When a move is imminent, emotions can kick into overdrive. It’s easy to get overwhelmed just thinking about packing up your entire life. That feeling can paralyze productivity. It can be difficult to even know where to start.
But that’s why we’re here! Square Cow Movers has the resources and advice you need to overcome packing anxiety and get your move underway.
Keep Calm and Move On: Combating the Stress of Packing Up
No one likes the idea of uprooting their entire life. It’s stressful, time consuming and takes us out of the comfort zone we’ve grown accustomed to. But sometimes you just got to do what you got to do.
If you feel moving stress creeping in, use these tips to keep it in check and stay focused.
Create a Packing Plan
Having a plan is empowering. It helps us feel more in control of the situation. And the good news is we’ve already done a lot of the work for you! Use this moving checklist as a starting point.
Purge Before You Pack
Why spend time and energy packing up things you really don’t need? Purging before you pack is a cardinal rule of moving and will make the process easier.
Take It Room by Room
Breaking a big project (like moving) into smaller chunks makes it more manageable. And the truth is, not everything has to be done at once. Take the packing project room by room starting with the smallest space – or even just a closet. When you make progress you will be motivated to keep going.
Start Gathering Boxes ASAP
One of the most stressful parts of packing is the cost. The average 3-bedroom house can fill 80-100 boxes full of stuff. If you buy boxes new you can easily spend $160+. If you plan ahead, however, you can significantly reduce the cost by getting used moving boxes for free. Of course, lots of other movers are doing the same thing. That’s why it’s a good idea to start searching for free boxes ASAP. By the time you’re ready to pack up you should have a good supply of boxes that didn’t cost a penny!
Give Yourself a Break
Burn out can happen to anyone during a move. There’s so much to get done in a short amount of time, but it’s important to take breaks in order to maintain your sanity. Use this time to hang out with friends and neighbors or indulge in something relaxing like a massage. You’ve earned it! After a short break you’ll be recharged and ready to tackle the next packing task.
Hire Professional Packers
When you’re short on time or are lacking manpower, packing is a seemingly impossible task. But it has to be done by moving day. If the idea of packing is stressing you out big time, it’s worth it to hire professional packers. The pros can handle all the details, bring their own supplies and have the proper techniques nailed down so that the packing gets done lickety split. You’ll be free to focus your attention elsewhere and the stress will be off your shoulders.
When and Where to Start Packing
Ideally, the packing process should begin about a month before moving day. This will give you plenty of time to pack things up in an orderly manner so you aren’t stressed about the timeline.
Of course, no one wants to live out of boxes for a month. Start by packing up things that are stored in the attic, basement or garage. Next, move on to seasonal items that aren’t in season. For instance, pack up winter jackets and blankets when you’re making a summer move. Got a lot of kitchen items that haven’t been used in ages? Go ahead and pack up kitchen appliances and extra flatware that’s rarely used.
Basically, the idea is to start packing up the stuff you use the least and will never notice is tucked away in a box. As moving day approaches you can pack up the everyday items you can’t do without.
We understand that packing up a house is a huge undertaking – because we do it on a regular basis! If you need help getting everything ready before moving day, give Square Cow Movers a call or use our online form to get an instant moving quote!
Original Source: https://squarecowmovers.com/packing-life-start/