House Hunting While Expecting? Don’t Forget About These Things

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House hunting can be quite a process on its own — knowing that your family is about to get bigger makes it more daunting.

If you’re expecting, there are a host of considerations to keep in mind when choosing where to live, and you might not realize what they all are.

Don’t worry: House hunting while expecting doesn’t have to be extra stressful if you’re prepared. Here’s what to prepare for when looking for a place to call home while pregnant.

What To Look for in a New Floor Space

a pregnant couple looks over the blueprint of a home while holding mugs

One of the most important places to start is the size of any prospective home. Will it be able to accommodate you and your partner, along with one or more kids?

Having enough space is one thing, but you’ll also want to consider the overall layout of the house. How easily it can be baby-proofed? Are there any design components that could make it more difficult or dangerous to get around? 

 

“Things you use less frequently (seasonal clothing, sports equipment, holiday decorations, etc.) can get packed weeks or months ahead of time.”

 

Remember, you need to think about whether you should invest in a larger home now, or whether it’s feasible (and within budget) to add on to your home a few years down the road.

With that in mind, here’s a list of questions that need answers.

Where are the bedrooms located in relation to one another?

a hallway painted mint green opens up into two bedrooms set next to each other. One has a view of a queen sized bed with a dark red bedspread.

It’s important to think about where all the bedrooms are in relation to each other. Proximity is key. For example, you may want them all on the same floor (because rushing up and down stairs to attend to a crying baby in the middle of the night is certainly not ideal).

Also, while it’s not always possible to predict exactly what your family will look like in several years, think about how many children you want to have and whether there are enough rooms to accommodate everyone as time goes on. You might get away with having youngsters share a room for a while, but as they grow into their teens, they’ll probably want more space and privacy. Could that office space or TV room be transformed into another bedroom at some point?

Is there more than one bathroom?

two toddlers standing by a toilet in a bathroom. There is a counter with a sink on top and blue towels folded below to the left.

You may be able to get by with a single bathroom now, but what about when your child hits school age? Do you really want to be fighting for space while rushing to get everyone out the door?

Today, it costs between $5,000 and $35,000 — or about $15,000, on average — to add a bathroom to your home, according to HomeAdvisor.

Are stairs going to be a factor for you? (Probably.)

Parents who are city dwellers know how difficult it can be if you live on the third floor of a walk-up building. And after pregnancy, bringing a stroller, a baby, and groceries up and down three flights of stairs is still quite the trek! Even if you have a standalone home, you may not want to worry about babyproofing a staircase or lugging laundry up and down stairs. 

If there’s no getting around the stair situation, you could look into installing handrails and treads for safety, or a dumbwaiter to cut down on climbing stairs with your arms full.

Is there an open floor plan?

the interior of a home, with a white couch and houseplant on the right and a kitchen with stove and fridge on the left, in an example of an open floor plan

These days, open floor plans are popular. This type of layout is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also allows you to keep an eye on what’s going on in other rooms. For example, whichever parent is preparing dinner can keep an eye on the kids as they play in the living room with an open kitchen layout.

However, an open floor plan isn’t for everyone. You may prefer a big eat-in kitchen with a table where kids can play on their tablets or finish their homework before dinner. So make sure whatever layout you choose is one that works well for you and your kid’s safety.

Where are you gonna store extra stuff?

a garage converted into storage for bikes, a tricycle, and boxes of household items.

Kids come with a lot of stuff! With strollers, clothing, toys, and sports equipment … is there storage space for all of these things in your potential home? Even if you don’t plan on having a huge family, it’s always great to have extra rooms for overflowing toys, pets, and guests. And ideally,  parents may want their own “cave” for a little me time.

Don’t forget the laundry room

Finally, make sure you have an area dedicated to washing and folding laundry with enough space and storage to make the process as easy on your family as possible. Having kids means there are always piles of dirty clothes to deal with. And that doesn’t change as they get older — the clothes just get bigger. So look for a home that can accommodate a washer and dryer, and a dedicated room to contain it all.

Safety Concerns

a woman guides two children riding bikes with training wheels across a crosswalk

Even if there weren’t any kids to consider, safety is a priority when house hunting. Add kids to the mix and you become that much more aware of potential safety hazards. 

Is this home near a busy street?

