Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events, whether you’re downsizing, upgrading to a larger home, or relocating to a new city. However, with proper planning and the right strategies, you can reduce the chaos. To help you navigate the process smoothly, here are some essential tips on how to make moving less stressful, so you can focus on enjoying your new home.
1. Start Planning Early
One of the best ways to make moving less stressful is to start planning as soon as possible. Whether you’re moving within Anchorage or relocating from out of state, early preparation is key. Create a timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to accomplish before the move. This can include everything from hiring movers and packing, to transferring utilities and updating your address.
Starting early also gives you more time to tackle tasks gradually instead of cramming everything into the last few days before the move. Use a checklist to track your progress and prioritize important tasks like decluttering, securing packing supplies, and notifying important contacts of your address change. By breaking the process down into smaller, manageable steps, you’ll find that the overall experience becomes far less overwhelming.
Starting early also gives you more time to tackle tasks gradually instead of cramming everything into the last few days before the move. Use a checklist to track your progress and prioritize important tasks like decluttering, securing packing supplies, and notifying important contacts of your address change. By breaking the process down into smaller, manageable steps, you’ll find that the overall experience becomes far less overwhelming.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
One of the most time-consuming aspects of moving is packing, but you can simplify this task by decluttering first. Before you begin packing boxes, take the opportunity to go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Moving is the perfect time to lighten your load and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose.
Consider tackling one room at a time, sorting through clothes, furniture, kitchen items, and personal belongings. Ask yourself if each item is worth taking to your new home or if it’s time to part ways. The fewer items you have to pack, the easier—and quicker—the moving process will be.
Consider tackling one room at a time, sorting through clothes, furniture, kitchen items, and personal belongings. Ask yourself if each item is worth taking to your new home or if it’s time to part ways. The fewer items you have to pack, the easier—and quicker—the moving process will be.
3. Label and Organize Your Boxes
Proper organization is essential for a stress-free move, and one of the best ways to stay organized is by clearly labeling your boxes. As you pack, label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This simple step will save you a lot of time when it comes to unpacking, as you’ll know exactly where each box should go.
4. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box
When you arrive at your new home, the last thing you want to do is dig through dozens of boxes looking for your toothbrush, pajamas, or phone charger. To avoid this, pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need during the first few days after the move.
This box should include items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, snacks, and chargers for your electronic devices. You may also want to pack some basic kitchen supplies, such as paper plates, utensils, and a coffee maker, so you can comfortably eat before fully unpacking.
This box should include items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, snacks, and chargers for your electronic devices. You may also want to pack some basic kitchen supplies, such as paper plates, utensils, and a coffee maker, so you can comfortably eat before fully unpacking.
5. Hire Professional Movers
One of the most effective ways to make moving less stressful is to hire professional movers. While it may be tempting to handle the move yourself, professional movers have the experience and resources to make the process quicker and more efficient. They’ll handle the heavy lifting, provide transportation, and ensure your belongings are packed and transported safely.
When selecting a moving company, it’s important to research and get quotes from several options. Ask for references, check online reviews, and confirm that the company is insured and licensed. If you prefer to manage some aspects of the move yourself, you can opt for a partial moving service, where movers handle the heavy items and large furniture, while you take care of personal items and smaller boxes.
When selecting a moving company, it’s important to research and get quotes from several options. Ask for references, check online reviews, and confirm that the company is insured and licensed. If you prefer to manage some aspects of the move yourself, you can opt for a partial moving service, where movers handle the heavy items and large furniture, while you take care of personal items and smaller boxes.
6. Notify Important Parties of Your Move
Another important step to take before moving is to notify important parties of your change of address. This includes setting up forwarding with the post office and informing key contacts such as your bank, credit card companies, healthcare providers, and insurance providers.
You’ll also need to transfer or cancel services at your old home and set them up at your new property. Contact your utility companies—such as electricity, water, gas, and internet providers—well in advance to schedule disconnections and installations. For Anchorage, AK, residents, reliable internet and heating services are especially important, so make sure these are set up and ready for your arrival.
You’ll also need to transfer or cancel services at your old home and set them up at your new property. Contact your utility companies—such as electricity, water, gas, and internet providers—well in advance to schedule disconnections and installations. For Anchorage, AK, residents, reliable internet and heating services are especially important, so make sure these are set up and ready for your arrival.
7. Stay Flexible and Positive
Moving is a complex process, and even with the best planning, things may not always go as expected. It’s important to stay flexible and approach the move with a positive mindset. If issues arise—whether it’s a delay with the moving truck or misplaced items—take a deep breath and focus on problem-solving rather than stressing.
One way to stay organized and calm is by keeping important documents, contact information for the movers, and your moving checklist in one easy-to-access place. This will help you handle any unexpected situations with confidence.
One way to stay organized and calm is by keeping important documents, contact information for the movers, and your moving checklist in one easy-to-access place. This will help you handle any unexpected situations with confidence.
Partner with The Prince Group
If you're preparing for a move in Anchorage, AK, and want expert guidance throughout the process, contact The Prince Group today. With in-depth knowledge of Anchorage, AK, real estate, they can help you find the perfect home and make your transition as seamless as possible. Reach out to The Prince Group and start planning your stress-free move today!
