Moving is stressful. No matter how well prepared you think you are there is always something that comes along to put extra weight on your shoulders. On top of the stress of working, packing, and taking care of the kids, there is the moving truck that becomes a stress as well. So as my husband and I prepared for our big move I started to wonder: Wouldn’t it be nice if I could put boxes in the truck since I had them packed and ready to go? It certainly would remove a lot of the clutter in my house. No tripping over boxes to get from one room to the next.
Rent a moving and storage unit. This is what most of the big truck rental companies do not want you to think about because they don’t offer the same services. But yes, you can rent a mobile storage unit that you can pack-as-you-go. I did it a while ago and followed these simple steps to make the move so much easier and stress free.
Declutter, Purge, Sort
Before packing up everything in the home to get ready for the move consider what is really necessary.
· How often do you use it? Some things that haven’t been used in the last year are probably excessive and can go to the Salvation Army. There are a few items that are understandably used for special occasions that only come around every year or two so ask yourself if it’s even worth saving. What would the replacement cost on it be? If it’s under $20 get rid of it.
· Sort out the clothing or other items that either don’t fit or no longer have use. If your reasoning for keeping it begins with the words “but I might need it if…” you don’t need it at all.
The less you have to move the easier it will be to unpack and settle, and the less space you will need in the moving and storage unit.
Move as You Go
This is the biggest benefit of renting a moving and storage unit.
· The boxes can be packed up in the unit as you pack them, keeping your house clutter free and giving you more of a feeling of accomplishment as the house starts to empty out. Make sure to label the room the box is for so that finding things in the new house is easier.
· Using the move as you go method is also a good way to get some of the unnecessary furniture, appliances, or toys packed up early.
· With the unit of property you can enlist the help of friends and family with the moving process any time they are available, not just on moving day.
There are a number of helpful tips on how to pack and protect your times online. Take a minute and read them over so that your items (especially the breakables) are protected throughout the move.
Pack for Vacation
Not a literal vacation of course. Think of it as an adventure. Packing items such as clothes, hygiene supplies, and other bare necessities you would otherwise take on vacation with you removes some of the stress from getting settled in. Make sure as well that one of the boxes is marked with necessary kitchen needs such as a single setting of plates, bowls, and a pan for cooking for the family. This will prevent you from having to dig through ten or more kitchen boxes to find everything you need while you settle in.
Following these simple tips can make the transition much less stressful not just on you but everyone in the family.