A busy street can be a potential deterrent for a number of factors. First, it may be pretty noisy. The sounds of honking horns and sirens going by aren’t ideal for sleeping babies or tired parents. Plus, you don’t want your kids playing near areas with a lot of traffic for obvious safety reasons. 

 

“Remember, you need to think about whether you should invest in a larger home now, or whether it’s feasible (and within budget) to add on to your home a few years down the road.”

 

To check out the traffic situation near a property you’re considering, look up the area on Google Maps. You can see if there are any highways or major thoroughfares nearby, as well as see what general traffic conditions are like. Nearby construction projects may also cause more traffic to divert down your street, so keep that in mind too.

What about a fence?

a family plays soccer in a fenced in yard

A home with a yard is ideal for a growing family, but also you want to make sure that yard is contained. Make sure there is a fence around the perimeter as an added safety measure to keep kids or pets from wandering too far. 

If there isn’t a fence, budget for the cost of adding one when checking out potential properties. The average cost of a fence installation ranges from $1,667 to $4,075, with a national average of $2,839, according to bobvila.com. The good news is a fenced yard adds curb appeal and may positively impact the value of your home.

How can you tell the neighborhood is safe?

a child riding a tricycle while walking his small white dog in a safe neighborhood

When house hunting, you’ll want to get a sense of how safe the neighborhood is in general. If kids are out riding their bikes and playing in the streets, it may be a good sign that your future kiddos can hang with their neighbors without worry.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a 100% safe neighborhood, and parents must always be vigilant and observant. To get a feel for the crime rate, check out your desired city on AreaVibes, which offers crime maps and other useful tools. You can also sign up for the Nextdoor app, which allows local residents to update each other on happenings and potential concerns in the neighborhood.

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How far are you from your personal doctor or an urgent care/hospital location?

As an expecting mother, you want to ensure you have easy access to healthcare providers. Not only will there be frequent trips to your doctor for checkups, but at some point, the Big Moment will arrive. Not to mention that once the baby is here, there will be plenty more visits to ensure they are growing up strong and healthy.

How will inclement weather affect you?

a car trapped in a snowed-in driveway in front of a white and red home. There is more snow piled up in drifts on either side of the lawn.

In addition to road access and traffic conditions, think about how the local climate might impact your ability to get around, stay safe, and save money.

For example, if you choose a property that resides in a flood zone, you’ll need to have a contingency plan for relocating to safety if flooding does occur. These areas also require special flood insurance, which needs to be accounted for in your housing budget. 

 

“Today, it costs between $5,000 and $35,000 — or about $15,000, on average — to add a bathroom to your home, according to HomeAdvisor”

 

If it snows heavily in the winter, think about whether you’ll be on a street where snow plows run regularly, or you’ll need to shovel/plow your own property in order to get in and out.

Walkability and Neighborhoods

a couple pushes their child in a stroller down a tree-lined street

Location, location, location. It’s always the number one factor when buying a home of any kind. But throw a kid or two into the mix and where you live is more important than the view. Walkability is important when you have kids, so check how easy it is to walk to school, playgrounds, nearby shops, and restaurants.

What’s the school district like?

Take into account the school district boundaries when deciding whether to purchase a home, since this translates into the kind of school your kids could get into. One good place to start is GreatSchools.org, which helps parents evaluate the schools in their area based on factors ranging from test scores to equity for all students. You can use the search filters to search by grade level, rating, and more.

How long does it take to get to school or childcare?

a group of children all wearing backpacks approach a school entrance. There are colorful paper decorations on the top window of the building.

Your kid might be far from their first words, but this is a crucial variable to think about when searching for your perfect home. It might not seem like a big deal when you’ve found a beautiful home that you want to buy, but choosing a place that’s 30 minutes or more away from your child’s school or daycare center can get old fast.

Even if it’s close, you’ll want to consider how easy it is to drop them off. Is your child’s school in the complete opposite direction of your office? Is it possible for them to walk or take the bus when they get older? Future you will say thank you for thinking about these things now.

Are there other families in your neighborhood?

neighbors talk around a table during a block party. they're of all different ages, showing a mix of different families.

When narrowing down locations, it may be beneficial to take a stroll through the neighborhood on a weekend afternoon. Are there young families at the park? Are the kids a lot older? Is the demographic mostly older people without families?

