Whether you are moving across the country, or just down the road, packing up your home does not have to be disastrous. To avoid mistakes, start by creating a plan that will prepare you for all the necessary components of moving into a new home, like acquiring storage or seeking professional help. Below are a few hacks on how to make your next move easier.
1. Create A Moving Budget
The first step to moving is to come up with a thorough financial plan. Finding a home that suits your needs and fits within your budget is a great starting point. Searching within your means will set you up for a stress-free financial situation down the road. Once you’ve determined your ideal price range and financial circumstances, seek resources to help you out. For example, if you are a first-time homebuyer and don’t have the best credit score, then look into a loan that offers looser financial requirements such as an FHA loan. These less strict variations of loans make it easier to acquire the funds you need for a down payment. Soon after you find a home, create a budget based on your anticipated moving expenses. This can include the costs of transportation, storage, closing costs, and more.
2. Declutter
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to begin decluttering and packing up your belongings. The first thing you should do is to get rid of any clothing, furniture, or unused items that are broken or outdated. If you have items that you don’t want to keep but are still usable, consider bringing them to a shelter or find a donation company that will pick up your items for free. While sorting your belongings, you may find that you still have too much stuff and not enough space in your future home. Consider finding a professional storage company that offers self-storage lockers to help you store things until you are ready.
3. Seek Out Help
The next step is to find help. One option to help you move is hiring a moving company. Moving companies will provide you with everything you need, including moving boxes, packing services, and even transportation. It is important to know, however, that these services can be pricey, so you will want to refer back to your moving budget to ensure this is an affordable option for you. If a moving company is out of your price range, your next option is to rent a moving truck. If you don’t have a vehicle big enough, a rental truck is a great alternative. One thing to keep in mind about rental trucks is that they sometimes have a mileage limit and charge extra if you exceed that number. That said, make sure you account for the accurate distance when budgeting for the service. Lastly, if you have friends or family members nearby, asking them for assistance might be helpful and might even make the moving process a great memory to look back on.
4. Clean Before You Unpack
Once you have reached your new home and are ready to get settled in, consider cleaning before moving all your things in. Again, if you are on a budget and would rather save money by doing it yourself, start with one room at a time, or reach out to friends and family to give you a helping hand. To ensure you don’t miss anything, use a deep cleaning checklist. Cleaning ahead of time will allow you to focus on one task at a time and save you from stressing over clutter. Whether you hire a cleaning company or do it yourself, cleaning your new home will be way easier to do early on, as doing so will allow you to move into your new place as soon as possible.
Although moving can be overwhelming, having a plan, perfecting your packing process, moving your belongings, and staying one step ahead will help you stay organized. Make sure to consider these key points above to help make your next move easy!