There is a certain level of excitement when it comes to the idea of a new place to call home. The new city or town to explore and a fresh start filled with new opportunities can be filled with joy. Inevitably the stress of budgeting can take over the process. Reaching out to moving companies, packing, and getting your items from point A to point B is complicated. Even if you plan on enlisting the help of a few friends, which isn’t an option in many higher-end buildings, moving can be challenging. Minimizing holiday moving stress is key.
It’s been said that moving homes ranks among the top three most stressful life events people go through. We wrote this guide to help alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with moving during the holidays so you can begin to focus on inviting your friends to an awesome housewarming party in your brand new home!
Guide to Minimize Holiday Moving Stress
Plan Ahead
This is perhaps the most important tip we can offer. Planning ahead for your move is the number one way to alleviate anxiety. Of course, things like work, holidays, and family obligations may stand in the way but we recommend giving yourself 3-4 weeks minimum to plan your move from start to finish.
First off, as mentioned above, sometimes enlisting the help of a few strong friends to help you move isn’t an option in higher-end buildings that require licensed movers who can provide a Certificate of Insurance. We recommend doing some research and reaching out to at least three different reputable moving companies in your area. Get a few quotes and make sure to ask whether this quote can change on the day of the move or if it’s a guaranteed rate. (Oftentimes hourly companies will underestimate the amount of time it takes to carry out a move and leave you with a much higher bill than anticipated.) If you have specialty items (like a piano or pool table) look into moving companies that specialize in these items as well as traditional moves. Take a look at our blog post regarding some of these items only a moving company should handle.
Organization is Key
When planning a move staying organized can go a long way in reducing stress. This starts with a moving checklist. Once you’ve reached out to moving companies and gotten a few quotes, begin going room by room and taking an inventory of what’s being moved. This will help when you actually begin packing your belongings. Once the packing process starts, make sure to label boxes by room and contents. This will make the process of unpacking at your new home that much easier. Having a couple of boxes of essential items to unpack first is extremely important as well when moving in. This would include things like medications, important documents, sleeping essentials, and bathroom essentials (you’ll likely want to shower after a long day of moving).
Protect Your Valuables
This goes back to the last tip about the organization. While a reputable moving company will get your valuable items from point A to point B, it’s advised that you take things like your passport, birth certificate, social security card, wedding ring, and any other high-value jewelry to your new home by yourself. Reduce stress by eliminating that nagging feeling of a box filled with your most valuable documents and jewelry is getting handled by anyone but yourself.
Declutter
There is inherent stress in clutter. Even though packing is stressful, use this moment as an opportunity to declutter your home and purge some of the items you no longer use. This can also be a great opportunity to donate certain clothing and furniture you no longer use or will want to replace. As an added tip, keep those receipts after donating for a write-off come tax season. Also, be sure to take a look at our previous blog post about tips to declutter your home before a move.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your moving company or friends and family. Everyone needs help sometimes and there is no shame in delegating some tasks to others. As the saying goes, many hands make light work, and this could not be truer when moving house. Once you’ve picked a moving company, ask what packing services they offer. Knowing what they’re willing to pack for you, may help alleviate stress. Enlist the help of a few friends to help you pack boxes or organize the new house. Just keep in mind, that when those friends are going through their own moves you’ll probably be their first call!
Take a Deep Breath
Our final tip for reducing stress while moving is to simply take a deep breath during the process. Don’t forget to take breaks, grab food, and get some rest. Try these tips to improve the quality of your sleep. Now prepare to tackle this move feeling refreshed and reenergized!
Thanks for reading our FlatRate guide, take a look at some of our other posts, and feel free to request a quote to speak with one of our dedicated moving consultants about your upcoming move!