Here are my top 10, tested and trusted, tips (you can call them hacks, it works same) that will make your move much easier.
Moving is a time intensive process. Ideally you want to plan way ahead of moving day, say a month or more. Then a couple of weeks to pack and clean but often times this is not the case (laughs in lazy)
I am one of the “often times”
Sorrows, Sorrows, Prayers
The idea of a new place, in some cases, starting over again is very thrilling for me. I moved a whole country you see!!. So, here are tips to move easily whether quickly or planned.
1. Breathe, then plan
You: That’s it?
Me: Relax, child!
You move in a hurry for two main reasons:
- You didn’t get enough notice that this move was going to happen.
- You procrastinated the shit out of it and time snuck up on you. *blinks really fast* This is a no judgement zone.
Moving in a hurry, especially under a week is extremely overwhelming!! So, you need time to breathe…deep breaths then, get on with the task. If your own procrastination put you in that situation, don’t beat yourself up over it. (It’s not the time for that. You can do that later and don’t forget to invite me. T for tenks). On a serious note, life is busy. Things happen, so you really don’t have time to reflect. Just get to work.
2. Start with logistics.
This should be you first action. Do you need to hire movers or not?
Would you need to rent a truck or trailer? If hiring movers, then you’ll need to find reputable and licensed movers in your area (insert).
There are websites that you can use to compare and contrast. Get in touch with the mover and they will schedule a date for a home inspection after which they will give you a quote.
Once you’ve decided which is good for you, confirm the dates and times. If you are not using movers, figure out how you intend to transport your items to your new home. You may need to rent a truck or trailer or ask for help from friends and family. Get that done right away.
3. Plan for the D-day
Get a checklist!! There are templates all over the internet or you can create one yourself. Create a list of tasks that need to be done. How much time do you have till moving day? Organize these tasks in order of priority, which task needs to be done now?, which tasks can wait a week or two? As an example, clearing the fridge can be done the day before…don’t ask! While, professional cleaners can come in after you move.
Having a checklist will help reduce stress and anxiety and guide you through your move.
4. Gather enough supplies.
Determine how many boxes you need then, buy more. Don’t forget things like packing tape, bubble wrap, paper, and furniture protectors. If you are in a hurry, you won’t have time for multiple trips, so get what you need on the first go. And…
5. Set up a packing station.
When you’re under stress you could be holding something and still be looking for it everywhere. So to reduce that waste of precious time, create a packing station for all your packing supplies.
Think: Boxes, packing tapes, scissors, bubble wraps, old towels, markers, color-coded labels, screws, spanner or screwdrivers for disassembling, etc. You can use a dedicated space or table or room or even garage but put all your supplies in one spot so when you need them, you know where to find them.
6. Think beyond boxes.
This is important for people moving to different cities or countries.
- Do you have kids? Notify their school of their last day. Research schools in the area and enroll them.
- Do you need to file a change of address?
- What about utilities? Arrange for them to cancel at your current address and start at the new one. Or, if you’re changing suppliers, make that arrangement too.
- Do you need medical attention? Get to know the hospitals in your new area.
- Do you have a pet? Does it need vaccination etc.?
7. Get rid of the things you don’t need
Think practically and not sentimentally. The less you have to pack, the easier the packing will be. It’s hard but you got to let go of some of your worldly possessions. And what’s the best time to do it than when you’re about to move? The perfect excuse to throw things out..
Where is my pink jacket? Ahhh! dumped it cos no space
Resist the urge to pack everything thinking you will get rid of them when you unpack…chances are.. YOU WON’T.
Consider donating your old things to shelters, goodwill shops, orphanages, animal shelters etc. They need it and will make good use of it. Also, arrange for junk removal to remove those large items you won’t be carrying. That broken refrigerator needs to go.
8. Have ready a moving essentials bag
I call it the tutu mkpong bag. So, medicines, important documents, toiletries, etc because the last thing you want to be looking for is a document then you find out it is right under your box. Things will get very messy and exhausting very fast.
9. Pack
Singing “PACK” baby o pull over
Set up boxes where you need them. I always have them labeled.. kitchen stuff, room stuff, parlor stuff, all things bathroom etc… Put things where they fit even if it means packing spare light bulbs with water glasses. However, let there be a theme for easy unpacking.
You also need everything packed safely and securely. It’s fine if you skip labeling boxes but know where things are especially the fragile things. I recommend labelling boxes that contain fragile items. You can use socks, towels or anything soft to wrap the breakables.
10. Ask for help
I helped a few friends when they were moving, and friends helped me too when I was moving. Saves time, energy, and cost. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. What are friends for?
When things are kept to the last minute, it becomes imminently necessary, utterly difficult to accomplish, and in some cases way more expensive. You can feel paralyzed by how much needs to be done. Remember tip 1, breathe and start crossing off items off your list. I hope this helps and if it has in any way, share it to your friends and followers.
