5 Ways to Make Moving Easier
Whether you’re moving to a different neighborhood or cross country, moving is notoriously stressful. I’ve moved four times in three years and somehow I manage to forget until it’s time to start organizing just how chaotic uphending your life can be. It can be difficult to know exactly where to start, especially if you’ve lived somewhere a long time. Just the sheer volume of stuff we have tucked away in closets and attics can be daunting. Here’s some things I’ve learned in my years as a nomad.
Channel Marie Kondo
About a month or so before you start boxing up your life, take the time to examine your belongings. Are you really ever going camping again? Do those cargo pants bring you joy? And, respectfully, how many of those knicknacks do you regularly put on display? I get that some things have sentimental value. But, if you’re honest with yourself I’d bet that nostalgia has attached itself to relatively few of your items. Also, why are you holding on to letters from your most recent ex? They aren’t ever going to stop being commitment-phobic. Ever. Do I use this and does this make me happy are some questions you should be asking yourself.
Say Your Goodbyes Early and Often
I don’t know about you, but my inclination is to completely avoid anything that’s sad or uncomfortable. I partially blame the internet. Regardless if you have twenty close friends or two, make plans to see them as much as you can before you leave. Don’t sit on it and don’t drop subtle hints that you’re leaving. The people in your life aren’t mind-readers. Whether you throw a big party or have tiny cups of coffee with each of them, make sure that you say your farewells. Time and distance can do funny things to relationships. So, it might just be a see you later but in some cases it will be a true bon voyage. And that’s ok! Honor your connections now so you don’t end up 3,000 miles away full of regrets.
Make Time For Odds and Ends
You don’t want to be in your new home in the literal dark for a week. Things like transferring your internet, setting up electricity and potentially water are not fun or sexy. They are necessary, though. Moving to a new state? Great. Check out the DMV because you’re going to need a new driver’s license and plate. You’re also going to have to make a lot of calls to tell not just your car insurance, but your bank, the student loan company, credit cards. Everyone needs to know your new address. Now (and not when you’re halfway across the country) might be a good time to check on your car title too. Finding new doctors, veterinarians, and therapists are technically things you can put off until you’ve reached your destination. But doing some light research on the weekend will be worth it. You can even reward yourself with macaroons!
Hire Movers
I know this is controversial because it’s expensive, but hear me out. Whether you’re moving a long distance or just to a new neighborhood, this will make your life exponentially easier. Regardless of how much you Marie Kondo your house, you will more than likely need to at least rent a moving truck. That’s a lot of heavy lifting. Not to mention the joy of having to deal with procuring, driving, and returning the thing. Having people who are both strong and skilled enough to maneuver your belongings with care takes a metric ton off of your plate. A number of moving companies will also pack your stuff for an additional fee. One of the advantages is if there is any damage the company will reimburse you. I have never had this issue though. Usually the movers do a much better job than I would have.
Unpack Quickly
Don’t sit on it, don’t take your time. If you don’t like the way you’ve organized part of your kitchen you can always go back and move those spices to a different cabinet. The longer your house is a labyrinth of boxes the longer this isn’t your home, it’s just a place where your stuff lives. Before you know it you’ll be considering moving into a motel. Get your box cutter and one room at a time, settle in. Take the cardboard and moving paper to the recycling bin and take deep breaths. You’ll grow to both love and hate it, the same as every other place you’ve lived. But at least it’s yours.
Hopefully these tips will make your journey less panicked. If you find yourself wanting to bury your head in the proverbial sand-remember why it is you’re moving. Most likely, it’s to improve some area of your life. Whether it’s for your dream job or just economically advantageous, your future self will thank your current self. And just remember, you can eat as many macaroons as you want in the process.
