Getting a new space—whether it’s down the hall or in a different country—is exciting. Moving can mean getting a fresh start and a place to call your own, but first you have to get through the move. To ensure your moving day goes as smoothly as possible, here are some tips to help you get ready:

Packing efficiently

The key to an efficient and stress-free move is preparing ahead of time. Start by taking inventory of what you need to pack, then sort belongings into categories like fragile items, kitchenware, bathroom, and clothing, and box them up accordingly. Make sure you have enough boxes and packing supplies, and label and number every box clearly as you go. As you pack, make sure anything breakable is properly wrapped.

Changing your address

Changing your address can ensure you don’t miss any important mail or bills during or immediately after the move. Let your employer know you’re moving, and make a list of places where you’ll need to update your address. This can include utility companies, banks, insurance providers (consider everything from auto insurance to the life insurance company that handles your whole life insurance policy), and more. You may also want to set up mail forwarding at the post office.

Decide whether to hire movers

Professional movers can take a lot of the stress out of moving day—you won’t have to carry heavy things or rent and drive a truck. However, movers do come with a price tag. Take some time to decide whether hiring professional movers is right for you, taking the details of your move into account. Maybe you don’t have too much heavy furniture, or you have a lot of friends and family willing to help out in exchange for pizza. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure to get the right equipment, like dollies for moving heavy furniture.

Have a plan for the big day

Moving day can be chaotic, so it’s important to think through the timeline in advance. Create a checklist or schedule and list what items will go into each vehicle if there are multiple trips. Have a plan for young children and pets.

Get the keys

Don’t forget to know where you’re picking up the keys on moving day or get them beforehand—you don’t want to be outside your new home with the moving van, unable to enter. When you get a chance, head to the hardware store and make a few copies of the key.

Have a bag of essentials

It is useful to keep a separate bag with essential items like toiletries, snacks, a change of clothes, and phone chargers so they are easily accessible when you arrive at your new home. This way, you don’t have to unpack absolutely everything to find what you need for the first night.

Start unpacking

Now that everything is in your new home, it’s time to unpack. Prioritize essential items like bedding, toiletries, and kitchen equipment (this is where labeled and numbered boxes will come in handy). Getting the essentials unpacked will make it easier to relax in your new space. After these are set up, it’s time to tackle the rest of the boxes.

Enjoy your new space

Once everything is moved in and unpacked, take a moment to appreciate all your hard work and enjoy your new home. You’ve planned and thought through all the details, and now you can settle into your new space!

Source: iQuanti