Do some research to get a feel for the demographics of the neighborhood to see if your future family will fit right in. City-data.com is a good place to get general stats about population density, diversity, etc. And again, the Nextdoor app is a great resource for connecting with neighbors and finding out what events and activities are happening. 

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Where’s the closest park/library/swimming pool?

Kids also need stuff to do on their weekends and holidays (and you need a break from entertaining them every now and then), so look into local recreation opportunities. Are there any sports programs, a community pool, and/or a good local library? Nobody wants to have to make a field trip out of every excursion, so be sure there’s stuff to do nearby.

Tips for Moving While Pregnant

Once you’ve finally found your family’s dream home, it’s time to get moving. Read on for safety precautions and tips to make moving while pregnant easier and safer.

Speak to your physician about the specific precautions you need to take

a pregnant person speaks to a physician

Before getting too deep into the moving process, consult your healthcare provider to ensure that moving is safe for you and your baby, and to discuss any necessary precautions. In general, try to keep the following in mind to stay safe and healthy while moving:

  • Try not to carry any heavy stuff: Now is not the time to be a hero — you’re already growing a human! Rely on others to do the heavy lifting and focus your efforts on organizing, cleaning, directing, etc.
  • Avoid the stairs: As we mentioned earlier, you should limit your trips up and down the stairs, especially as you get fatigued throughout the day. It’s not worth risking a fall.
  • Take breaks and stay hydrated: Listen to your body and take frequent breaks to rest, stretch, and drink some water.
  • Maintain a healthy routine: Continue to eat well, exercise (as recommended by your healthcare provider), and get enough sleep to ensure you and your baby remain healthy during this time.

Plan the packing process and get help with moving

pregnant couple talks while packing boxes for an upcoming move

Start the packing process way before moving day. And don’t do it all yourself! Get someone to pack your belongings, especially the heavy or hard-to-reach items.

  • Declutter: Now is a great time to make room for a new family member and start fresh in your new home. Work on going through all of your stuff and deciding what you do and don’t want to keep. Remember: Unwanted items in good condition can be donated.
  • Pack gradually: Spread out the packing process over several weeks to avoid fatigue and stress. Things you use less frequently (seasonal clothing, sports equipment, holiday decorations, etc.) can get packed weeks or months ahead of time.
  • Delegate tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends and family. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities that may put a strain on your body, and delegate those to others instead.
  • Prioritize comfort: Make sure to pack a box or suitcase with essentials such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, and medications to have easy access during the move.

Choose the right moving company: If you opt for professional movers, research and choose a reputable company that you can trust to do the hard work of lifting and carrying heavy stuff for you.

My Top 10 Moving Tips for Professional Movers

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As movers, we like to move fast and efficiently. But we also like doing everything right.

But there’s truth to the old adage “Work smarter, not harder.” With that phrase in mind, take advantage of these smart moving tricks and hacks I picked up over the years to help you and your crew from working any harder than you need to … but while still doing that 5-star service you’re known for.


1. Set up as SOON as you step off the truck

What’s the first thing we do when we show up for a move? Ring the customer’s doorbell, say hello, and do a walk-through of the place.

Use this opportunity to have a crew member bring stuff you’ll need into the house. As your customer shows you around,

  • Leave a roll of shrink wrap in the living room for the O/S
  • Bring your tools inside/upstairs (along with a few plastic bags!) so you can get right to disassembling the beds
  • Bring in some markers and tape (if there’s any packing to be done) 

Note: Even if you are moving someone into their brand-new home, you’ll still want to bring in tools; they always come in handy. (At minimum, use your free hands to bring in the first few boxes while you’re saying good morning.)

2. Make practical use of the walk-through

Once you’ve seen the upstairs (or the farthest parts of the apartment), grab a box or two and carry them with you back downstairs and/or toward the door. This will keep the move flowing and snappy.

If you need to inventory the customer’s goods first, leave those boxes inside, for now. But if it’s a same-day local move, then carry the beginnings of their stuff out to the garage or driveway (or wherever you’ll be staging things), if not right out onto the truck.

Note: The very beginning is not the time to start hauling heavy furniture down the steps. Leave that sort of stuff for once you’ve got the necessary paperwork signed and the necessary furniture pads prepared.

3. Tape nuts and bolts to the furniture it comes from

Me? I love it when putting a bed frame or a dining room table together, the nuts and bolts are all right there for me, taped in place and waiting for me.

