Relocating to another residence can be one of the most exciting events in a person’s lifetime; leaving the familiarity of your homeland and establishing yourself elsewhere is adventurous for some time. But 38% of Americans find it more stressful than breaking up with their loved one. So, how to make moving more comfortable and less excruciating? You’re probably one of those millions of people considering relocation in 2023. You may now be thinking about moving to San Diego, California, a pleasant city well-known for its busy airports and pet-friendly restaurants. However, the population shrunk in 2021 due to thousands of residents leaving, making it an ideal place for your dream home.
Your ultimate 2023 moving checklist
Whether you’re considering becoming a Californian or leaving this state altogether, the following tips will help you organize the relocation effectively. Your moving checklist isn’t complete without the tactics mentioned below. Hence, here’s how you can switch homes in 2023 without messing up anything:
1. Make a checklist
Create an effective to-do list that covers all aspects of your relocation. You don’t have to produce an extensive itinerary; just add different items to your list and keep crossing them off one by one when these tasks are done. Some essential tasks you should add to your list have been listed here.
2. Hire local movers
Many American homeowners hire local movers as a more convenient and cost-effective method for transporting their belongings to another location. Especially in California, where the cost of living is high, but hiring a moving company may be the best way to get your items from Point A to Point B. And once you’ve decided on a moving company, make sure to get all the details in writing before signing any contracts. Although, finding San Diego Long Distance Moving Companies is no hassle. However, due to their dedication to excellence, we recommend Coleman Worldwide Moving as one of the best movers with BBB accreditation and ProMover status. They’ll ensure a smooth transition for all your items from local to international moves.
3. Start packing early
Experts recommend homeowners start packing six weeks before relocating. These six weeks will be ample for your packing endeavors; you can decide which things to take to the new house and which to discard or donate. For instance, you can start by packing off-season garments to make some space in the house. Use this time to make moving a fun activity for your children.
4. Remove all clutter
Relocating is a proper excuse to declutter your house and make more space in your new residence. Also, decluttering leaves fewer items to transport to your new house. If you want to keep your clutter, then the same movers can let you rent some climate-controlled self-storage units.
5. Set your budget
How much does moving cost? A survey shows that American homeowners spend between $800 and $2,500 on relocating, with the national average at $1,400. But you can limit overspending today simply by creating an effective budget. Adhere to this budget faithfully to avoid moving stress.
6. Leave clothes hanging
Moving your clothes when they are still on hangers is much easier. You should invest in wardrobe boxes with strong metal hanging bars; then, you can hang many hangers and move them easily. An equally smart idea is transporting non-breakable objects inside drawers without emptying them.
7. Take some pictures
For insurance, take pictures of all your stuff before loading it for transport. In case the movers lose, break, or damage your belongings, you can make a strong case against them by presenting the pics. These pictures will show that your items were loaded undamaged, and the moving company should pay for the damages.
8. Pack with caution
Why do people find moving stressful? A study claims that last-minute packing is a major reason why relocation becomes a mess; 45% of Americans have suffered from last-minute packing mistakes. So, here are some straightforward solutions for packing smartly. You just have to do the following:
- Don’t use large, oversized boxes for packing relatively smaller items.
- Label boxes properly, e.g., “kitchen” and “bathroom,” and color-code them.
- Don’t pack the stuff from different rooms together to make unpacking easier.
- Empty spaces in boxes make them loosely packed, so fill the gaps with some paper.
- Place heavier boxes at the bottom of the truck and stack lighter ones on top of them.
9. Bring your essentials
Not everything is packed and transported via movers! Some objects are so irreplaceable that movers can’t be trusted with them, i.e., your phone, documents, and other items. Carry these essentials now on your person while relocating. So, pack your essentials carefully – your phone charger, toothbrush, toothpaste, a change of clothing, medications, and your kid’s favorite stuffed animal – to spend your family’s first night at the new residence comfortably. Don’t lose these essential items.
10. Schedule all utilities
You don’t want to move into a house without gas, water, or electricity. Therefore, arranging for all necessary utilities at least a few days before relocating is much better. Get the TV, gas, water, electricity, phone, and internet connections at your new house, for which you must update your address. Ask providers to cut services off at your current residence the day after you’ve moved.
11. Update your address
Inform your correspondents about your decision to relocate and, days before moving, update your address. Contact your local post office to redirect your correspondence to the updated address, too; prevent your mail from getting AWOL or being received from another person. Who else needs to be informed of your updated address? Consider informing these correspondents of your decision:
- Your boss
- Your banks
- Inland revenue
- Insurance companies
- Update your voter registration
12. Move with caution
Here are some random things you must ensure before moving into a new house with the family:
- Child-proof the house if you have kids
- Have the entire property deep-cleaned by professionals
- Meet your neighbors, introduce yourself, and ask about local attractions
- Get new locks and change previous locks to prevent intruders from breaking in
- Inspect the house for mold/mildew and renovate if you observe structural damages
Conclusion
So, how do you make moving a less stressful experience for your family? In a nutshell, here’s what you’ll do: Declutter, start packing early, and hire professional movers. Schedule utilities before moving into the new house, have it deep-cleaned for your arrival and update the address before settling. Take some pics of your belongings and have everything insured in case of an accident. These simple tips make relocation a pleasant experience for your family. Stick to your budget and leave everything up to the experts.