Check out these 10 Tips that Make Moving into Your First House a Breeze
Congratulations! You have finally located your dream house and want to move in ASAP!
On top of your excitement, you’re probably worried about moving everything from your old home into your new one. Understandably, packing everything, only to unpack it again, makes most of us ‘dread the process,’ but you can make the process of ‘shifting into a new house’ easier, only if you know a few tips.
Well, that’s why you’re here. The following tips will help you settle in your new abode in no time at all.
1. It’s all about planning
As with everything else in life, you need to have a solid plan. To simplify the moving process, ‘break it down into small and achievable tasks.’ You will need to start almost a month in advance. It will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with all the stuff to put into the boxes.
Tip: Make a schedule of what you want to achieve every week and what are the priority items that should be moved first.
2. Be prepared
Stock up on all the essential packing supplies such as cardboard boxes, packing tape, packing material, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, etc. You can find used boxes in good condition at your local supermarket.
Tip: Use disposable foam plates in between glass or china ones to keep them chipping or breaking.
3. Tally the cost
Make sure that you calculate the ‘cost of moving’ before. You must have an estimate of the total moving cost. It will help you manage a budget, because ‘every penny counts.’ Moreover, it will make it easier for you to decide whether you should be shifting heavy items such as appliances or you should sell them and buy new ones for your new home.
Be sure to add up the following expenses while making an estimate:
- Hiring movers or renting a moving truck
- Moving supplies, including boxes, tapes, paddings, etc.
- Storage units or temporary accommodations
- Travel costs
- Bills for both residences
- Extra cash in case of an accident or emergency
- Cleaning expenses such as carpet shampoo, vacuuming, deep cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, window cleaning, etc.
Tip: Hiring professional movers and cleaning services may come with a price tag, but then you do not have to worry about energy-draining activities such as bubble wrapping, scrubbing, and heavy lifting. This can take away all the stress of moving. Another advantage of ‘hiring a moving service’ is that the professionals will handle the entire process.
4. Label the boxes
Even the biggest hassles of life can be eased through ‘organizing.’ When moving, you must organize your stuff correctly rather than haphazardly throwing your belongings together. The last thing you need is to open ten boxes and still not to find the item you’re looking for.
Make sure to label each box. Identify the objects in the box, mention the name of the person to whom they belong to, and which room it is intended for.
Tip: Create a box with everything you will need for your first day in your new home and label it ‘First Night.’ Consider packing a pair of pajamas, essential toiletries, and your beloved coffee maker in this box. Just make sure not to lose it in the stack of other boxes!
5. Consider all your options
It’s imperative to align the dates. What happens when your move-out date doesn’t match your move-in date? This is where you’ll need to consider short-term housing and storage options.
41% of people require storage for moving. Several factors count in when opting for storage space. The most imperative of all is ‘climate considerations.’ You would need your essentials to be safe in every weather. For instance, climate-controlled storage units in Central Michigan is a viable option for those who are moving during harsh weather or those who are moving out of state.
Tip: Renting a storage unit is an ideal option for those who are shifting to a smaller residence and still want to hold onto their prized possessions.
6. Take inventory
Make use of this opportunity to go through your stuff. Divide your belongings into groups: one for things you want to keep, others for donations, and then one for things that need to be thrown out.
Holding onto things is not a good option all the time. It’s time to say goodbye to anything that is not going to survive the transport to your new abode or just won’t look nice there.
Tip: If you have a vast collection of items that are in good shape, but you don’t need them anymore, ‘arrange a garage sale and earn some cash.’
7. Change your address before the move
You must have notified all your family and friends about moving to a new place, but your life is connected a lot more! Don’t forget to inform the post office so that your mail can be forwarded to the right place.
Inform insurance companies, banks, doctors, schools, utility providers, etc. about the change in address. More importantly, cancel any subscriptions or gym memberships that cannot be transferred to the new location a couple of months in advance.
Tip: Update the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as soon as possible.
8. Start packing nonessentials first
Packing can be an overwhelming task, but if you know where to start, everything will follow smoothly. You can begin with ‘out-of-season items’ such as holiday decorations and bulky clothing. Next are surplus items, such as linens, towels, shoes, etc.
Get any fragile collectibles and artwork that need extra care in handling. Move on to kitchen items that are not part of your daily routine. Consider adding rugs, carpets, and curtains.
The last things to be packed are entertainment items, regular wear clothes, daily kitchenware, electronics, medicine, etc.
Tip: Hold on to your cleaning supplies. Before you leave, you will need to clean up and prepare your home for a sale.
9. Go from room to room
It makes it easier if you can wind down ‘one room at a time’ instead of running about from one to another. For example, an attic or basement can be the first place to target. Usually, these are used as storage, so you’ll have all the nonessentials there.
The office, den, lounge, or living room are often sparsely used so, and you could tackle them next. Lastly, head to your bedrooms and closets.
Tip: If you have a sturdy drawer, consider leaving your belongings inside it. It’ll save space, and also, there will be fewer boxes to unpack.
10. Have healthy snacks at hand
Packing, moving, and unpacking are strenuous jobs. Take them on ‘fully prepared!’ Stock up on healthy nonperishables in both locations. Everyone needs to refuel and re-energize, especially if there are kids involved.
Carry portion-size snacks in zip lock bags such as nuts, crackers, trail mix, fruits, veggies, or anything else that you and your family prefer.
If you’re moving close by or you have a cooler, keep a couple of pre-made freezer meals. They will be a godsend when you need something to munch during shifting.
Tip: Get creative. Try to finish as much of your food supply from the freezer, fridge, and pantry. Use them in meals during the week of the move.
Wrapping up
Shifting isn’t merely ‘getting all the furniture and your belongings transferred.’ You would want to begin this new phase of your life with as much happiness as possible. Moving out is a hassle, and the last thing you need is more stress.
Keeping these ideas in mind can make it easy, and you can enjoy life in your new home.
Author Bio:
About Ashley Rosa: Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write articles related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well. She is crazy about chocolates. You can find her at twitter: @ashrosa2.