Some people prefer using a parts box, but honestly? Just tape those bits of hardware securely to the bed frame or the underside of the tabletop and you’re good to go.

DON’T tape the bolts THEMSELVES directly to the surface of any metal or wood (please, no!); put all those screws and wing-nuts and everything else in a plastic bag, tape a piece of packing paper around the bed frame or one of the table legs, wrap up that plastic bag of bolts in more paper to prevent any scratches, then tape the protected bag to the bed frame, or the underside, or one leg of the table.

Note: If you are worried about leaving scratches or sticky tape residue on the customer’s bed frame or table leg (or whatever else), or if you just prefer not to tape plastic bags to things, there’s nothing wrong with using a parts box. Go with what works for you.

4. Both you AND the customer should take pictures of everything before you move it!

pictures moving

Before unhooking electronics, it may prove supremely helpful down the road to have pictures of all the cords and wires so we – or the unloaders, or the customer – can see how to hook everything back up again.

The same goes for anything else we will be disassembling: exercise equipment, partition furniture, and even something as simple as a dresser mirror. Of course, take pictures of any pre-existing damage you find, whether it be on an item or somewhere in the customer’s home (e.g., a scratch on the floor or a nick in the wall.)

Note: I recommend using a filesharing website like Dropbox or wetransfer for photos. Both you and the customer can send their pictures to one online folder created specifically for that move.

5. It’s almost always better to empty heavy furniture before moving it

moving furniture

Sure, it might make sense to transport a dresser as is, without emptying it and packing all those clothes in boxes. But depending on how bulky and heavy that dresser is, or how treacherous a staircase might be, to first take out all the drawers and carry them downstairs (and maybe all the way out to the truck). A dresser without its drawers (and all the clothing inside) weighs a lot less than it does when full, making it easier to maneuver without any danger of a drawer sliding out and crashing into the wall or onto the floor.

6. Try shoulder straps 

shoulder straps furniture movers
photo credit: northerntool.com

Shoulder straps are for when we are faced with a heavy piece of furniture and a narrow staircase. If you have furniture straps, great, If not, you can use ratchet straps (as long as you remove the part with the ratchet). Either way, using straps can make it a lot easier to control a heavy piece as you ease it down those stairs. Slide it down if it has a sturdy, flat surface (pad it up first!). Otherwise, lift it and go down one step at a time.

7. Pad-up the furniture at the truck, not inside

Sure, if you are going to slide a piece of furniture down a set of stairs you’ll absolutely want to pad it first, and pad it very well.

But for furniture you are simply going to carry out to the truck, wait until later to pad it up. Why? No matter how securely you tape your furniture pads in place, they are bound to slip once you try to carry what they are wrapped around. Your mileage may vary, but I always found it much easier to handle furniture that was not padded, and much more importantly, much faster not to have to do the same thing twice.

8. Save your back with a “set box”

movers van set box

A set box is a box for putting other boxes on top of, and it saves everyone a lot of unnecessary bending and lifting.

Whether moving your customer in or out, it’s a great idea to have a few solid boxes left at key loading or unloading places; when you have one crewmember or two hauling boxes out of the house to the staging area and another crewmember or two hauling them onto the truck, a set box on either end will speed you up!

9. Tape cardboard OVER a furniture pad that’s covering glass

furniture pad cardboard

It’s common — and smart — to place a piece of cardboard over the front of a china hutch or a curio, or any piece of furniture with glass that can not be removed and wrapped. Usually, this is done before wrapping the piece up in furniture pads. But for an extra layer of protection — and to give everyone a clear warning that there is glass under that pad — tape another piece of cardboard over the glass ON TOP OF the furniture pad.

10. Bring towels

mover with a towel

In hot weather, we sweat. In bad weather, things get wet. In any case, it’s a great idea to have a few towels on hand.

Have CLEAN towels for your crew to wipe the sweat off their hands and arms (and faces and legs too). Have some big old towels your crew can use to wipe their feet and keep the truck ramps as well as the inside of the truck as dry and safe as possible.


And one final tip: Please, don’t run. Yes, we are movers. We love to move. But one missed step, one uneven edge, one loose rock and your extra hustle could lead to a whole lot of hurt, not to mention a slowdown for the rest of the job and maybe beyond.

“Work smarter, not harder.” To that, I’d add, “Work safely.”

