Turning a New Leaf? Your Guide to Moving to Your New Nest

Turning a New Leaf? Your Guide to Moving to Your New Nest

Moving to a new place is an exciting journey. We open ourselves to possibilities of meeting new people and even doors and windows of opportunity. However, with moving also comes the most challenging and inevitable part—the moving itself.

According to studies, about a fifth of adult Americans have changed their residence or know someone who did due to COVID-19. Moreover, a more recent survey concluded that 22% of boomers plan to retire to bigger homes in 2021.

As is true with any undertaking, the effectiveness and success of buying a new home and settling in are highly dependent on the ability to avoid common relocation mistakes and prepare ahead to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Pack and Throw

It may be daunting to pack all your stuff into containers, boxes, bags, and cartons. Instead, make life simple by reducing and getting rid of your clutter as much as possible. Before you start loading your things in a single box, set aside all the essential things you need, such as clothes, equipment, and furniture. Eliminate unwanted or unnecessary items that you don’t need anymore.

Remember, you are moving to a new home to start anew, and not to pile all the things you previously own and not need anymore that would only remind you of your old life. If you have less to pack now, that means you’ll have less to unpack later on, giving you more time to focus on more important matters and begin life with a clean slate.

Compile all Documents and Create a Relocating Folder

Begin by putting all of your new addresses, lease, receipts, proof of purchase, paperwork, moving contracts, and other essential documents in a single folder. Consider bringing a physical copy aside from creating a digital backup in case of mishaps while you’re in the process of moving. Then, if issues arise during the preparation phase or during the relocation itself, it will be easier and a lot less stressful for you to find papers and documents that will support your case.

Plan and Pack Ahead

It is better if you set a date and time of your relocation to prepare ahead and even make arrangements to hire relocating services, rent or borrow equipment for the move. Forgoing this step might result in a higher fee or the failure to access trucks and moving crew altogether, particularly during the peak of moving season.

Start sorting, stockpiling, and listing down all the items you’ll need for the move. For example, if you plan to pack only half of your wardrobe, consider finding a good donation drive or opening a garage sale. You can use other techniques through which you can make good use of your old clothes.

Make Your Reservations as Soon as Possible

Once all the arrangements and plans have been set, call your utility suppliers to arrange for services to be provided at your new residence. Arriving at your destination exhausted from the trip and discovering that the electricity, running water, or heat hasn’t been switched nor set up yet is not a good feeling at all.

Plan it, and don’t forget to keep your appointment approval, receipt, and records in your relocation folder. Simultaneously, schedule a service termination for your present home ahead of your move-out schedule to avoid incurring charges and other stressful issues.

Always Carry the Bare Basics with You

Load your backpack or carry-on luggage with your essentials and everyday items a day before you leave, and carry it with you in the vehicle. For example, pack a change of clothing, a soap, a toothbrush, and if you have children, pack their must-have toys, feeding bottles, and other essential items they’ll need. Also, don’t forget to pack separate pouches for medical prescriptions, documents, and cash or cards in your bag. In times like this, you need to anticipate disasters that might happen along the way, so if worse comes to worst, at least you are prepared and have the necessary items with you.

When you arrive at your new home, having your essential bag with you also makes it easier to find what you need instead of opening all the boxes you already packed.

Moving is something that most people fear. Packing, arrangements, shipping, and trying to bribe your buddies to help might seem overwhelming. Not to mention the things that may go wrong.

Unfortunately, there is no single-size guidebook with all the specifics and the components with moving suggestions to fit everyone’s situation and any circumstance that might arise throughout the moving procedure. While each person will have unique requirements or concerns, understanding the fundamental principles and applying moving tips and techniques will ultimately get you somewhere.

Alison Lurie

Alison Lurie