5 Tips to Reduce Stress When Moving Houses
There’s no doubt that moving house can be extremely stressful. Not only do you have to plan, pack, and unpack all your things, but you also have to deal with change. While some level of stress is unavoidable, you can do a few things to reduce stress and ensure your move is as smooth and seamless as possible.
If you’re lying awake at night, worrying over the finer details of your next move, read on as we guide you through some tips on how to make the transition with minimal stress.
1. Budget
Even if you’re a minimalist, moving can be costly. To avoid racking up a large moving bill that will add to your stress, plan ahead. While smaller goods can just be packed into your car, large items will need a suitable vehicle. Hiring professional movers is an expensive option as on top of paying for the truck, you’ll need to pay for the labour. If you want to keep costs low, hire a truck. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also have the flexibility of doing things in your own time frame - not to mention the reassurance of knowing exactly how your items are being handled. You can choose the vehicle size you need, and the duration of hire.
2. De-clutter
Moving is the perfect opportunity to de-clutter as you begin a new chapter in your life. Consider clearing out sentimental clutter, expired items, duplicates, or things you generally just don’t use.
It’s not uncommon to think you only have a small amount of stuff. However, when it comes time to pack everything neatly away, you’ll come to a quick realisation of just how many things you have. Don’t hold on to something just because it reminds you of a joyful moment in your life… those moments are in your memory and can’t be washed away!
3. Plan ahead
While the most important element of moving is the moving day itself, coming in at a close second is pre-planning. Plan out what date you will be packing up which room and label boxes accordingly. Once your possessions have arrived in your new flat, don’t just throw them into the living room. If you do, not only will the living room become a huge mess, but you’ll likely have no idea where anything is. Instead, place the boxes in the room it belongs to. This way, you’ll easily be able to set things up room by room.
4. Set up utilities ahead of time
Make sure you’re hooked up to power and Wi-Fi prior to moving. While you’re in the cyclone of a move, arranging utilities can easily be overlooked. After an exhausting, sweaty day of heavy lifting, packing, and unpacking, there is nothing worse than going to take a shower only to realise you don’t have hot water!
On the topic of utilities, don’t forget to change your mailing address. You don’t want to be missing out on an important letter or going back again and again to your old house to collect mail. Save yourself the stress and change it now!
5. Take care of yourself
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Pack yourself (and whoever’s helping you move) a little care package with adequate food, water and maybe even a comfort item.
Extra tip: remember to pack a bag filled with toiletries to get you through the first night!
The bottom line…
Moving is stressful, but adequate planning will help ensure a smooth transition and give you a sense of predictability and security.
When things get overwhelming, take a break and a deep breath… before you know it, you’ll be settled into your new home.
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DISCLAIMER: The above advice is written by Propertyscouts New Zealand (2020) Limited and is intended as a broad guide for educational purposes only. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. In all instances, you should make your own inquiries and seek independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions.
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