Experts have said that moving house is one of the top stressors in life. And if you’ve recently moved, you’ll understand why. It’s also no secret that people who move without the right amount of preparation and planning are more likely to be stressed out by the whole process.
One of the more significant ways to reduce relocation stress is to make use of the trailer hire Melbourne locals are opting for to move everything from secondary vehicles to small furniture items. If you’re planning a move soon, keep reading for a few tips to simplify the whole process.
Preparation Makes All the Difference
If you’re someone who has moved a lot, then the stress of moving might not affect you as much. This could be because you have mastered the art of simple relocation, or you have streamlined and decluttered to the extent that you only have a few things to move. If, however, you haven’t moved in years, chances are the process is going to stress you more than it should. Here’s how to avoid that.
1. Consider Using a Trailer
One of the most stressful factors of moving often stems from the cost involved. While using professional movers may seem like the quickest and most effective way to move, the cost can be very stressful for a family on a tight budget.
To combat this, consider making use of trailer hire. Not only is renting a trailer much cheaper than a moving company, but it offers you the flexibility of moving at your own pace. Cage trailers are an effective option here since, as the name implies, it’s a cage on a trailer base. Higher sides make it easy to move large furniture such as cupboards and beds.
2. Plan, Plan, Plan
If you’re an over-planner, then moving may just be fun for you. Unfortunately, if you’re more of a “go with the flow” kind of person, it’s time to start planning. Use these pointers to start the planning process:
- If you’re using a moving company, start getting quotes well in advance to get the best possible price or speak to local trailer rental companies to book the best trailer.
- Find a local charity that takes clothes, toys, furniture, books and other items you can donate.
- Schedule time off work to pack and get moving done.
- If you already have the keys to your new home, place toiletries in the bathrooms to avoid having to rummage through bags for items such as toilet paper and soap. On moving day, you’ll be glad you did this!
- Start looking for boxes well in advance. Try not to buy boxes as this is an unnecessary expense. Rather opt for suitcases, laundry baskets, and other containers you already have.
- Draw up a schedule and a to-do list for everyone in the household. This will prevent you from having to do everything by yourself.
- Plan simple meals for moving day and a few days after as everyone is going to be too tied to cook. Consider cooking a few casseroles in advance as these are easy to transport and can feed your family until you and the kitchen are more organised!
3. Donate and Declutter
The easiest way to simplify your moving process is to reduce the amount of things you’re taking with you. Moving less means fewer boxes to pack, unpack, and find a place for. Streamline your possessions by donating furniture, old toys and books, unused appliances, blankets, curtains and other household items to local charities and shelters.
The general rule of decluttering is to get rid of items that haven’t been used in at least six months. It’s a good idea to get everyone in the home involved in the decluttering process.
4. Use Your Existing Containers
As we’ve already mentioned, the cost of boxes and suitable containers can really add up and add to your stress. Before you buy boxes, consider using all the containers you already have.
This can include empty backpacks for valuables, laundry baskets for shoes and even pillowcases for smaller clothing items. Large pots make wonderful containers for cutlery, crockery and small grocery items. It’s all about thinking outside of the box!
5. Label Everything
No matter what containers you’re using, be sure to label everything. It’s a good idea to colour-coordinate each room. Items belonging to a specific room should be added to the box of that room.
For instance, if you decide that red is the colour for the kitchen box, add a red sticker to every box with kitchen items. When you arrive at the other end, all the red boxes immediately go to the kitchen and so on. This is an effective way to avoid the frustration of looking for certain items.
Final Thoughts
Moving will always be hard work. Packing, unpacking, decluttering and rearranging are all aspects that are part of the process. However, the process doesn’t have to be overly stressful. Use efficient planning and cost-effective measures such as trailer hire to streamline the process. Planning should be fun and not stressful!