When Is the Best Time To Move?

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If you’re moving, it’s likely that one of the very first things you need to decide is when you’ll be making the trip. You probably already have an idea in mind about when you’d like to move, but is there a date that’s actually the best option?

We’ve determined that the best time to move is when moving companies are the least busy and you can have the lowest-stress move possible. This also coincides with the cheapest time of the year to move.

The answer: The best and cheapest time to move is during the off-seasons of spring and fall, mid-month, in the middle of the week, and during the morning hours.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what makes that the optimal time to move.

In this article:

What Determines When the Best Time To Move Is, Anyway?

There are a lot of factors at play, for sure! And what’s best for one person might be troublesome for somebody else. For example, you may have no choice but to schedule a move during a certain window, thanks to a conflict with your job, school, or childcare.

However, what typically constitutes a good time to move includes if a move will be cheaper, there’s less demand, the weather is mild, and there are enough homes on the market to rent or buy without trouble. 

Whether you can be flexible about your moving schedule or not, here’s the breakdown about when and why the best time of the move is…well, the best.

The best season to move: spring and fall

As mentioned earlier, choosing the right time of year to move is about balancing decent weather, free time, and cost. The “offseason” is the best time of the year to move, meaning the spring months of March, April, and May or the fall months of September, October, and November. And here’s more on what makes each season a good (or bad) choice to pick for your moving date:

  • Spring: In most parts of the country, the weather is fairly mild during the spring. There may still be rain, but you probably don’t have to worry about getting rid of snow and ice before the moving truck arrives. It’s also just before the busiest moving season, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble with scheduling or cost. 
  • Summer: Not surprisingly, many people choose to move in the summer. There’s less chance of bad weather, and if you have kids, you don’t have to worry about planning your move around school hours. In fact, about 60% of annual relocations occur between May and August. Unfortunately, moving companies know this and often charge a premium during the summer months. You’ll also want to consider how hot it gets where you’re traveling — if you’re transporting heat-sensitive items such as art supplies or plants, it’s really not the ideal time to move.
  • Fall: As the days begin to cool, so does the demand for moving services. You’ll likely find better deals around this time, as well as generally mild weather. However, if you or your kids are in school, it may be tough to schedule around back-to-school season.
  • Winter: This is probably the cheapest time of year for moving — and with good reason. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a city where it’s sunshine almost year-round, like Los Angeles or Miami, you’ll be faced with freezing temps and snowy conditions. On the plus side, it’s a slow time for real estate, so you might find some home prices that are real steals.

The best part of the month to move: mid-month

About a third of the country rents their homes, and the typical renter moves every two to three years. That’s a lot of moving around! And thanks to most leases beginning early on in the month, the first and last weeks are super busy for moving companies

Depending on the terms of your lease, you might not have any flexibility about scheduling your move. But if you do have some wiggle room, aiming for the middle of the month is best. Movers will have more availability, and you’ll probably pay less of a premium for their services. That also means you’ll want to reverse-engineer your moving checklist appropriately, since prepping should begin six weeks before the move date.

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Best day to move: weekdays

As you might guess, the most popular part of the week to move is the weekend. People often have time off from work, and so does any friends or family helping them out with the move.

 

“…about 60% of annual relocations occur between May and August. Unfortunately, moving companies know this and often charge a premium during the summer months.”

 

Of course, not only are popular times more expensive, but the slots for mover availability fill up fast on the weekends too, meaning you might not be able to find local movers who are available on the particular weekend you want. Worst-case scenario, you may need to rearrange your move date. 

So if you have the option, choosing a moving day of Monday through Thursday is much better. The earlier in the week, the better.

Best time of day to move: morning

When it comes to the actual move day, earlier is better for a number of reasons.

First, your movers are more likely to show up on time. They won’t have any jobs to complete before yours, so there’s less chance of a delay. If you wait until the afternoon, you’re reliant on the first move of the day going smoothly and efficiently to keep everything on schedule. 

If you’re moving during a warmer season, starting the move early also means you and your movers don’t have to haul boxes when the sun is at its hottest. Plus a morning move means you’re into your new place that much sooner, giving you ample time to unpack and get settled. Look to get started around 8 am to 10 am — it’s an early start, but definitely worth it in the end. 

When is the cheapest time to move?

