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How to Ace Your Next Move

Moving in San Diego, Metropolitan Realty, Lara May

Moving can be stressful. The process turns your life upside down and can disrupt even the most organized person. Schedules inevitably get scrambled, the utilities do not get turned on in time, or items get damaged during the move. As chaotic as moving can be, there are some proven ways to keep the disorder in check. It all starts with a well-thought-out plan.

Organize for moving success

Before you begin packing boxes, stop, sit down, and grab a pen and some paper. A small notebook is ideal because you’ll want to have this information with you at all times during your move. Start listing all of the steps of your move, from calling a moving company, to setting up new internet service, to finding a veterinarian near your new home. List all the important phone numbers associated with these services.  Do this even if you have all the info in your smartphone. This notebook can act as a backup in case your phone cannot be charged because you accidentally packed your charger in a box that you can’t access.

Next, make sure you have the supplies you will need for your move. You can purchase boxes from moving companies or online, and you can also try to re-purpose certain boxes from work and other places. Banker’s boxes are good for small heavy items, and medium appliance boxes are good for larger, lighter items, such as blankets and pillows.

Before you pack, purge

Once you have all the necessary information jotted down, you can start the packing process. Begin packing well before your scheduled move, as soon as you can. Your initial goal is to eliminate as many personal belongings as possible to limit how much you’ll need to pack and haul. Use a decluttering process and create three piles: one for things you will donate, one for garbage, and one for things you’ll pack. Get rid of as much as you can. Moving is about change, so transition to a simpler life.

Create a packing station

Once you’ve whittled down your stuff, start an organized packing station in your house. This is where you will keep boxes, markers, packing tape, and packing materials such as old newspaper. When you treat packing like an organized process, you will find that the job gets done quicker and with less stress. You won’t be screaming, “Where’s the tape?” a hundred times in a day.  By staying organized during packing, you’ll save time, hassle, and potentially on the cost of your move, as professional movers will have a little less work to do.

When you pack, do so smartly. Instead of piling your clothes in boxes, just keep your dresser drawers full. Clothing on hangers can be kept as it and laid flat in the back of your car, avoiding a trip with the movers.

Hire professionals for the heavy lifting

For the actual move, it’s best to hire professional movers. Professionals know how to get large objects in and out of homes without damaging them and are skilled at transporting fragile items. They also have safety equipment to make their job easier. As a non-professional, you likely lack these tools and could risk injury. Save your muscles and lower your stress level by having someone else do the moving.

In order to make sure you are getting the best deal on your move, research local movers online. There are also online moving calculators that can give you a general idea of the cost.

Moving stress is easily conquered through planning and organization. Start the process early, plan for the worst, and don’t forget to keep a box cutter handy for when you are unloading all those boxes at your new place. Feel free to contact me with any of your real estate needs. I’m here to help!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Article Credit : Kelli Brewer

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