down next to the coordinating number.

Pack an overnight bag

Keep a bag packed with all the essentials so you don't have to start going through boxes and haphazardly unpacking to find pajamas and a toothbrush.

Keep the valuables with you

If possible, keep your most important valuables in your possession, such as photo albums, laptops, jewelry and small family heirlooms. I suggest packing them safely in overnight bags so there are fewer possibilities of the items breaking or disappearing during the process of the move. You should also keep important documents with you, including birth certificates, personal identification and school records.

Don't move with food

Try your best to use up all of the food in the kitchen before you move. If you have unspoiled foods and non-perishables leftover, consider donating them to a local food bank or giving them to neighbors.

Take moving day off of work

If your job offers flex time or unlimited paid time off, take the day off to focus on the logistics of the move. Don't hesitate to take more time before or after the big day so you have ample time to handle the move.

Consider using a moving company

If you have money in the budget to pay the professionals, working with a moving company can be an easy way to eliminate stress. Research online reviews and request several quotes before committing to one company. MakeSpace also advised asking about insurance policies, expected timelines, moving methods and liability practices when narrowing down your options.

Change your address

Don't forget to notify the necessary people of your updated address. That includes the post office, friends and family, employers, health care providers, banks, phone companies, subscriptions and all of your online accounts. The moving professionals at Two Men and a Truck suggested submitting a change-of-address form with the United States Postal Service about a week before you move. You can cancel cable, lawn companies, pest control and other services, plus schedule a change in utilities, around the same time.

Inspect the new home

While your new space probably has already passed a professional inspection, make sure you do an appropriate walk-through before settling in. Follow this checklist for new homeowners to make sure everything is up to par.

While you’re probably not thinking of home repairs in your new place, being prepared is always a good strategy. See how plans from HomeServe can help with the costs of covered home repairs.