Nearly everyone moves at some point in their lives. Maybe they’re going off to college, taking a job in another town, pursuing their dreams, or just indulging their wanderlust. Whatever the reason, there are a few important things that we’d all do well to keep in mind.
Where You’re Going
It almost goes without saying that before you can move somewhere, you need to know where it is you plan to move. But there’s a difference between just knowing and really, truly, fully knowing. In other words, it’s not just about pointing your finger onto a map at random; it’s about doing your research to find an affordable home in a safe, ideal neighborhood that meets all your needs.
Where You’re Coming From
Moving isn’t just a matter of going someplace new; it’s also a matter of leaving someplace old. Keeping that in mind, here are some very important questions to ask yourself. If you have a house to sell, ask yourself what is your home worth. This will help you know exactly what your budget is. You can check redfin.com to learn more about it. If you have family and friends you’ll be leaving behind, ask “how can I keep in touch with them?” If you have children, ask “how can I make this transition a little easier?”
What You Should Bring
One of the hardest parts of moving, or at least the most time-consuming part, is packing up all your belongings and transporting them. A good way to reduce the tediousness of this process is to begin looking at everything you own with a critical eye. Some possessions may not be worth taking along, and you might benefit from selling, donating, or just plain throwing them away.
Get rid of unnecessary things
Yes, moving is hard, but it is also an opportunity to get rid of some things that you have been keeping for years, you don’t even know why. This is an ideal opportunity to clean closets, drawers, pantries… everything you haven’t worn in a year or two you probably never will, if you don’t even know what you have in the shed then you don’t even need it. Give away, recycle, throw away. This will relieve the new space and reduce the number of things to move.
Unsubscribe from all subscriptions
People often forget to unsubscribe from TV subscriptions, heating, and the like. In time, non-payment warnings will arrive at your old address without you even knowing it. Take care of this before it happens.
Who Can Help You
There are many questions about moving that you must have an answer to before embarking on this, often life endeavor. If you know where you are moving and when the next question is how.
The first step should be the purchase of boxes, protective foils, self-adhesive tapes, paper … Various plastic bags with zippers are also excellent. Also, prepare a tool for dismantling furniture. As each pack usually takes a few days, we should first pack things we don’t need every day, like dishes we usually only use on special occasions, different decorative figures, books, clothes that are specific to a particular season.
Depending on how big your family is, you may find moving to be more work than you can handle on your own. Either way, it’s always good to have a helping hand, not just during the movie but also before and after. Hiring a moving company to help transport your belongings can take a major load off your shoulders, while contact relatives or friends who live near your destination can help ease you into your new environment.
Why You Want to Move
The single most important thing to know when moving is why. Why do you want or need to move in the first place? Is it because you’re seeking new job or education opportunities? Do you have loved ones you’re looking to be closer to? Do you just need a change of scenery? Whatever the case, make sure moving is really the best option for you. It’s not a choice quickly or easily undone.
Relocation – a source of stress?
Research has shown that moving is one of the most stressful periods an individual experiences, along with divorce and job loss. If these things are connected, that is, you are moving due to divorce or job loss, then the stress inevitably becomes even greater.
Whether you are moving because you want to or you are simply forced by work or some other obligation, the fact is that moving affects our mental health. To move means to step into the unknown. Instead of this step being accompanied by fear and stress and a frustrating feeling in your stomach, choose to look at moving as an opportunity for a fresh start. Few people in life get a chance to “fix” the way they live, to re-create themselves and become the person they always wanted to be. Moving to another city provides that opportunity.
A new home – a new beginning
Whether moving was your own idea or circumstances made you do that, it is important to look at it positively and thus reduce stress. What positive changes will move to bring into your life? What ugly memories do you leave behind? Why did you call the place you lived home? Make sure you do the same with your new home.
You may have the opportunity to learn a different culture, experience the excitement of a new city, or attend the graduate studies you wanted. Incorporating favorite activities into your life will help you feel better and make yourself comfortable in your new home.
Final thoughts
Last-minute packing can cause stress and nervousness, and it is advisable to start with it on time. As you can conclude, moving is anything but simply moving things from one location to another, moving is much more than that. Moving is an opportunity for a new beginning, a better life, and endless memories.