Following the guidelines above will help you find the easiest time to move, which also coincides with the slower seasons for moving companies. As a result, you are likely to get the cheapest moving deals during fall and spring when moving companies aren’t inundated with homebuying season customers.

FAQs

What determines the best time to buy or rent?

The best time to buy a house or start a lease on an apartment is not necessarily also the best time of year to move. 

The height of the homebuying season tends to take place in late summer and early fall, so the best home prices can be found closer to the end of the year

Meanwhile, rental prices tend to hit their lowest points around December through March

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

What is the best time to move into an apartment?

When apartment hunting, you can save money by signing a lease during non-peak times. Rentals are more popular in the summer months when parents don’t have to worry about interrupting their kids’ school schedules, and when college students are looking to secure housing before the next semester starts up in the fall. 

The longer an apartment sits on the market, the more likely it is that the owner will drop the rent to attract a tenant. So looking for an apartment after the seasonal rush — around December through March — will allow you to find better deals. The tradeoff is that there will be fewer units overall, so you may not find exactly what you’re looking for.

What is the best time to move into a home?

Prospective home buyers typically do their shopping in the summer months, when kids might have time off school and it’s easier to plan. So the best time to buy a house is typically after peak homebuying season, which is late summer or early fall. Buying a home during this off-season means you can still find plenty of homes on the market, deal with less competition, and find better prices.

And while you may be thinking this means waiting until the winter will give you more negotiating power, there will be fewer homes on the market then.  

Save Money on Your Move By Getting Rid of These 3 Things

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Moving can be an expensive endeavor, so you’re probably looking for ways to save money. 

Little things, like tracking down free cardboard boxes or using t-shirts instead of costly packing paper to protect your breakables can add up to a nice wad of extra cash in your pocket.

But to really save big on your move? To put it simply: have less stuff you need to haul. 


Why Fewer Things Means a Lower-Cost Move

There are a few reasons why the amount of items and the size of what you’re taking with you during a move has a big impact on the money you save.

  • Less stuff takes less time to move, so if you’re hiring moving labor, it won’t take them as long to load and unload your belongings. And that lowers the final bill.
  • Less stuff weighs less overall, which means if you hire a full-service mover, your move will cost less since they charge by how much a load weighs, or if you rent or use your own truck, you’ll get way better gas mileage.
  • Less stuff takes up less space, so you can rent a smaller, less expensive truck. If you are going the portable storage container route, you’ll be able to rent a smaller one, or fewer of them. Either way, you’re spending less cash.

The 3 Things That Cost the Most To Transport

As a mover with decades of experience, I know there are three things that make the biggest difference in lightening your load to make your move cost a lot less. And getting rid of them come with the added benefit of giving yourself the opportunity to make your life in your new home feel like a fresh start.

1. Get Rid of as Much Food as Possible

Simple in theory but not necessarily easy in practice, clearing out your kitchen can save you oodles of time in addition to saving space and weight for your move.

What kinds of food really make a difference?

There’s a proper way to clean out a pantry. First consider all the perishable goods, such as produce, dairy and condiments taking up space in your fridge.

Yes, it’s typically common sense to toss or use perishables beforehand, since they can spoil so easily. But, take stock of all your frozen foods too. Frozen stuff doesn’t do well being stuffed in a box and driven hundreds of miles any more than perishables don’t, even if you shove all that frozen stuff into coolers with ice packs (which will add a ton more weight, figuratively and maybe literally). 

 

@hireahelper How I packed up my fridge and pantry to prep for moving day. #moving #packing #packingakitchen #fridge #pantry #kitchen #packingapantry #packingafridge #movingtips #packinghelp #howtopack #packingtips #movingday ♬ original sound – HireAHelper

 

For nonperishable goods, there are dry goods, such as pasta, rice, cereal, and couscous, and canned foods, such as vegetables or sauces. All nonperishables often wind up costing more to ship or haul than to buy them in the first place. Even with the current bout of inflation, it might not be worth it to pack up and transport all that Chef Boyardee.

When it comes to food, you should really only bring what you’re eating immediately during the trip, or what absolutely can’t be replaced, such as very expensive spices, hard-to-get foodstuffs from other countries, or rare bottles of alcohol.

Do I really just toss it all? That seems wasteful!

