Leaving a state to live in a new one is a huge decision. You’re not only saying goodbye to a house you called home. You’re saying goodbye to a lifestyle. You’re leaving behind a long trail of memories and a support system you’ve cultivated for yourself for a new one.
The journey of a thousand miles sounds tedious and also highly overwhelming. However, with proper preparation, you can conquer mountains. Shifting is not as hard it sounds. Sure the packing part is long, but as long as you follow a plan, you’ll wrap up in no time. Apart from packing, you also need to wrap up your documents and make sure you’re ready to embrace your new life. As you prepare to leave, here are some must-dos and don’ts to avoid hassles:
Don’t Leave Anything To The Last Minute
Primary packing and canceling all the bills in your name take time. If you leave anything to the last minute, you may forget an important document which will cost time and money to replace. Last-minute packing may also overwhelm you, and you may end up creating a mess instead of clean packing. It would help if you paced yourself as you wrapped up your house. While you can leave minor tasks for the last day, the significant bulk needs handling at least months prior.
Do Get Professional Help
Professionals offer you two benefits, speed and perfection. Your house is not the only house they’ve packed. So when these professionals are handling your house, they know how to quickly and effectively pack up. Before you know it, they load up the moving truck, and you may go. If you live in Seattle, you got plenty of options. All you need to do is look up the keywords, such as ‘Seattle professional movers near me,’ and browse through a list of competitive professionals available to help you with your big move. If you choose a random mover off the block, you’re signing up for a significant risk. Your things may not reach you on time, and there may be a massive delay for you to settle to your new location.
Try to Learn Everything About Your New Space
Every state has its laws and policies. You can’t haul a moving truck without learning about your new state. Find out if there are restrictions about bringing more than one truck. Compare parking fares and what documents you will need at hand before you enter. You need to iron out these details before you leave. The last thing you need is legal trouble or a fine for violating a law you don’t know. If you have children, figure out the school years and enroll them in school right away.
Don’t Pack Everything
If your house is full of items, you need to sort things you need and what needs to go. Irreplaceable items like family heirlooms and albums need to go with you. However, articles you’ve used for a long time now no longer serve a purpose to sell them. If you have heaps of clothing, figure out what you will take. After all, after you move, you’ll buy yourself clothes anyway. It will help if you have three types of labels for yourself. One should be to keep, trash, and donate. So as you’re clearing up your house, only items you need go with you.
Do Keep Important Items Aside
Essential items include your license, house papers, medical records, and school records. These cannot go in your moving boxes. Moving takes time, and you can’t risk these documents getting lost or stolen. So make sure you pack them properly with you. They will travel with you in the car. The same goes for snacks. Though they’re not as crucial as your documents, the food needs to travel with you. Things that are in immediate need and are very important stay with you.
Don’t Spend Recklessly
You need to keep yourself on a budget as you prepare to move. Frugal living at least till you move into your new house is appreciated. You will need money when you move to your space. The funds will include all your necessities and even items to decorate your home. During the first few days of moving, you may also depend on takeout food and restaurants. Not to forget the money that will go into setting up utilities. So it would help if you prepared yourself to get ready for a big splurge.
Do Try and Visit The Property In Person
Before you make the big move, you should try and visit your new house in person. While most property listings are online, you can always mess up the measurements of your new space. So it’s best to make a stop and see your house in person. It may give you a better idea of what’s in store for you. If you don’t like the property, you get ample time to look into other ones right away. Technology is an asset but knows how to help yourself while using the aid.
Don’t Forget To Talk To Your Children
Your children need to know what’s happening. They need to get closure as much as you do. Your child may be more apprehensive than you. They may not take the news well and can have a significant mental breakdown if they feel upset. A child upset can become a source of trouble for you. Your neighbors may not react kindly to a crying child. It will also make the process of moving difficult for you. You may feel frustrated and even aggravated. When emotions are skyrocketing, one thing leads to another, and you may end up hurting everyone. Mental preparation is talking to your child in a way they’ll understand. Don’t undermine their intelligence. They know more than you think. Find appropriate literature and animation that make the explanation process easier.
Do Meet Your Friends Before You Leave
Part of the moving process is saying goodbyes. It would help if you allowed yourself the time and space to say goodbye to friends and family. If they insist on throwing you a farewell party, let them. You deserve to have a last round of celebrations. Although they can meet you in your state, it’s not the same. It will also make it easier for you to say goodbye now, then go to your new place only to come back because of unfinished business. Friends are also a significant asset. They can help you manage your space and help you prepare for your move. Some of your friends may have experience in moving, so use their expertise to help you.
Wrap Up
As you prepare to lock the door of your old house one last time, you need to make sure you’re ready for the big move. That means you’re mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to call a new space your home. When you feel motivated and are ready to shift, work on packing your house. Don’t forget to pay attention to minor details and crucial assets that will make a move slightly easier. It would help if you didn’t allow yourself to become reckless during such a critical phase in your life. Your attention should be on the plunge you’re about to take. So by following our list, you should have no trouble starting a new life right away.
