Moving to a new home can be incredibly stressful. You’re faced with packing up your entire life, finding new service providers, changing your address, and getting settled in an unfamiliar place. It’s a lot to handle. In fact, studies show that moving ranks among the most stressful life events, right up there with divorce, death of a loved one, and starting a new job.
With careful planning and preparation, however, you can make moving manageable. The key is being organized, thoughtful, and proactive throughout the process. Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing or finding a place to store your stuff. Give yourself plenty of time so you can make the best decisions without being rushed.
Approach moving as a fresh start and a chance to declutter your life. Get rid of things you no longer need or want. Only keep possessions that are useful or meaningful. This will make packing, storing, and unpacking much easier.
The more work you put in upfront, the smoother your move will be. Follow these tips to stay sane and minimize stress during this major life transition. With the right strategy, you’ll be settled into your new home before you know it.
Decide What to Keep During Moving
When moving to a new home, it’s a great opportunity to declutter and get rid of things you no longer need. Here are some tips for deciding what to keep and what to let go of:
Go through every room and sort items into “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” piles. Be ruthless and get rid of anything you haven’t used in over a year.
Check storage areas like the basement, garage, attic and closets. Old sports equipment, kids’ toys and clothing, and other items you’re holding onto for “someday” can likely be donated or tossed.
For paperwork and files, shred documents you no longer need and scan the rest to store digitally. This will reduce the number of boxes you need to move.
Avoid packing items that you never really use or display. This includes gifts, knickknacks, excess kitchenware and old electronics. Donate or sell them instead.
Consider if any furniture can be sold or donated. Bulky pieces that are worn out or don’t fit your new home’s space can often find a new home.
Be mindful of not going overboard. Having some sentimental keepsakes and commonly used items can make unpacking easier. Just be selective about what you decide to keep.
Taking the time to thoughtfully declutter will help ensure you only move essential, useful belongings to your new home. This also reduces the storage space needed.
Research Storage Options
When moving to a new home, you’ll need to find the right storage solution for your belongings. Self-storage facilities are a popular option, but not the only one. Here’s an overview of common storage choices when moving:
Self-Storage
Renting a self-storage unit is convenient for both short and long-term storage. These facilities offer lockable units in various sizes to fit your needs. Most have climate control, security features like gated access, and some offer extras like truck rentals. Self-storage lets you easily access items when needed. Marketplaces like PeerStorage make it easy to find and compare self-units near your new home.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Some moving companies offer short or long-term storage in warehouses they own or operate. This bundles moving and storage for added convenience. Costs are often higher than self-storage but include labor, insurance, and handling. Valuable for cross-country moves.
Renting a Moving Truck
You can load possessions in a rented moving truck and keep it parked securely during the move. This works for very short term storage. Rental fees add up over longer periods, and you must find secure parking.
Friends/Family
Asking someone you know for space in a garage, basement, or spare room can be an affordable option. This works best for smaller loads or short durations. Be mindful not to overstay your welcome.
On-Demand Storage
New options let you request a portable storage unit dropped off at your location. Load it up then have it picked up and stored until you need delivery to your new home. Convenient but more costly than self-storage.
Find Storage Near New Home
When moving to a new home, it’s important to find storage space close to your new neighborhood. This makes it easy to access your belongings while transitioning.
One great option is using PeerStorage, an online marketplace that connects people looking for storage with local providers. Here are some tips for finding the right PeerStorage unit near your new home:
Use the PeerStorage website or mobile app to search for storage facilities. You can filter by location, size, price and other features.
Search for storage options within a 5-10 mile radius of your new home. This keeps it convenient for move-in/out and regular access.
Compare prices and amenities between different facilities. Look for climate controlled units if storing sensitive items.
Read reviews of each facility to ensure it’s clean, secure and has helpful staff. High ratings are a good sign.
Take advantage of special offers or first-month discounts many facilities provide to new renters. This can save on moving costs.
Schedule a visit to tour the storage facility before renting. Make sure it meets your needs.
Using PeerStorage makes the storage rental process easy and transparent. With a few clicks you can find and reserve the perfect unit near your new home to safely store belongings during your move.
Estimate Storage Size
When renting a storage unit, it’s important to estimate how much space you’ll actually need. A common mistake is underestimating and ending up with a unit that’s too small. On the other hand, overestimating can mean paying more than necessary. Follow these tips to calculate your storage requirements:
Walk through your home and make a list of everything you plan to store. Consider furniture, boxes, outdoor items, and any other belongings.
Measure furniture and large items. Record the dimensions to estimate total cubic feet.
For boxes, note how many small, medium, and large boxes you have. Estimate each takes up 5, 10, and 15 cubic feet.
Allow for some extra space to walk around and access items. Add at least 10-20% more cubic feet.
Consider your future needs. Will you be storing items short- or long-term? Ensure you get a unit with room to grow.
Use an online storage calculator to enter your itemized list and get an estimate of cubic feet needed.
When touring units, visualize how your belongings will fit. Select a size based on your calculations and what you see in person.
Getting the right sized storage unit will make your move easier and more affordable. Take time to carefully estimate so there’s space for all your belongings.
Schedule Move-In/Out
Coordinating your move-in and move-out dates is crucial when relocating. You’ll want to schedule the move-out from your old place and move-in to your new home as close together as possible.
