Take the Overwhelm Out of Moving

Moving can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful time. In fact, it is one of the top 5 most stressful life events. Whether moving multiple times throughout your life or just a couple of times, it’s an essential part. When the time comes, you want to be ready. But oftentimes, many of us don’t know where to start. Or we do, but then start going in multiple different directions and feel scattered, get distracted, and leave tasks half-started because it’s a complex process with a lot of moving (no pun intended!) pieces.  

Don’t worry though, there are ways to alleviate these stressors. Check out the tips and strategies below. 

Start Early and Take Small Steps: Start planning and prioritizing as soon as you know you’re moving. Create timelines and categories for your action items (ex: moving checklist, people and services, paperwork/documents, etc.). This helps to keep you on track and ensure pieces don’t fall through the cracks. Taking sections at a time helps to keep it manageable. 

Create a Plan: Make a moving checklist with deadlines for packing, booking movers, and transferring utilities, etc. Identify who will be responsible for completing those items. 

Create a Packing Kit: Keep all your packing supplies in one place to avoid searching for them during the move. We recommend a clear tote with a lid. Include items such as tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, etc. Don’t forget to label it, so it doesn’t accidentally get packed!

Declutter First: Moving is a great time to evaluate your belongings and only pack what you need and use. If you’re not sure what or how to part with items, check out our blog, How to Decide Which to Keep & Which to Let Go. Before packing, go through your belongings and make piles of items to keep, toss, and donate. 

Pack Room by Room: Focus on one room at a time to stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the whole house. It could be helpful to ensure everything is in the right room before you begin. 

Clearly Label Boxes: Label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. A couple of bullet points is all you need. 

You can also use a color-coding system (Ex: Green is kitchen, blue is living room, etc.) This helps movers quickly identify where to take the boxes. If you’re paying for the moving, the efficiency reduces time, and saves you money! It also makes unpacking easier. 

Pack a 24-28 Hour Essentials Box: This box includes your daily essentials. These include toiletries, snacks, pjs, clothes for the next day, toilet paper, paper towels (those things you don’t realize you need until you don’t have them!), and chargers. Unpack these first.

Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to request time off of work and/or ask friends, family, or professionals for help with packing, moving, setting up your new home, or watching kids/pets. It takes a village. 

Hire Professional Organizers and/or Movers or a Moving Service: If it’s within your budget, hiring professionals who specialize in this work can alleviate a lot of stress and take a lot of tasks off your plate. When you’re feeling burnt out or fatigued, they’re there to keep going. 

Movers can help you with the physical work that is hard on your body. They will load and unload all of your belongings. 

Professional organizers, such as Authentic Living Organizing Co., can help you with the mental work that can be overwhelming. They help you make decisions about what to keep and get rid of, help you pack up your belongings, and unpack and organize your new space. They also leave you with tips and systems to maintain it. 

Stay Positive & Ask for Help When You Need It: Keep a positive mindset and remind yourself that the stressful part is temporary, and soon you'll be settled in your new space. Don’t be afraid to request time off of work and/or ask friends, family, or professionals for help with packing, moving, setting up your new home, or watching kids/pets. It takes a village.

Moving is a big life event that brings on all the feels. These tips and strategies help make this complex process feel easier and more attainable.