Five Ways to Make Moving Fun Sans the Frustration

Maybe you’re moving out for the first time or, perhaps, you’ve found your perfect home and today is the day you get to move in. Are you ready?

Here are some tips to make sure your moving day is smooth sailing.

Budget

It sounds commonsensical, but it’s surprising how many people forget to budget properly. Don’t just plan for the things you know you’ll need, plan for the things that could go wrong. For instance, your friends were supposed to help you move, but they all bailed so now you have to rent a U-Haul and hire people to help you move. Make sure your moving day plans include a plan b cost. You never know when things could go wrong.

Prepare

Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. Chances are you’ll have under estimated the amount of boxes you need and, at the last minute, you’ll need to make a run to grab more. Or, you wait until the last minute to reserve a moving truck only to find out there are none available. Rule of thumb is to plan at least two weeks to a month out, create a list of things you need to do—from packing to cleaning—and give yourself time to do everything.

Flexibility

Though physical flexibility can come in handy during a move, mental flexibility is ideal. Don’t create a time crunch. Chances are your move will deviate from a set schedule, so give yourself enough time should anything go wrong. You may be waiting 15 minutes for your rental truck or you may have to wait an hour. It may take you 20 minutes to load and unload the truck, or it could take you three hours. Give yourself some wiggle room. Pressing for time only causes more stress.

Sustenance

Moving can be rough and when it doesn’t go according to plan it can be downright brutal—make sure you have plenty of water and snacks available to keep you going. Energy is key.

Insurance

Where people often go wrong is in assuming that insurance isn’t needed until they’ve moved in. Make sure your homeowners insurance, flood insurance, even renters insurance is in place before you move in. From the moment you signed the lease and took the keys, any issues that arise are your own. If your friend falls down the stairs, make sure you have homeowners insurance to cover any medical costs. If you get into a car accident while in the rental truck, make sure your insurance covers it or use the insurance they offer. If you turn on the stove to make food for the people who helped you move and the stove catches fire, make sure you have insurance to cover the repairs. Bottom line, insurance is best.

With preparation and research, moving doesn’t have to be a battle. Budget what you can spend, prepare don’t procrastinate, give yourself some wiggle room, don’t forget nourishment and get insurance. If you follow these five tips, moving day will be a breeze.