With your relocation approaching, the pressure can build up quite easily. Whether it’s relocation across Chicago area or moving long distance, both options can be challenging and even overwhelming, if not handled appropriately. Are you sure you can keep up the pace? What items should go with you, and which ones should you get rid of? Do you even know how to pack? How to get rid of the anxiety and stress that accumulates in the process? There are many questions, but fortunately, there are answers and tips for all of them. Moving can be a steady, smooth ride if handled properly. Take a look at the well-rounded tips to make relocation a pleasant experience.
Before Packing – Declutter & Donate
Before you start packing, the most satisfying – and necessary – thing is to get rid of excess items. Decluttering before move is not only a satisfying act but a smart one, too, as it might decrease your moving cost. So, what things should you get rid of?
- Old or unused items – Lose the appliances you’re not using anymore, like old toasters, speakers, etc.
- Clothes – Whatever garment you haven’t even remembered in the past year or two should belong to a donation pile or as garage-sale material.
- Sheets – If you have too many bedroom sheets or towels, consider tossing them, recycling, or donating.
- Food – Your pantry might hide a lot of canned food, as well as expired ones. What do you need from there and what can go to the community kitchen or the dumpster?
Packing Your Go-To Box
When you are transporting all your goods to the new location, a go-to box with all the essential items should be on hand. Here is how to pack a box of essentials. Your essentials’ box should contain all the items that should be close to you. When you move to the new location, you will need the essential toiletries, bedsheets, towels, or medications. Also, important documents and change of clothes are considered essential for the first night after you moved in.
Essential Packing Tips
When done correctly, packing won’t be a stressful task. When you get familiar with the essentials of smart packing, you will be able to do it smoothly and easily. Here are some packing tips you need to know.
- Make a schedule – create a schedule that makes sense, for example, start with packing the least-used items or rooms.
- Packing materials – some packing materials will be essential to protect the items adequately. You will be able to DIY some of them, like rags or towels as protection or filler material in the boxes.
- Labeling – when you label your boxes (but also specify what is fragile), it will be easier to load the items in the truck without damage.
- Sturdy boxes or plastic crates – some items won’t mind being put in a cardboard box, but some will be too fragile for a flimsy material. Choose plastic crates to protect precious items inside.
Moving Supplies You Need
Essential moving and packing materials will make your process simpler and quicker. With the right moving supplies, you will be all set for relocation. Cardboard (or plastic) boxes and duct tape are crucial for packing and a no-brainer in pre-move preparation. However, other moving supplies can make your packing process significantly easier. Other essentials are tools. Whenever you need to disassemble a piece of furniture, you will need a simple pack of tools. Bubble wrap and packing paper, for example, will come in handy whenever some items need extra protection, like fine china or other fragile items. However, they can be DIY-ed if you are on a budget – packing paper with old magazine pages, and bubble wrap with towels or rags. Lastly, cleaning products are a must – not only to clean your items before packing them but also to leave the space clean for others who will move in.
What Can Slow Down Your Moving
Relocation can be stressful and quite overwhelming for many of us, and all of us just want to get it over with so we can enjoy the new life. But what can slow down the move?
- Not counting in all the costs – relocations are not cheap, and when you oversee some of the moving costs, it can hurt your wallet (and your plans) quite a bit.
- Underestimating the work – starting later than you need and taking the relocation lightly is not the best idea, regardless of the type of the move. It will create additional stress, confusion, and burden.
- Troubles in communication – Before the moving day, make sure to communicate all the plans in detail with your Chicago moving company or family. Allow no room for miscommunication or vague deals.
Moving Day Walk-Through
Before you move out, be sure not to leave your old home (or office) before doing a final moving day walk-through. Check all the doors and windows, if all the knobs are in their place and if everything is functioning properly. Your walls, ceilings, and floors need an inspection, too. Look in all directions to check if there are any new nicks, scratches, or other issues. How about the water and the situation in the bathroom and the kitchen? Are there any signs of insects anywhere? Are the air conditioning and the heating system working properly? Take notes in any case so you don’t miss anything.
How to Manage Stress During Relocation
Ultimately, one of the things you will pay the least attention to is the stress you might accumulate during the relocation. You can take some steps to de-stress during the move, and here are some of them:
- Start early and organize – the earlier you start and the better daily goals you set, the less stressful the process will be.
- Hire professionals – a pro helping hand can make a world of a difference.
- Declutter – getting rid of excess clothes, appliances, or furniture will make you feel lighter – and it might cut down moving costs.
- Enjoy the process – relocation, regardless of how hectic it can get, can be an amazing thing for your future. Make the organizing and packing enjoyable and look forward to it.
Moving, as crazy and stressful it might be, ultimately brings about positive change. When necessary, go through the motions, get rid of all the unnecessary items, hire professional help, and look forward to a new life chapter. We wish you the best of luck.
