Some people would rather listen to fingernails on a chalkboard than move. And yes, moving can be a stressful challenge, but it doesn’t have to be as painful as you might be anticipating. The key to a successful move is to know what you’re doing and be fully prepared.
If you don’t have to move quite yet but are entertaining the possibility, there are some things that you should keep in mind. Plan ahead! Do a little research and think about where you might like to move. Where will your career flourish? What cities have the best schools? Dream big but know what you’re getting into!
Once you’ve decided to move, get your family involved in the rest of the process. Will you move your stuff on your own or hire a moving company? The decision usually comes down to time versus your budget. Choosing a rental truck or a moving company is never easy. Both decisions are challenging and require research. Stick to your guns!
You might even need to rent a storage unit between moving from your old house to your new one. If you think you might need a storage solution, start looking at around the same time you begin searching for a moving company or rental truck.
A few weeks before you move – even a month or more – start separating your stuff into ‘keep’ and ‘chuck’ piles. You don’t want to have to move with things you won’t need or want in the new house. If there is a lot you want to get rid of, consider hosting a garage sale or making a donation to a local charity.
Making a checklist when you start thinking of relocating is always a smart thing to do. A moving checklist will help you keep track of tasks that need to be done and how much you’ve got to do!
Jon Huser