Moving is one of the most stressful things we experience in life. If your past moves have been nothing but trouble, now’s the time to make some changes that will make life easier the next time around.
If you’re determined to make your next move your best move, use our professional movers’ 10 New Year’s resolutions.
1. “I will be more organized”: Book professional movers as soon as you know your moving date
Being organized from day one will ensure that your move is stress-free. The moment your moving date is known, start researching movers online. Choose a mover that:
- Has at least a decade of experience.
- Is available in your current location, as well as the location of your new home.
- Offers value-added services such as storage, packing, and unpacking.
Make a short list of about three movers, and then contact each to find the one that checks all your boxes and is available on your moving day. Having your professional movers lined up right away will spare you grief, and provide expert assistance to help keep you organized right up until the moving day.
2. “I will be more diligent”: Avoid movers that quote a flat rate over the phone
Every move is different, which means it’s impossible for all moves to cost the same amount. Professional movers who don’t use a quoting system could be a red flag indicating they are inexperienced or that they might hit you with a list of hidden charges.
Be more diligent and only deal with movers that offer free quotes based on very specific details, including:
- Type of home (for example, apartment, house, townhouse, etc.)
- Locations of your current and new home
- A thorough checklist of your belongings, room by room
- Additional items and instructions (if, for instance, you have a grand piano)
3. “I will be more honest”: Be truthful with professional movers about your home contents
You might be tempted to underestimate the complexity of your move when requesting a quote. This will only backfire on you when your movers arrive to find you weren’t honest about your belongings.
Be straightforward to ensure you have an accurate quote by mentioning as much as you can about your belongings so there aren’t any surprises for you or your movers.
4. “I will stop procrastinating”: Create a checklist to complete each day
The busier you are, the more likely you will be tempted to procrastinate on tasks related to your move. To help avoid procrastination, plan your move wisely by creating an item-by-item schedule that ensures everything is taken care of by moving day.
Break tasks down into manageable bites, and start as early as possible with your packing. This ensures that should you miss a deadline, you have a built-in contingency plan that helps keep you on track.
Your checklist should include the following deadlines:
- Decluttering and getting rid of items you won’t need in your new home
- Looking into schools and enrolling your kids (if you have them)
- Making arrangements to move your utility services
- Ordering moving boxes and supplies
- Packing at least one month out
- Arranging for valuables to be safely packed and moved
- Arranging for storage (if required)
- Informing of change of address with all important parties
- Booking off a moving day from work
- Arranging for move-in/move-out cleaning services
5. “I will become more intentional”: Pack smartly
Packing in small doses ensures you don’t get overwhelmed and are ready by moving day. A good rule of thumb is to start in less-used rooms and declutter as you go. This ensures your packing is more intentional, so the last things you pack are the things you use most often. Decluttering also reduces the amount of items you have to unpack at your new home.
6. “I will become more transparent”: Use clear labelling for everything
When decluttering, be sure you clearly label everything. You don’t want to end up taking your box of valuables to the local consignment shop! Also, label all boxes based on the room and contents to make it easier to find things and also for the movers to know where the boxes go in your new home.
7. “I will start asking for help”: Enlist help from friends and family
If you’re the type of person who tries to do everything yourself, this is a very freeing resolution—you don’t have to do it alone! Enlist help from friends and family to assist with packing and unpacking at your new home, or hire someone to do it for you.
Also, have your age-appropriate kids contribute to packing their own belongings. It teaches them responsibility. Plus, they might insist, as they want to maintain their privacy!
8. “I will find more me time”: Take breaks!
This is going to be a hectic time, so make sure to find some time for yourself. Even if it’s simply taking an hour or two to catch up on your favourite series or indulge your coffee addiction, you’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you’re burned out.
9. “I will stop trying to control everything”: Hire packers and unpackers
Instead of taking on all of the packing and unpacking yourself, treat yourself to the luxury of professional movers who can manage the whole move. It’s okay to let go once in a while and trust those with the skills and experience to offer assistance. You can still be involved and provide input and oversight, but it will feel so good knowing your move is in good hands.
10. “I will give more to my community”: Donate the things you no longer need
The less belongings you have, the easier it is to move. Be more purposeful with decluttering and consider what you can donate to make someone else’s life easier.
Do you really need five winter coats? When was the last time you wore those boots? Will that dresser fit in your small guest room? Considering each item and how it fits into your new life and home allows you to give more to your community while making your own life easier.
Call the Moving Professionals
These 10 New Year’s resolutions will not only make your move easier, but also your entire year!
For more information about our professional movers and services at Sprint Moving Service, call us at 1 (548) 489-0140 or contact us here.