Moving Tips to Maintain Your Sanity During a Relocation
On the definitive list of high-stress activities, planning a move surely fits in somewhere between trying to survive a grizzly bear attack, and preparing a gourmet meal for Gordon Ramsay in under thirty minutes. The point is, it’s a demanding, draining exercise that requires a lot of time and attention –– that few but the most privileged of us have at their disposal.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to cut down on the hurly-burly of an unexpected move, no matter how busy your schedule is:
Search Smart
If you’re moving to a city or region you’re not familiar with, do your homework on the different neighborhoods before you make your final decision. To this end, you can reach out to people from that area, or else check out reviews of different restaurants and shops online. Remember though to keep your search refined to your needs and your budget. You don’t need to go down rabbit holes and waste valuable time that could be used for planning (or anything else, for that matter.) Furthermore, make sure to utilize websites that list realistic prices. Whether you’re looking for the best deal on drawing needles, or a new home, a little research can go a long way.
Repurpose and Retool
Moving on a budget can be tough. If you can’t hire professional movers, you’ll need to get creative in packaging and planning for your move. In this instance, you’ll need a little creativity. Laundry bins, old baskets, even empty beer boxes can prove efficient and cost-effective alternatives to buying expensive suitcases or backpacks. Just make sure if you use cardboard that the box is stable –– you wouldn’t want a container full of glassware to fall apart in your hands
Prioritize
You could probably stand to lose a few old gym socks, or a book about baseball statistics from 1979. But everyone has items special to them that are irreplaceable. So make sure you have a separate plan just for your valuables.
If Possible, Inspect in Person
Pictures and in-depth descriptions can only tell you so much. If at all possible, visit any prospective new home thoroughly. Going in person will alert you to the sights, sounds, and SMELLS, that photos won’t convey.
Embrace What’s New
Ultimately, a move is a great opportunity to reinvent yourself in a new location. And whether you’re moving across town or across the country, any move presents a new chance to try exciting things for the first time. Don’t lament what you’re leaving behind –– dive headfirst into what your new locale has to offer!
Author: Chans Weber