Moving can be expensive and take a lot of time if you don’t plan ahead. However, there are steps that you can take to cut down on the stress, hassle and cost of transitioning to a new home or apartment. Let’s take a look at a few specific ways to make your next move as easy as possible.
Start Downsizing Today
Do you have a closet full of old dresses, shirts or sneakers that you haven’t worn in years? If so, put them in a bag and donate them to charity. The more stuff that you can give away or throw out, the less that you have to worry about packing later. By donating items to charity, you can help others and possibly receive a tax deduction at the same time.
Get Help Moving the Heavy Stuff
Working with moving companies can make it easier to move the couch, bed and dresser from your current place to your new one. Ideally, you will call to make an appointment as soon as possible to get the best price and choice of moving time and date. It may be a good idea to contact multiple companies just to be sure that you are getting the best rate and range of moving options.
Give Everyone a Role
If your kids are old enough to help out, be sure that they have a role before, during and after the move. They should be able to pack their own things or help clean their rooms prior to leaving. Older children should also be able to help unpack their things or otherwise help organize in the hours after arriving at the new location. If you have teen drivers in the family, ask them to transport items on moving day to help make the transition a smooth one.
Have a Yard Sale before the Move
In some instances, you have items that you don’t want to just give away even if they won’t fit in your new place. Having a yard sale could help you sell that large television or sofa set and help to defray the cost of moving.
Moving day is one that most people either dread or generally don’t look forward to. While a move can involve a lot of time and effort, staying organized can make it easier to complete in a timely manner. Good planning can also reduce the costs related to a move whether you are relocating across the street or across the country.