Schedule your movers for both dates as soon as you confirm your move. Movers book up quickly, so you’ll want to lock in your dates. Provide them addresses for both locations and specify move-in/out times.
Aim to move-out in the morning and move-in in the afternoon of the same day. This minimizes the time you’ll be between homes. If you need storage in between, schedule that as well.
Request the same movers for both days if possible. This allows them to transport your items directly from old home to new home for a smoother move.
Give yourself a buffer between move-out and move-in. Even a few hours allows time for unexpected delays like traffic or truck issues.
Have movers load the truck in an order that makes unloading easier. Load items needed first at the new home towards the back.
Perform a final walkthrough at your old place after the movers leave. Turn off lights, lock doors and windows.
Arrive early at your new home and direct movers on where to place items. Set up your bed first so you can rest after your long moving day.
Tip your movers for excellent service. Provide snacks, water and lunch if they’ll be working for many hours.
With proper planning, you can seamlessly move-out and move-in on the same day. This saves time and money while reducing stress.
Pack Like a Pro
Packing everything up for a move can be overwhelming, but following some best practices can make it much smoother. Here are some tips for packing like a pro:
Use the right size boxes – Try to use a limited number of box sizes rather than many different ones. Popular options are small (1.5 cubic ft), medium (3.0 cubic ft), and large (4.5 cubic ft). Avoid overstuffing boxes.
Label everything – Use a permanent marker to label the top and sides of each box with a general description of the contents and the room it should go in. Numbering boxes is also helpful.
Pack room by room – It will make unpacking easier if all boxes from each room are together. Pack items how you use them – items you use most often near the top.
Wrap fragile items – Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, towels, or clothing to wrap fragile items separately before packing in boxes. Mark “Fragile” on these boxes.
Fill empty space – Fill extra space in boxes with packing materials like crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts to provide cushioning.
Seal boxes securely – Use packing tape, not just masking tape. Make sure bottom and top flaps are folded and sealed.
Pack a “first day” box – This separate box contains essentials you’ll need first at the new place before unpacking.
Following organized packing methods will help make your move seamless and stress-free. Ask friends to help pack and label to speed up the process.
Safely Transport Valuables
When moving fragile or valuable items like electronics, antiques, or art, it’s crucial to take extra precautions so nothing gets damaged in transit. Here are some tips for safely transporting these types of possessions:
Use plenty of bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts to pad items inside their boxes. Make sure there is no room for shifting or bouncing around. Seal boxes securely with packing tape.
Consider renting specialty moving boxes designed for mirrors, paintings, plasma TVs, etc. They often have reinforced sides or built-in suspension systems.
Load particularly fragile boxes last so they are unloaded first at the new home. Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of them in the moving truck.
Carry irreplaceable items like family heirlooms yourself rather than letting movers handle them. You can keep them safe in your own vehicle.
For high value items, look into purchasing moving insurance in case of any accidental damage during the move. Make sure expensive electronics are covered.
If you own antiques or artwork, investigate specialized moving companies that are experienced in handling these types of possessions. They will know the proper techniques.
For specialty items like a piano, pool table, or grandfather clock, hire professional movers who own equipment designed specifically for moving them without damage.
Taking the time to properly pack and transport valuables will give you peace of mind that your most prized possessions will arrive safely at your new home. Handle them with care during every step of the moving process.
Make Unpacking Easier
Unpacking and getting settled in a new home can be stressful. Making unpacking as easy as possible will help you feel at home faster. Here are some tips:
Clearly label every box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Use large lettering that is easy to read. Indicate if the box contains fragile items.
Organize boxes by room so the movers know where to put them. Load the boxes meant for each room together on the truck.
Pack a separate “first night” box with essential items you’ll need right away like toiletries, pajamas, chargers, snacks, etc. Unpack this first so you can get ready for bed your first night in the new place.
As you unpack each room, take inventory of what you have and what still needs to be unpacked. Check items off a master list as you go.
Set up your bed frame and make your bed first before unpacking other furniture. You’ll have an inviting place to relax as you continue unpacking.
Hang up clothes in closets right away to get them off the floor. Having your clothes organized will help you settle in.
Take your time and don’t try to unpack everything in one day. Pace yourself and get the essentials put away first.
Get help from friends and family if possible. Many hands make light work. Order takeout so you don’t have to cook.
Keep moving supplies like boxes, tape and bubble wrap if you think you’ll need them again soon. Break them down once fully settled.
Thoughtfully organizing and labeling boxes will make unpacking after moving go smoothly. Settle into your new home with less stress.
Conclusion
Moving to a new home can be stressful, but finding the right storage solution doesn’t have to be. With some planning and preparation, you can find affordable self-storage conveniently located near your new neighborhood. Start by deciding what items are essential to keep and what can be donated or sold. Research storage facilities in the area and compare prices and amenities. Calculate the storage space needed based on what you’re keeping. Carefully pack and safely transport your belongings. Make unpacking easier by organizing and labeling boxes. With the right storage facility, you can have peace of mind that your stuff is secure during the moving transition. The key is doing thorough research and planning ahead. Take the time to find the perfect storage option to meet your needs. Then you can focus on settling into your new home. With smart storage, your move will be smooth sailing.
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