You’ve upgraded to a new home and cannot wait to move in. You feel the excitement as you start packing your belongings into the carton boxes.
Then reality hits you and you feel stressed.
You feel the pressure of selling the old place within the required timeline and realise that there are a lot more things to pack than you anticipated.
In today’s article, we share 5 simple tips on coping with moving stress.
Tip 1 - Create a to-do list & timeline
The first thing to do is to create a “to-do list”. There’s a long list of things that needs to be done and creating a list will ensure that nothing is left out.
Start with the most important thing to do - updating information.
You can do so at any Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP), Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) building or online via the ICA website, using SingPass.
This is of utmost importance as under the National Registration Act, all IC holders need to update their address within 28 days of moving.
Once you have updated at any of the above, EVERY government agency will be notified of the change, easy-peasy.
After that, remember to update the banks that you have dealings with, insurance companies, telcos and other service providers you may have.
Next is to ensure that utilities, internet service, telephone lines and such are activated so that the transition is easy. You do not want to move into a new home and find that it is not functional.
Oh and remember to cancel the current billings!
One of the biggest stress issues is time or rather the lack of it. Plan the move in advance and be sure to cater some allowance in case of last-minute hiccups.
Tip 2 - Pack thoughtfully
The best way is to pack room by room and label the boxes correctly by room and items e.g. son’s room, clothes.
Keep small items bagged and packed together so that it is easy to locate. Labelling it correctly will ensure that it is placed in the correct rooms after the move, making it easier to unpack.
When packing, ensure that the carton boxes are lined with crushed newspapers or sponges for protection.
Always place heavier items into the boxes first and lighter items on top.
And always, always keep valuables with you.
The best way is to keep them in a security box but not everyone has that luxury. Keeping valuables with you will ensure that nothing gets lost or misplaced.
Never let the movers transport valuable items such as jewellery or important documents because you do not want to get into an ugly scene with the movers.
Tip 3 - Declutter
Before you start packing, get rid of old, spoiled and unwanted old items.
No point bringing them over to the new house, only to find that they stand out like a sore thumb, and you throw them out.
This way, you are reducing the number of boxes to be moved and in the process, save some money as the movers would have fewer boxes to transport.
Tip 4 - Hire professional movers
Always hire a professional mover. Ask around your friends and contacts if they know of any to recommend.
Professional movers are more reliable and are better equipped to move fast and efficiently.
If you need to move sensitive or fragile items such as a piano, designer lamps or art pieces, they will be in a better position to transport them.
Most professional movers use special packing systems and tools to ensure that fragile and sensitive items are carefully packed and transported.
They may cost a little more but it will be money well spent.
Tip 5 - Focus on the positives of moving
Moving house is really a stressful time and should not be taken lightly.
More often than not, couples will snap at each other when things do not go smoothly and it will also affect the other family members as well.
So look into the positive side of it.
You are moving into a new home, meeting new neighbours, exploring a new neighbourhood and looking forward to making more memories with your loved ones.
Take the process of moving house as an adventure you can enjoy with the family and it will become less stressful.
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Recruit as much assistance as you can. You can’t do it all on your own, and friends and family will be happy to lend a hand. Accept all offers of help. Even if someone isn’t able to lug boxes upstairs - if they offer to cook you a meal, accept it with a smile. Equally, if a task – such as packing – feels like it will defeat you, consider spending money on professionals to do it. I see this a lot. And this is where house removals north london come in.