Tips & Tricks to Make Moving Less Stressful
After weeks of searching, you’ve finally found your dream home –– and while you feel a sense of excitement, you may also start to notice the stress of packing quickly sneaking in. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to ease this stress. Let’s take a closer look at eight tips you can use to make moving less stressful.
1. Make a Plan
The key to staying organized during your move is to make a plan before you get started. This agenda will ensure you have plenty of time to get everything done, such as hire movers or reserve a rental truck and pack with plenty of time to spare. You can get a designated moving folder or create an online document to keep everything in one place. By creating this timeline, you make moving less stressful both emotionally and financially, preventing headaches down the road.
Use a moving checklist to stay organized and on track with the plan you developed. There are many moving checklists you can reference online that can provide direction and keep you aware of any tasks you might not have considered. The best part is that many of these lists already come organized by how many weeks out you are from moving day. In addition, we recommend having a to-do list you add to as you remember tasks. This can be kept in a note on your phone or in a small notebook you carry with you.
2. Gather Packing Supplies
Gathering the right packing supplies is a crucial step in preparing for a smooth and efficient move. Stock up on materials, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, and furniture covers to ensure your belongings are organized and kept safe during transportation. Having all the necessary materials at hand will prevent interruptions and keep you on track during the packing process.
3. Use a Labeling System
Before you begin packing, consider creating a system to sort your valuables and personal items. You can use different colors or numbers to visually organize your belongings. When labeling your boxes, write their destination and contents, as well as if the items are fragile. Be sure to write this information on each side of the box so you can easily see where it belongs later on. This will prevent you from having a truck full of identical boxes with no way of knowing what’s inside. To make the process even easier when you move into your new home, take the boxes directly to the room they belong in. This saves you time and energy while unpacking, thank us later!
Pro Tip: Consider using clear storage containers so you know exactly what is inside without having to open the box.
4. Start Packing Ahead of Time
Time is one of the most stressful factors that comes into play when planning your move. If you don’t start with plenty of time, it can become overwhelming to look at your lengthy laundry list you need to get done. After you’ve determined your labeling system, it’s time to start packing. A good rule of thumb is to begin at least two weeks before your move. Start by packing items that you don’t commonly use, saving more frequently used items for last.
5. Ask For Help
Everyone can use a little help sometimes, so don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member for support through the moving process. Whether they help you pack, or simply provide advice from their own experience, reaching out for help will make moving less stressful. A fun way to make the move easier is to host a packing party where your friends can help you get started.
6. Focus on One Room at a Time
Going through your home, one room at a time can also make staying organized much easier. Start by packing rooms you don’t use as often, such as guest bedrooms and dining rooms. Once you get closer to moving day, you can begin to pack the rooms you spend more time in.
7. Hire Professional Movers
While it may not take away all of the stress a move entails, hiring professional movers to handle the logistics of the process will lift a burden off your shoulders. When you begin to look for movers, do your research to hire a reliable service that you can trust.
There are different types of options available. For example, a full-service packer will take care of the entire process themselves, while others can pack and transport just your specialty items or appliances. If you choose to use a professional service, it is a good idea to have moving coverage and a detailed inventory of your valuables in case something is damaged or goes missing.
8. Pack an Overnight Bag
Once you’re all packed and ready to move to your new home, it can be a nightmare to find certain things you need right away. To avoid the frantic search for certain items, pack an overnight bag for the first night or two in your new home. This gives you plenty of time to start unpacking and sorting through your belongings comfortably.
Make the Move to The Cliffs
While moving may be stressful, finding your dream home doesn’t have to be! When you decide to become a member of our private community in the Carolinas, you can begin to enjoy the stress-free living experience The Cliffs has to offer. Each of our seven communities are designed to bring you closer to the therapeutic serenity of the natural environment that surrounds you. With a world-class golfing experience that accentuates the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, private hiking and walking trails within our gates, and secluded lake-side coves to explore, the stress from your move will quickly vanish as you begin to settle into your new community.
If you’re interested in investing in your dream home at The Cliffs, we invite you to discover all of our move-in ready estates, cottages, and townhomes. Our exclusive luxury mountain properties are built by some of the best builders in the country. From lakeside estates to glamorous townhomes, our properties offer a level of exceptional quality and attention to detail you simply won’t find anywhere else.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and our team will be happy to assist you through the process.
This post was originally published in December 2020 and rewritten in August 2023.