Moving is expensive and stressful. This is one of the few constants we have in life. Instead of trying to fight that reality (and causing yourself even more stress), you’d be better off figuring out to work within it. It’s possible! Read on to learn more.
If you have ever gone through a move before, you know some of the most obvious techniques for reducing moving stress. For instance, you know–as the experts at Allied Moving Company say–that it’s best to get an estimate from movers before choosing a moving company. This way you won’t be surprised by unexpected costs. You also know, obviously, that hiring movers is absolutely a worthy expense.
You also likely know about all of the tips and tricks for reducing the amount of packing you have to do and how to properly pack your stuff before the movers arrive.
But what else can you do?
Pack a Bag
There is nothing worse than getting into a new place and having to dig through boxes to find the basic supplies you need for everyday life. This is why it’s a good idea to pack a bag that will travel with you as you transition from one home to another. At minimum, this bag should contain a change of clothing, your toiletries, and a towel.
Here is a handy list of essential items you need to pack for your first night in your new home!
Get Food Delivered
One of the hardest things to deal with when you are moving is figuring out what to eat and when. Most of you already know that eating what you have on hand is the best way to go before the move. Sure you’ll wind up with a few weird meals; but it is cheaper to extinguish your food supply and reduce waste than to simply order out for every meal.
But what about those first few nights in the new place? Obviously, nobody is going to fault you for wanting to order a pizza on your actual moving day. Even with professional movers and helpers, there’s a lot of work to do and nobody is going to want to cook. A great way to reduce costs and save time is to set up a grocery delivery for the first full day you’ll spend in your home. Many stores now offer grocery delivery and there are delivery services like Postmates and Instacart to circumvent those that don’t. Having groceries delivered will save you a trip to the store and ensure that you have healthy food to eat on hand right away.
Pro Tip: Order other necessities like laundry soap, dish soap, sponges, etc. with your groceries so you won’t have to worry about needing to run out every time you realize that you didn’t pack something because you knew that replacing it would be inexpensive. You can even order disposable dinner wear so that you don’t have to worry about unpacking your kitchen right away.
Change Your Address Manually
Yes, the post office provides a handy dandy online form that will allow you to officially change your address and have mail forwarded to your new home. This is fast and easy and takes very little work. It also ensures that there will be a (sometimes sizeable) gap between when mail is sent to you and when you receive it. For minor stuff like catalogs and junk mail this is no big deal. But for more important mail, it’s best to take charge and change your address yourself. This way you don’t have to worry about waiting on important documents sent through the post (yes sometimes documents are still sent the old fashioned way).
Speaking of mail, it might seem frivolous but trust us: send out “I’ve moved!” cards with your new address on it to your friends and family. Sure you could text them but sending a card (not a postcard but one you put in an envelope and mail) will save time and effort. And your loved ones will appreciate getting something in the mail besides catalogs, junk mail, and bills!
These are just a few of the ways you can reduce the stress of the moving process. Remember, it isn’t always about the day itself. It’s also about reducing the stress of preparation and settling in somewhere new!