How to Reduce Stress When Moving into a New Home

The following are some tips for how to better manage the process (and the stress!) and get settled in faster.

Decide What to Keep (and What to Get Rid Of)

Moving into a new home is the perfect time for a fresh start. Before you start packing, go through your current place with a fine-toothed comb. Get rid of anything that you don’t need. If you haven’t seen some of the items in your attic since you moved in, it’s probably a sign that you don’t need them.

Consider donating to a local charity like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Some nonprofits will even drive to your house to pick up unwanted furniture. If you itemize your donations on your taxes, this is a great write-off.

It’s easy to be sentimental about objects, but be picky about what you decide to keep. Take this time to go through old books and paperwork. Clean out your closet and donate things you don’t wear often.

A garage sale is also a great way to purge some of the old items you don’t need or use—and  it’s a nice way to make a little extra money to help with some of your moving expenses.

And depending on your level of comfort, you could also consider selling some of your larger items on Craigslist for some extra cash.

Time to Pack

Once the clutter is gone, it will be easier to sort and organize all of your belongings. Begin by packing items you won’t need to use for the foreseeable future. Closets are a great place to start.

Don’t forget to label all of your boxes so that you know where to put them once they arrive at your new house. There are a variety of methods people use to label, but writing the name of the room on each box seems to be the most efficient way to stay organized.

Eventually, the only things that should be left are pieces of furniture, overnight bags that you’ve packed for your first night in the new house, and cleaning supplies to clean up before you leave.

This may not be realistic, but do the best you can. Being all boxed up by the big day goes a long way in keeping your movers happy. As a helper, there’s nothing worse than having to carry endless garbage bags and shoe boxes out to a truck because someone forgot to pack a closet or set of drawers.

Do It Yourself, At Least In Part

Deciding to do the moving yourself means you will be responsible for moving equipment—from a truck large enough for your stuff to boxes, blankets, dollies, and the other moving supplies you may need.

And you’ll need at least a little bit of help. A quick post on social media and some text messages offering free food and drinks will usually generate some interest.

Of course, this means you will be doing more of the work and will have to trust friends and family to move your things.

Or Hire a Crew Instead

If you would prefer to take more of a backseat approach, or your new company has offered a relocation stipend, consider hiring a moving company.

Be sure to check online reviews and ask people you trust for recommendations. Most moving companies will offer a free in-home estimate, looking at everything you’re moving and discussing the cost with you.

Usually this is based on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. These factors determine the size of the truck and how many movers will be at your house on moving day.

If you have any questions, the estimate is the best time to ask. Special requests or circumstances such as extremely heavy or valuable items should be discussed upfront. Once you find a moving company that you like, schedule your moving day early.

Tie Up Loose Ends

When you relocate, your address will need to be changed in several places. Get a head start by filling out a change-of-address form with the United States Postal Service so that your mail gets forwarded to your new home.

Change your address for your credit cards, magazine subscriptions, and any other services. Most companies will allow you to “go paperless” by signing up to receive all information by email.