Moving is complicated and often costly. Planning ahead can make the process less daunting.
Moving can become extremely expensive without proper planning. By creating a moving budget, you can alleviate some of the stress that inevitably comes with the process.
Creating a Moving Budget
A good budget begins with attention to detail so you can list every single expense you’re in for.
Take inventory
You need to determine what you will be moving to your new home. Go room by room to ensure you won’t miss anything.
Do your homework
Shop around for moving fees as specialty items will come with an extra fee compared to basic items. Also, expect to pay more if you’re planning to move during summer.
Factor in additional costs
Do you need to professionally clean your home? Do you need to take time off work for your move? You also need to buy moving boxes and plan for an accident if something gets damaged.
Find ways to save money
How much money you save will make a difference in the quality of your moving experience. You need to identify where you can save money. Find ways to recreate your favorite takeout dishes. Instead of going out, take a walk in the park or enjoy a night in with your friends.
How To Plan, Prepare and Pack for a Move
With the proper planning and preparation in place, packing can actually become an enjoyable part of the moving process. Here are a few things you can do to stay focused, organized, and have a stress-free and seamless move.
Designate a notebook to simplify the process
This notebook should hold everything from to-do lists to budget breakdowns and receipts. You can separate segments with colored post-its.
Ask your friends and family for help
There’s no shame in asking for help and moving is not something anyone should do alone. Just make sure you get free food and drinks as a little thank you.
Prime your new home before moving in
Make sure the place is ready before you move boxes in. It’s so much easier to do everything without the clutter. Also, you should have a plan for new rooms before you pack up your old ones so you don’t move something you won’t need.
Label moving boxes
Label each box per room and don’t forget a subheading so you avoid opening a box with plates while looking for a mug. Also make sure to pack a moving kit separately to have all the essential items ready without having to unpack all the boxes.
How To Settle Into Your New Space
Congratulations, you made it! Now, it’s the time to start enjoying your new home.
Change your address
You need to change all your official documents along with informing your bank and any other institution that requires your contact details.
Set up your utilities
Moving to a new place can be a great time to reevaluate your provider to see if there are more affordable rates in your new area. Just by finding a more competitive rate and by making an electricity switch, you can save a significant amount of money on your future utility costs.
Unpack wisely
Unpacking can end up being far more overwhelming than packing unless you approach it in an organized manner which will make it far less stressful. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once.
Go back to your old or new routine ASAP
You shouldn’t let your move put a pause on your life. The sooner you get back into the rhythm of life, the better. Therefore, the sooner you finish unpacking, the sooner you can start decorating and enjoying your new home.
Takeaway
A move does not need to be a tedious task. If anything, it should be a time of celebration for a new chapter unfolding, and not a source of stress and concern. Make it easy on yourself and plan ahead so you can enjoy falling in love with your new home.
