Planning a Stress-Free Moving: A How-to Guide

Moving is an experience that comes with mixed emotions. No matter how much you hate your old neighborhood and cannot wait to move to another, there is something about your old home you will surely miss.

The impact of moving on individual psychological health varies. While some people can cope, others consider it very stressful, even more than dealing with divorce.

Moving experience is significantly influenced by your planning and choice of moving company, according to Just-In Time Moving & Storage, a moving company in Phoenix.

The tips below can help you effectively plan your move and choose a good moving company to have a stress-free move.

Start planning early

Moving can become overwhelming if you are racing to beat time, especially to avoid renewing your rent. Start planning early and double the time you will need.

For one, there will be delays, disappointments, and other things that might disrupt your plan. Once you start packing, it seems your stuff multiplies overnight.

Finding a moving company early and scheduling a pickup date is also recommended.

How to choose a good moving company

• Recommendation from people you trust: Google can be tricked into ranking a moving company better than another, hence cannot be the most reliable source. Ask people in your area who have moved recently for recommendations of a good moving company.

• Reviews and reputation: Moving companies allow customers to leave reviews on their sites. There are also other independent online review sites like Trustpilot and Yelp. Check what people say about the moving company you are considering. 

• Competitive and transparent rate: Compare prices charged by shortlisted moving companies before choosing one. Ensure their quotation is transparent and there are no hidden charges.

• License and insurance: For optimal safety of your property, only use moving companies that are licensed and insured. Only such companies are legally bound to safeguard your stuff.

• Verify company address: Avoid falling victim to rogue movers by confirming the moving company's address. 

Keep your stress management tools around

In a bid to fast-track your move or avoid not forgetting anything behind, you may be tempted to pack everything at once. Even though this is a good preparation idea, delay packing items you use to manage stress.

If you engage in yoga, leave a space in the home where you can still lay your mat to practice. For people who enjoy reading books, leave some behind with chairs to help you cope with your stress management. 

If you go to the gym, do not let the stress of packing overwhelm you; keep your fitness routine. It can help with managing your stress level.

Also, keep aside things you use for self-care and major items for your preferred recreational activity. Even though you are moving, your life at the soon-to-be former neighborhood does not have to become boring.

Declutter

Packing and unpacking are not easy. It is time-consuming and stressful. Also, the more your load, the higher the moving fee. 

To reduce the stress and cost of moving, declutter before packing. First, make an inventory of all your belongings, then categorize them into sections based on importance.

Consider the space at your new home and the cost of moving in relation to the value of the items. Sell and donate things you do not want to keep. 

You can organize a garage sale or post it on an online marketplace like Facebook groups.

Create a packing list and playlist

After decluttering, make a fresh list of all items you will be packing to your new home. Get boxes with tags and create another organized packing list to identify the items you packed in each box.

This list will help you keep track of things and make your unpacking process less stressful.

Pack fragile items first and ensure they are wrapped with a bubble wrap roll or paper before carefully placing them in a box. The empty spaces in the box should be filled with bubble wrap roll to keep the items firmly secure.

Unpacking and discovering that your favorite glass cup is broken can make you depressed. As humans, we attach a lot of emotions to things as they are part of our fond memories.

To avoid getting overwhelmed, create a playlist of your favorite songs you can listen to during packing and unpacking.

Ask for help

Packing alone can be stressful. Ask for help. If you have children, get them involved in the packing process. If you have friends, request their help. 

However, when asking for help, consider the timing of the request. It should be when it is most convenient for them. Do not give them time; ask them to choose instead.

For your close friends, the packing time can be a get-together before you depart for your new home.