The excitement of buying a new home is wearing off and the reality of what lies ahead is beginning to set in. I actually have to pack up and move. Somehow, our entire life has to fit into one of these nice labelled boxes.
I am completely overwhelmed and had no idea where to begin. I decided to start in my closet (yikes!!!). I found a suitcase that had sweaters that I had not unpacked from my last move - 4 years ago. I didn't need to even look at them because I did not even miss them, they went straight to the give-away pile.
Based on my current experience I have some tips to make moving slightly less overwhelming:
- Hire movers for the big stuff if you can, to save money move the boxes, clothing, and kitchen items yourself.
- Try to give yourself time so that you have the luxury of moving in stages.
- Start packing early.
- Pack one room at a time and label each box.
- Move small stuff yourself and unpack each box as you bring it in.
- Everytime you visit your new home bring some things with you, never waste a trip.
- Use this as an opportunity to get rid of unwanted or unused items.
- Schedule a pick-up with a local charity for the day following move to get any of those purged items (or have a yard sale to raise some extra money).
- Pack on overnight bag with the items you'll need immediately.
- Arrange for childcare on the day of the move.
- Take frequent breaks, eat, and drink lots of fluids (especially on a hot day).
Remember moving is listed as one of life's most stressful experiences. Give yourself frequent stress breaks and keep focused on the fact that when its done you will be settled in your new home.
So now i've got to get my boxes and my markers out and get to work. Wish me luck!
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh
Long & Foster Real Estate
www.staceybaugh.com
staceyannbaugh@gmail.com
240-481-3565 (C)
301-924-1100 (O)
FINALLY! A DOCTOR WHO MAKES HOUSE-CALLS!
Think of it as an adventure in life! Good luck with the move, things will be fine!
Stacey-Ann, one nice thing about moving is that it lets you get rid of things by default. A couple of years from now you'll find a box that didn't get unpacked and realize that you got along with out it just fine.
I agree. Dont you wish you could just waive a magical wand and all the boxes would be unpacked, stuff put away and the extra trash hulled off?
Stacey - Sometimes it helps to add a little festivity. A "pizza and beer moving party" with official invitations to all our friends really helped smooth the process. Get everything packed ahead of time, but have as many friends as possible help load it all up, then spend some time relaxing when the job is done.
My moving trick is to first throw away anything I don't want or give it away. Then take one box at a time and move it somewhere until you can get it into the house...then let the movers take the heavy stuff. Sometimes you might even save a few bucks by loading the car first. My home in NY when I left it a month after the rest of the family came here...I was left with a big pile of junk to put at the curve. Also getting drunk while moving helps too!:)
I have not moved in 14 years, but I vividly remember saying.."next time I am going on vacation and hiring some one to do it while I am away" (of course if I ever price that out I am sure it will never happen!
I always advise my clients to be sure to throw away your "junk" or give it away to charity. I know you throw a lot away when you are packing, but I also remember throwing away more as we un packed. I cant imagine moving now with a bigger house 2 teen's and 14 years worth of crap piled up!!!
SAB,
The best part of moving is you get to start throwing out all the junk you no longer need......
OH WHAT FUN!
I feel your pain; I think I was having anxiety attacks a couple of years ago when I was moving. You would think being a Real Estate agent it wouldn't be so bad. I think its worst for us. Well I wish you the best of luck and I'm sure you'll find a way to get through it.
yvonne curry Remax Preferred New Jersey nj
Moving is exhausting, isn't it? With every move, it seems you have acquired more "stuff". You have a good list. I hope all goes well! :)
Great post. My advice is to always give yourself three days more than you think it will take.
Hi Stacey-Ann, the last time I moved, I had a huge Ebay sale and sold just about everything that I could. Sold the TV and entertainment center to the new buyer so I had a good excuse to buy a new Plasma TV and entertainment system. You sure do find out how much junk that you have when you move. Good luck.
good luck. Have a big yard sale . Moving is tough . You'll do it fine
I hate moving. I have lived in the same house for 11 1/2 years. No plans of moving anytime soon.
Stacey Ann,
Join the club. I hate emoving too. I did it a lot as a kid but have been pretty settled in adult life. I have only move once in 17 years. I love your tips. One thing you need to add for those renting a truck. Have your stuff packed before you pick up the truck. I rented trucks for years and too many people would return the truck late and pay for extra days because they didn't know how long it was going to take to pack. Get the truck when you are ready to load it.
Hi Stacey-Ann,
If you are a pack-rat as I am, it's a good idea to have a friend help you purge and give away or throw away things you no longer want or need.
Good luck with all of it and thanks for the tips.
All the best!
HI STACEY, It'll be over soon. You'll be packed and settled in no time...this will just be a faint memory!!
Relax and don't work too hard...Rome wasn't built in a da!
Stacey-Ann...
Great list of helpful information. I hate moving, I guess everybody does, but if you have to do it we might as well make it as easy as possible!
Some moving companies will buy back the boxes from you when you are done. You don't get the full price but something is better than nothing. Great for the environment and helps ease the budget.
Jim - I guess we all need some adventure in life.
Steve - I'm sure we'll find several such boxes now.
Heather - If you have one of those wands send it my way.
Penny - I like the pizza & beer idea (any excuse to party is a good one).
Neal - I'm not a big drinker but this is as good a time as any to start.
Robert - I only have 4 years of crap, I can't imagine 14.
Scott - My husband is in heaven with all the stuff he can trash.
Yvonne - anxiety attacks and insomnia for me.
Debi - I'm amazed at how much stuff we have
Lisa - You're right, it always takes longer than you expect.
Jeff - I hadn't even thought of selling on Ebay, good idea.
Charlie - the kids would enjoy a yard sale.
Jane - i'm hoping this will be the last move for a long time.
Jimmy - thanks for the tip about renting a truck, i'll add it.
Kevin - I am a packrat so its not easy to throw stuff out.
Yvette - Can't wait until i'm at the memory stage
Richard - Easy is what i'm hoping for.
Lisa - good tip, i'll check with my movers.