Moving is one of those things that sounds fun in theory but is usually an unpleasant experience. And if you’re like most people, you’ve probably done it a few times in your life. Maybe you moved to a new town when you were young, or studied at an out-of-state school, or decided to live in a big city to further your career.
If it’s your first time moving to a new place, don’t fret. It’s in man’s nature to move, and we’ve found many ways to make the whole experience easier. For starters, a successful move requires careful planning and hard work. You also need a can-do attitude and a good man with a van if you want to make the process as painless as possible.
With all the moving parts involved, there’s no single playbook for moving from one place to another. But while we all have different concerns, there are a few things that all moving processes have in common.
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Purge your belongings
Sorting and packing all your belongings into dozens of boxes can be a daunting task. If you want to make the entire moving process easier for everyone involved, stat by purging your belongings of clutter and other nonessential items.
Sort all your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and throw away. Anything you don’t need or want should be given or thrown away. Once you’ve reduced all your possessions down the essentials, you can then start packing.
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Don’t wait until the last minute
In most cases, you’ll have weeks or even months to prepare for a big move. Landlords are also required to give adequate written notice before terminating a tenancy. The first things you should pack are seasonal items (e.g. winter clothes, Halloween decorations) and things you rarely use. It’s better to pack one box a day than do everything at the last minute.
As you inch closer towards moving day, most of your belongings should already have been packed in boxes. Wait until a day or two before the move before packing your clothes.
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Hire movers early
The sensible thing to do in any moving scenario is to hire moving services or at least a cargo track to make the entire process easier. However, don’t be that guy who tries to book a man with a van in Bristol a few days before the move. Not only will you have to pay extra, but there’s a big chance that they’ll put you on a waiting list. Arrange your transportation a few weeks before the moving day.
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Pack an overnight bag
You might not have the energy to start unpacking once you’ve arrived at your destination. But what if you need a shower and a quick change of clothes? The night before the move, pack an overnight bag with two days’ worth of clothes and a few essentials like your medication, gadgets, and paperwork.
A final word
Preparing for a move can be tedious, but these tips and tricks will make the whole process easier and faster. Purging your possessions will result in fewer things you need to pack, while preparing ahead of time will minimize mishaps on moving day.
