It’s no secret that moving creates stress — in fact, experts say it’s the third most stressful event in our lives, after the death of a loved one or a divorce. If you’re packing up your life and moving a long distance, the stress is compounded.
There are some ways to keep your sanity and make sure your long distance move goes without a hitch, however.
Here are our top five tips for moving success!
1. Plan Ahead
What’s more nerve-racking than a long distance move? A sudden one!
Although life doesn’t always give us plenty of time to prepare for the experience, it’s important to plan out your move as far ahead of time as possible.
A moving checklist can help you decide when to tackle such chores as forwarding your mail and contacting utilities to turn services on or off.
It’s also a good idea to compile a moving binder. Use it to store moving company estimates and contracts, keep to-do lists at your fingertips, and stash calendar pages marked with all important dates and deadlines.
A systematic approach to your move will help you stay organized, get everything taken care of, and eliminate last-minute panic.
2. Clear Out Unnecessary Clutter
Even if you’re just moving a few streets away, if you downsize your belongings before the move, it can make the relocation much easier. It’s even more imperative when you are embarking on a long distance move.
As soon as you know you’ll be relocating, start clearing out your attic, basement, and other storage areas. Then move on to your bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.
Get rid of everything you possibly can. That means clothes you haven’t worn in more than a year, books you’ll never read again, sports equipment gathering dust in the garage, and anything else that’s taking up space. Sell it at a garage sale or simply donate it to charity.
Lightening your load will make moving much easier.
3. Research Your New Hometown
It’s easy to forget, in the hustle and bustle of a long distance move, that exploring a new city or town can be fun! Do some research on the internet, ask your friends and followers on social media, and learn whatever you can about your new home.
It also doesn’t hurt to find out ahead of time where the nearest grocery and department stores, coffee shops, and pizza places are. You will use that information in the first few, frantic days after you’ve arrived.
4. Get Professional Help
Since you won’t be able to take carloads of your belongings to your destination, as you would with an in-town move, it makes sense to hire a professional moving company. They can help you pack your belongings as well as with loading them on the truck and transporting them to your new home.
Professional movers are a boon to your sanity. You have enough to take care of, so why not delegate the heavy lifting — both literally and figuratively?
5. Take Time for Yourself
During this stressful period, make self-care a priority. If that means donating your old appliances rather than selling them on Craigslist, so be it.
Make sure you are eating healthy, getting exercise, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your body during times of stress is important.
Spend time with your family and pursue relaxing activities. It’s OK to take an afternoon off from packing and head to the movie theater instead!
Ready to Make Your Long Distance Move?
Moving is stressful, especially long distance. But it doesn’t have to consume your life!
Contact Browning Moving & Storage for a complimentary estimate. We can help take the stress out of your long distance move, and we’ll get your belongings to your new home safe and sound!