Moving can be a nightmare. The packing, the planning, and labeling can just be too much l! But don’t be afraid. With a sprinkle of organization and a pinch of enthusiasm, you can make it seem like the adventure of a lifetime! Whether you’re moving to a new city, across the state, or just down the street, here are the seven steps (PODS moving and storage being among them) you absolutely can’t overlook to help you figure out how to move and transition as smoothly as possible. Ready for the best move you will ever have?
1. Create a Moving Checklist
Is there anything that a good checklist can’t do? We think not, which is why we’re putting “make a moving checklist” at the top of our list to move. This list will be your North Star through the dark, stormy seas of moving! Get a pen and paper and write down every detail you can think of. You will be amazed at how good it feels to see the tasks crossed off on your paper, too. With a list, you can sit down and thoughtfully go through what is in your house, what you need to do, what you need to get, and who you need to talk to. You will never forget anything during the move with a trusted checklist by your side.
2. Declutter Like a Boss
Before you do a lick of packing, kick the clutter to the curb! Now’s your chance to go through all your items and decide what you want and what can go. Tap into your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself, do I use this? Do I love this? If the answer is no, then it goes. You could even have a garage sale or donate your goods to your favorite local charity!
3. Enlist the Help of Friends and Family
Don’t face this big move alone! Call some friends (or family, if you must), and try to rally the troops to get moving. Spending time with those you love while you tackle a mountain of tasks is a great way to make memories. Just lay down the ground rules of who’s doing what. And don’t forget the snacks and drinks for refreshments!
4. Use PODS Containers
When it comes to moving, anything that can help you go with the flow is a plus. Using PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) containers is a game-changer! PODS offers portable storage containers for rent. You can have the rental container delivered to your house, pack it at your own pace, and then they will pick up the container and deliver it to your new location or even store it for you! No fuss the day of the move, more simple planning, so you can put all your energy into making yourself at home! Do yourself a favor, call PODS, and make them your relocation buddy!
5. Label Everything
Unless you are a minimalist, you will have a ton of boxes to unpack, so why not make your life easier by packing and labeling strategically so you can unpack easily in your new home? When packing, go room by room; let’s use the kitchen as an example! Pack your dishes (plates, cups, bowls, glasses, silverware, and cooking utensils), label this box as “kitchen” and label what is in it. Do the same with appliances, towels, cleaning supplies, and furniture. In your new home, drop everything labeled kitchen in the kitchen and unpack. Do this with all your rooms and see how easy unpacking will be without the mental aerobics!
6. Notify Important Contacts
Set a date to inform important authorities in your life about your move! Tell your bank, insurance company, and utilities company. Don’t forget to change your address for magazines and other important documents in the mail. Also, do not forget your subscriptions, especially scheduled meal kits, if you have any. Now’s also the perfect time to reveal your new address to friends and family. (Pro tip: Throwing a housewarming at your new spot will help, too, once it feels like home, sweet home.) Be excited to turn the page!
7. Settle In with Style
You did it! You finished your move! Now, for the real fun, make it yours. Reflect on the journey and bask in the light at the end of the tunnel. Pull out all the stops by unpacking your home with all the essentials ready to go and bring your favorite spaces to life Start with the bedroom, kitchen, and living room because you need a place to sleep, eat, and relax in that order. After that, gradually make your space feel like you with your favorite artwork, family portraits, and dog-eared books. If you want to make this process easier and can afford it, get a professional to unpack, so all you have to do is come into a ready-made home!
Relocating The Easy Breezy Way
Moving doesn’t have to be a harrowing affair! Follow these seven steps, and you’re on your way to your best move. Let yourself feel all of the good feelings about turning this new page. And remember — a move is only a tidy checklist and a positive mindset away from being a step into your new best life!
