The following tips, from hiring a reliable moving company to creating a packing strategy, will help you transition smoothly to your new home.
Make sure to get enough sleep. The less rested you are, the more stressed you will be during the move.
Plan Ahead
When you move, having a plan is the key to staying on track. Whether it’s for the logistics of the move itself or how you’re handling the process emotionally, a timeline will help keep you from getting overwhelmed and distracted.
Start decluttering and downsizing well before the actual moving date. This way, you can be selective about what you need to pack, and you won’t have to rush through it in the final days before the move.
Also, starting packing early will allow you to take your time and pack items at a pace that works for you. This will significantly reduce your stress levels when preparing for the big day. This tip is particularly important for long-distance moves. A long move can be exhausting, especially during a drive or flight.
Hire A Moving Company
When it comes to moving, hiring a full-service moving company is the best way to alleviate stress. The best movers in NYC have years of experience and will complete your move in less time than you could ever manage.
When you hire a full-service moving company, you can also avoid the cost of renting a truck, hand truck, or other moving equipment.
To save money on packing materials, visit local liquor stores, grocery stores, and big box stores to ask for empty boxes. You can even visit websites to connect with neighbors willing to give you packaging supplies for free!
Make sure to label all your boxes with colored stickers so that movers can easily identify which room they should place them in at the new house. This will minimize mistakes and help you get settled faster.
Declutter And Downsize
Decluttering is one of the most important things you can do before moving. Being ruthless about what goes and stays can help you cut moving costs by not having to move everything you don’t need.
The easiest place to start is with smaller, less functional items like home decor and trinkets. From there, you can work down to larger furniture pieces and clothing. It would help if you tried to do this weeks or even months before your move.
Sorting by categories is the best way to go – it will ensure that you don’t forget anything and aren’t left with boxes with unpackable items. It can also be easier to sell or give away items if you have time before moving.
Create A Packing Strategy
Starting the packing process well before your move is a great way to stay organized and reduce stress. Using the KonMari Method, or something similar, to create piles for trash, donate, and pack can be a simple way to get started.
Then, once you’ve cleared out some of your things and are ready to start packing, it can be helpful to go room by room. Start with art, photos, knick-knacks on display, tackle books, pantry items, and out-of-season clothing.
Save any frequently used items for last, and keep a box of essentials you will need on a moving day. This includes a first aid kit, toiletries, clothes, and snacks. This will help you stay hydrated and healthy during the move and the first few days in your new home.
Handle Utilities And Address Changes
You’ll want to change your address with utility companies and have your utilities transferred or turned off before moving. This includes electricity, gas and water if not included in your rent, Internet, television and garbage services. Also, remember to advise your clubs, organizations and subscription services like monthly magazines that you’re moving so they don’t send your next shipment to your old address.
Moving into your new home is not fun and finding that you accrue needless utility bills. The key is to change your address early and keep up with it. Don’t forget to update your address with banks, insurance providers (health, auto and homeowners), medical professionals, tax professionals, your employer and friends.
Before you start any home remodeling – such as a kitchen or bathroom remodeling, adding an addition, building a new section onto the home, and other major renovation project, run some financial numbers to determine whether the renovation is a smart investment.
The numbers include the estimated costs, home value assessment, financing costs, and other related calculations.
Review these cost-related issues to remodeling vs. buying a new home.
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| analyze the numbers | |
| estimate the cost of your project | |
| start assembling a budget | |
| get your home value |
The 2nd step for planning your home remodeling is deciding what you would like to do.
Will it be a –
- remodeling your kitchen or bathroom,
- converting the attic or basement,
- adding an addition or extension to the home,
- changing out your deck or patio into an all-season room,
- upgrading the home with new windows, doors and flooring,
- redesigning your landscape with new features,
- or something else.
You can find other home remodeling ideas by referencing our home renovation analysis and topic directories (opens new win)
| view remodeling design "ideas" directory | |
| view latest "topics" for home renovation | |
Step 3 is sketching your ideas on paper (or digitally) and developing the spec plan.
The spec plan determines what type of home remodeling materials, items, and design considerations that will be needed. It will also contain the product specifications for each renovation element.
You will use the spec plan and architectural design to bid the project out to a contractor.
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| developing the spec plan | |
| sketch remodeling plan | |
| design considerations |
Step 4 is finding and negotiating the contract with a remodeling contractor.
Give your home remodeling ideas and specs to a contractor for review and bid analysis. Use the local network (aligned with HomeAdvisor) to find the right contractor for your project.
Review guides for contractor selection and negotiation.
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| search remodeling contractors | |
| selecting your contractor checklist |
| contractor negotiations | |
| contractor evaluation form |
Step 5 is arranging financing once you selected the contractor and finalized the contract for your project.
Using the equity value in your home is one of the best financing option for home remodeling. Start with a home equity line of credit or use the bank equity program.
Other options may include cash-out refinancing, personal savings, and/or financing from home improvement contractors.
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| financing options | |
| getting qualified for financing | |
| negotiate rates |
Step 6 is where the project begins.
It starts with setting up the work area, removing everything that needs to be replaced, installing electrical and network connections, putting in the final touches, etc.
It also means working with the contractor, managing the project, and getting the home remodeling project inspected before releasing any funds.
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| working with the contractor | |
| managing remodeling project |
| about a home project inspections | |
| find home inspector |
Manage Legal And Financial Matters
Even if your move is only across town, handling the legal and financial aspects of moving is important. This includes arranging to have your utilities transferred or canceled, changing your address on official documents, and ensuring you cancel any services you no longer need.
Tuck a few essential items into a day-of-move box (like changing clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, bottled water, food and snacks). Empty and defrost your fridge and use baking soda to eliminate any foul smells.
Know what de-stresses you, and make time for it during the hectic era of your move. This could be a quick round of golf on a weekend or ten minutes to have a good cry in the closet.
Pack An Overnight Bag
If you’re packing an overnight bag, ensure it includes everything you might need during the move and the first night in your new home. This could include important documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothing. You should also pack snacks and coffee to keep you fueled up during the move.
other related articles of interest:
A Complete Checklist for a Successful Relocation
How To Correctly Inspect The Apartment (And Building) Before Moving In
Keeping this bag on hand will ensure you don’t need to rummage through boxes for items you need. This will help reduce the stress of moving day and give you a better chance of settling in quickly.
This bag should be a duffel bag or a moderately-sized suitcase. It should contain all of your essentials, including pajamas and a toothbrush. Packing a few rolls of toilet paper is also a good idea.
Find Moving Services (opens new win) Moving Services Moving & Storage Rentals Move Professionals top-rated, pre-screened local contractors FREE: download contractor selection enter zip code – powered by HomeAdvisor ™
Image credit: essential tips for stress-free moving by envato.com
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