“Less Stress During the Big Move” 4 tips to make moving simple and easy.

Moving. This process is definitely at the top of my dread list, but we all find ourselves in situations where it just has to happen. Whether you have an opportunity to upgrade, forced to down grade, or are taking a leap of faith and changing location I have put together a few tips to help make your move as smooth as possible. Within the two years, I have moved a total of three times. Yes three. From an apartment to a house, to a storage unit (and my mom’s house), and back to my own place. Basically at this point I’m an expert mover, so listen up and take notes. I have all the answers (lol).

TIP ONE: START EARLY

When moving honestly the most stressful part is finding a place. I suggest that you start looking early. You want to give yourself time to view all of your options and actually give yourself choices. Don’t move into the first place you see. When renting sometimes you run into waiting list and sometimes those list can be months or even years long. You want to make sure you have a spot by the date you wish to move and if nothing is available you can cross out that option and move on without wasting your time. When buying make sure you have a chance to properly inspect the property and give yourself at least a month for closing. My recommended time is to start no less than 6 months before to see all that’s available so your decision is natural and not rushed.

TIP TWO: DO YOUR RESEARCH

With it being 2017 the go to way of looking for a place is online. With popular sites such as Zillow, Rent.com, Craigslist, and Apartments.com we can find a potential home in the middle of the night, while eating breakfast, or even from the computer at work. With that being as convenient as it sounds don’t let your new found internet friend stop there. The World Wide Web is great place to start your research. Look at location, school district, crime statics, traffic, amount of floods, common pest problems, and of course reviews from current and past residents. Remember companies and landlords are going to show places in the best light on line so do your own digging to uncover hidden agendas and

unspoken problems.

TIP THREE: PACK LIGHT

In my Erykah Badu voice “Pack Light”. Okay seriously, take time to actually go through your things. You will be so surprised on the baggage you are carrying around that you don’t need or use. Start with your clothes and shoes. Shred old paperwork; sort out old knick-knacks, pictures, old furniture, and miscellaneous boxes and bags you haven’t looking in, in years. Find somewhere to donate to, someone in need, or even hold a sale to make extra money before your move. Moving into a new place is a great opportunity to start over and minimize clutter. Out with the old and in with the new.

TIP FOUR: BOX UP BY ROOM

Finally you have found a place, did the research, signed your life away, sold all un-needed items, and you have a moving date. Only thing left to do is pack. The easiest way to pack and unpack is if you are organized. Now the best way to stay organized and is to plan by room. Keep a journal and log of all of the new things you’ve brought, old things you’re taking, and how you plan to set up each room. If you pack by room when you get your new place, put the respective box in its new location and unpack one room at a time. It’s that simple. Set goals of which rooms you will unpack by day and date. My advice is to start with the most used rooms for comfort. My suggestion is kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom should be on the top of that list. This way you can eat, sleep, and shower comfortably while getting settled.

Now I know moving can be stressful and sometimes frustrating, which can suck the fun out of it. I promise if you start early, take your time, and stay organized you just might have fun and get through it smoothly in a desperate time. We all move for different reason, but remember moving represents change and we all need a little change sometimes.

-Lynzee Mychael