Move Like a Pro: Tips on How to Make Moving Houses Less Stressful
Purchasing a home can be exciting: a new home, new neighborhood, new friends, and new beginnings. However, to enjoy all of the benefits of purchasing a home, you must deal with the inevitable reality that moving can be a very stressful process. There are three main stress-inducing factors to consider when moving: money, time, and change. We’re here to help you manage (and minimize) these kinds of stress for a smoother, more productive move.
Money
Moving cost factors
Before purchasing your next home, you must keep in mind the costs of moving out and moving in. While some costs are unavoidable, preparation can save you incurring unexpected costs. Some cost-driving factors include:
- Size of the move
- Distance
- Storage
- Insurance
- Moving date
- Packing services
- Moving supplies
How much will moving cost?
On average, the cost of moving a 2-3 bedroom home within the local area is $1250. For long distance moves, like moving from state to state, the average is $5000. You can get an estimate based on your circumstances using this moving costs calculator.
Start budgeting early and use a moving costs checklist to make sure you’ve covered all bases.
Pro tip: Weekend moves cost more. Taking a vacation day from work and moving mid-week can save you money (and it gives you the weekend to unpack)!
Time
Time is crucial when moving. Planning ahead of time makes the long list of tasks easier to manage and will make you less overwhelmed. At least two months before the move, map out a timeline of what needs doing and when. This will help you ensure that everything is ready to go and that you aren’t frantically moving (literally) last minute.
2 months before your move
- Decide how you will move:
- Do you want a full service so someone else takes care of everything? Will you move some things yourself? Are you enlisting the help of family and friends?
- Book your transportation now.
- Declutter. There is no point paying to move stuff you don’t want or need at your new home.
1 month before your move
- Get ready for packing — start collecting moving boxes and packing supplies.
- Reserve your movers.
- Order larger furniture to be delivered to your new home.
- Notify businesses of your change of address.
3 weeks before your move
- Pack — start by boxing up non-essentials first, group similar items, and label your boxes!
1 week before your move
- Get together your moving day essentials — documents, scissors, tape, water, trash bags, new keys.
- Clean your old place.
- Look forward to a stress-free MOVING DAY!
Change
Moving is a BIG change, which for the most part is exciting. However, there is also some not-so-thrilling admin to grapple with. Changing address means updating utilities and service providers, work, friends and family with your new address.
Address Change Checklist
- Employer
- Former employers for pensions
- Friends and family
- Banks, credit cards, social security
- Post office
- Insurance companies
- Schools
- Medical — doctors/dentists/vets
- Water
- Electric
- Gas
- Phone/internet/cable/mobile
- Trash removal
- Lawn care
- Other memberships/subscriptions
Yes, it’s a lot to digest and you might be feeling overwhelmed, but I hope this article will help make your move much smoother and stress-free.