Managing a Move: How to Prepare for a Smooth Move

Moving is always going to be an ordeal. There are many moving parts involved, from cancelling utilities at your old place to getting them hooked up at your new home, not to mention the logistics of getting all your family members, pets and belongings from one place to another.

But just because a lot is going on doesn’t mean that moving has to be a nightmare. In fact, it can even run smoothly. The key is to work with people who know what they’re doing, plan ahead, and avoid setting yourself up for disappointment. Follow our tips to manage your next move successfully.

Hire Professionals

We’ve all been part of a move in exchange for beer and pizza, whether as the people moving or the friends helping. Most people have likely been on both sides of that exchange at one point or another. But in order to have a smooth move, it’s best to rely on professionals.

Have you ever helped move a couch or shelving unit up some stairs, only to find out after considerable effort and some blood, sweat and maybe tears that it just won’t fit? Or had friends help you move an item and end up dropping or scratching it?

Quality movers know what they’re doing. They know strategies to move furniture in tight spaces and bring materials to avoid damaging your belongings. If you need help finding a quality moving company, ask your network for recommendations or your real estate agent in Bowmanville for a referral.

If the idea of planning a move is too overwhelming, or you just don’t have the time for it, consider hiring move managers. Many companies offer move management services that cover everything from managing the details in preparing for and day of the move, supplying packing materials, decluttering, coordinating with movers, packing last-minute items and unpacking once you arrive at your new home.

Plan Ahead

If your move seemed far ahead, but suddenly you look at the calendar and realize it’s just around the corner, it can be tempting to start throwing things in boxes. Once you know the date of the move, you should set up a calendar for when to arrange for professional services like movers or move managers, when to start packing which items and arranging for services to be disconnected and connected.

Creating a calendar of what to do and when to do it can prevent you from frantically calling your internet provider pleading for an appointment while tossing various items into random boxes.

Manage Expectations

It’s good to aim for a smooth move, but it’s also important not to set too high of expectations. If you expect everything to go exactly according to plan, you’re basically setting yourself up for disappointment. If your expectations are too high or too rigid, it will feel like a catastrophe when something unplanned happens.

Understanding that not everything will go perfectly allows you to have a healthier mindset when things inevitably go off course. This creates less stress and will enable you to focus on alternative solutions rather than having a meltdown.

Moving always comes with stress, but there are ways to prevent and manage it. Follow these tips during your next move and see how much smoother things go.