There are ways to get rid of all that food without throwing it in the garbage. For instance, you can donate all your dried and canned food to your local food pantry through an organization like Move For Hunger— they’re a charity that literally exists for this exact problem.

 

“The national van lines have a waiver specifically for pressboard furniture, releasing the movers/company from liability for damage, because it’s pretty much guaranteed to get damaged.”

 

You can also throw a “raid my kitchen” party for your friends. Give people who help you pack and move first dibs on your unopened alfredo sauce and spices, then invite anyone else to come by and help themselves to what’s left. No salesmanship, no pressure. Just a bit of fun. And a lighter load.

I’ve packed hundreds of homes, and the kitchen is always one of the most time-consuming rooms to tackle. Free yourself from this cumbersome task and do away with the cost of moving it all.

2. Go Crazy and Get Rid of Your Furniture

If you’ve got a lot of really nice or sentimental furniture, like an antique dining table handed down from great-great-grandma, feel free to skip this section. If you’re lugging the kind of worn brown sofa I did for a dozen moves in my turbulent post-college years, then read on.

If it’s big, bulky, or made of pressboard, better leave it behind

save space move
If you still have that cheap, “good enough” furniture from your student days, a move is a good time to leave it behind and upgrade

Large, unwieldy items take up a lot of space, right? Most sofas, desks, dressers, entertainment center units and aging mattresses can mean a bigger rental truck or an additional portable container, which translates into a much higher cost for your move. Particularly if your larger items are getting up there in the years, consider the money-saving merits of donating or selling them.

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Other items you might want to abandon are pieces made of pressboard, which is basically glued-together wood pulp covered with a thin veneer of fake solid wood (think IKEA). Bookcases, desks, and pretty much anything else made of the stuff will crack and crumble in transit, often leaving you with a useless pile of wood scraps at your new home. 

The national van lines have a waiver specifically for pressboard furniture, releasing the movers/company from liability for damage, because it’s pretty much guaranteed to get damaged.

So what do I sit on in my new home?

Giving away or tossing out your furniture does mean you probably need to buy new replacements, and that can certainly be expensive.

 

“When it comes to food, you should really only bring what you’re eating immediately during the trip, or what absolutely can’t be replaced, such as very expensive spices, hard-to-get foodstuffs from other countries, or rare bottles of alcohol.”

 

offerup appA great alternative is to hunt down secondhand stuff that is still in good shape. Offerup is a great app for finding (and listing) stuff free and cheap in your new neighborhood. Though used, it will feel new to you in your new home and make you really feel like you’ve begun a new chapter.

Even if, in the end, buying replacements ends up costing a bit more than what you save on a smaller rental truck (with better gas mileage), there’s something satisfying about snagging a cool new living room for your new place on the cheap.

3. Go Even Crazier and Get Rid of Your Car

save space move

This one is a tougher call than parting with your memory-filled sofa. It also might sound a bit crazy. But if you’re considering shipping your car to your new home, hold on and hear me out.

While the cost of shipping a car varies, shipping it over a long distance can run you well over a thousand bucks. If you believe keeping your car is worth the expense, you’ll get no argument from me.

But if you’re not driving your dream mobile, or if you really want to make a clean break, toss around the idea of selling your car (a bit under blue book value if that helps you unload it by move day). Then take that cash, add it to what you just saved yourself by not shipping that old clunker, and find something comparable or better on the other end. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

A Twist on an Old Piece of Advice

One final note involves the time-worn adage that says, “If you haven’t worn it or used it in a year, get rid of it.”

I don’t necessarily agree with this. I use stuff every day that I would be just as happy without, like old plates, the swivel office chair with the faint, unidentifiable stain on the seat, and yes, a few dozen t-shirts that are slowly disintegrating.

Instead of gauging the worth of something by the last time I used it, I go by a different saying:  “True wealth is not accumulation. It is selection.”

When moving, be choosy. Be willing to let go of stuff. You’ll make it easier on yourself as well as your wallet.

And you may end up with a new life that looks and feels better than the one you left behind.

How To Make Moving NOT One of Life’s Biggest Stressors

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Moving to a new home is supposed to be exciting.

But, as thrilling as your future may be, moving is obviously stressful.  It demands a lot of time and effort, and it’s common to feel anxious at the prospect of an unfamiliar location, culture, or workplace. There’s also the financial stress of hiring movers, putting up security deposits, and traveling to your new destination. It’s infamously one of life’s biggest stressors.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Moving stress absolutely can and should be minimized. Read on to learn how to make your own move as stress-free as possible.

