5 Dos (and 5 Don’ts) to Make Your First Move Easier

DO Prepare Yourself for the Stress

Prepare mentally to deal with some stress because moving is inevitably stressful. A first move can be even more stressful since you have no idea what to expect. The transition, stepping outside your comfort zone, and facing a new set of responsibilities can get your mind spiraling down a tunnel of worries.

DO Some Calculations

You’ll thank yourself later if you do the math and figure out approximately how many moving supplies you’ll need. This will save time and prevent running back and forth to the store. Unpackage items only as needed and keep all your receipts so that you can take back anything you didn’t use.

DO Declutter and Organize

Packing up all your belongings can be overwhelming, and you may be tempted to grab everything and throw it in boxes, so you don’t have to deal with it anymore. If you do this, you’re missing a significant opportunity to declutter and organize, two things that will feel so good and appreciated once you’re in your new place.

DO Ask For Help

Recruit your family and friends as moving helpers, especially those who are not strangers to the moving process. A mom, dad, or older sibling can take charge and give out assignments to create an efficient and well-organized move. Every little bit helps, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

DO Pack an Overnight Bag

Packing an overnight bag of essentials is often overlooked, but it is crucial. Who knows how mixed up all your boxes will get as people load them in the moving truck? Plus, plans often change, and you may wind up getting to your new place so late that your group decides to unpack in the morning.

DON’T Wait Till The Last Minute

If you’re a natural-born procrastinator, then this one’s for you. Try your hardest to force yourself to start tasks in advance. Since this is your first move, you might underestimate how much work you have to do. Make lots of checklists and stick to them.

DON’T Forget to Label

Labeling may seem like an extra step you want to skip, but you’ll regret that decision later. Labeling will make your life much easier when it comes time to unpack. It will allow you to put boxes in the general location of where the items go when you arrive. You can be as specific or vague when it comes to the labels, but having at least a general idea will make all the difference.

DON’T Stuff Boxes  Too Full

There’s an art to packing, and if you’re a Tetris champ, then you’ll be well-prepared to arrange your items in their boxes. Try not to overstuff your boxes.

DON’T Skimp on Sleep the Night Before Your Move

Planning way in advance is crucial, so you don’t stay up all night the night before your move packing or cleaning. You must get a good night’s rest the night before moving day. Even if you’re well-rested, it will be an exhausting day, so do yourself a favor and get those z’s. The lifting, moving, and driving will be miserable if you’re drowsy.

DON’T Forget to Get Your Keys

Make sure to communicate with your new landlord about how and when you can retrieve your keys. In the thick of moving, a simple task like this may slip your mind until you arrive at your new place and the door is locked. If a property management company owns your new home, ensure you know the office hours and procedures to get your keys. Most offices are closed on weekends, so plan accordingly.

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