Tips for Moving by Yourself for the First Time | Billy.com

If you have a big move coming up, and it’s your first one, you might be freaking out a little. That’s OK. Moving is a stressful time, especially if you’re new to it. But the entire process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. There are a few things you can do to prepare. Here are some tips for moving by yourself for the first time.

Consider a Strategy

What day are you moving? How are you moving? These are the top two questions all first-timers need to consider. Most people recommend moving in the middle of a month or the middle of the week. There’s less activity during this time, and if you choose to hire professionals, the cost will be lower.

Additionally, when you move during the week and start the unpacking process, you’ll have a list of all the things you need to buy by the weekend. You can use the weekend to handle those tasks and not stress out during the week.

Consider Your Furniture

Moving the furniture might be among the harder tasks for first-timers for several reasons. For starters, you might not have a lot of furniture to begin with, or you might want to upgrade a few things. This is another opportunity to make a new list.

Survey the things you have now. Depending on their current state, consider giving them away. A new home means a fresh start for everything. Purchasing new furniture is a great way to make that statement. When you start to look at new furniture, take your time. You want to be satisfied with your purchases.

Consider the Weather

Moving during the colder months versus the summer presents different challenges. However, moving during mid-September and late April is the best time of year. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when moving during the fall.

Plan early for the weather and prepare for any sorts of hiccups that might happen. Because the temperature drops during these seasons, you’ll want your utilities set up for your new home. There’s no reason to move into a cold home.

Consider the Location

Depending on where you’re moving, there might be specific rules about loading and unloading, or there may be obstacles in the way. If you’re in a popular city, think about the traffic you might encounter. If you’re moving into a condo, the HOA/Condo Association might have specific rules about the process.

Once you learn if they have policies in place, you can start to prep and plan for them. No one wants to deal with an intrusive move, and you don’t want to cause a disruption in the street. Lastly, try to move during an hour when your home sees the least amount of activity.

Moving by yourself for the first time will feel like you’ve just had the workout of a lifetime by the end of the day, even if you never picked up your couch.