[Download the moving stress checklist here!]

Target the stressors that happen on moving day right now

One of the biggest reasons people get stressed out about moving is because they feel overwhelmed. By putting a plan in place and doing some prep work well before you start the moving process, you can nip that problem in the bud. 

  • Start with your utilities. The last thing you want is to move into your new home and realize the water hasn’t been turned on yet. About a month in advance, call up your local utility and other service providers (e.g., electricity, gas, water, trash, cable, internet, etc.) and let them know you want to transfer your services. If your current provider isn’t available where you’re moving, let them know the date you need service terminated. Then set up a new account to have service turned on a few days before your move-in date.
  • Hire movers early. We recommend booking no later than two weeks in advance. If you wait until just before your move date, the higher-rated and/or cheaper companies will almost certainly be booked.
  • Clean stuff as you pack them, so you’re unpacking items that have already been dusted and wiped down.
  • Pack a special suitcase with a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and anything else you might need to have on hand before all your belongings are unpacked. (Bonus: If you need to head into the office during or shortly after the move, make sure you set aside work clothes on hangers so they won’t be wrinkled.)

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

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Yes, it’s time—get seriously organized about your move

Feeling like your day is out of control or worrying that your belongings are missing is definitely stressful. Keeping your move as organized as possible will minimize that stress.

  • Create an inventory of everything that’s being packed and moved. Label your boxes clearly, by room, so your movers know exactly where to unload them. Then write down everything that’s in each box. Print a few copies of your inventory in case one gets lost. When your movers begin unpacking, you can reference your list and ensure everything is accounted for. 
  • Make a moving day checklist with a realistic timeline. With this checklist, you can input to-do entries from six weeks before, counting down to the big day. 
  • Have the names and phone numbers/emails of all your points of contact for move day saved, in case you need to reach someone on the fly.

Build in some buffer times leading up to move day

Everyone hopes that moving day goes smoothly. Of course, there’s always a chance that mishaps derail your schedule. Packing might take longer than expected, or maybe your movers forget something at your old place.

Whatever may or may not happen, try not to schedule everything down to the wire. 

  • It can help to tackle packing in small chunks—in between your other life responsibilities—instead of trying to get everything done in a matter of days. For example, start small; go one room at a time, beginning with your least-used rooms. You might also negotiate with the buyer/seller to give you more time in your current home.
  • Consider booking an extra day with your rental vehicle. You never know what obstacles you’ll face while packing the truck or what extra stops you’ll make along the way.
  • If you need to take some time off of work to accomplish your move, try to schedule an extra day after your move to decompress, if you have the vacation time available. You’ll likely be arranging furniture, unpacking boxes, and organizing closets for days or weeks after the official move-in date.

Outsource your responsibilities as much as possible

Many people plan on a total DIY move, taking on too many responsibilities for their timeline. This is where reasonable outsourcing comes in.

 

“…[T]he best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.”

 

Even if you’re a bit strapped for cash, there are solutions to get the help you need for a stress-free move. Here are some tips to consider for outsourcing your moving tasks:

  • Hire professionals when possible. Having movers and cleaners come in to give a hand can make a big difference. Some people even hire professional organizers and packers. If you have smaller jobs that need to get done, consider using TaskRabbit or Porch.
  • Mine your support system for help. If you don’t have a ton of extra cash, ask family and friends to help out. Maybe you have a parent who can babysit while you focus on directing the movers, or a buddy with a truck who can help you save money on transporting larger items.
  • Delegate tasks as much as possible. If you have a spouse, children or teenagers, heck, even nieces or nephews, go ahead and put them to work. Cleaning, packing, and other smaller tasks are not nearly as difficult when it’s a group project.

Choose the right day and time for moving day

When you move is just as important as how. Attempting to move during times of high traffic or bad weather will only add to the stress of the situation. 

  • According to HireAHelper data, the best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.
  • It’s always a good idea to check the forecast and try to plan accordingly. If it is raining or snowing, you’ll have to consider appropriate footwear and rain gear, as well as whatever protection you need to keep your furniture and boxes dry, such as a tarp, large umbrellas, or big garbage bags. 
  • Most people try to move on the weekends when they’re most likely to have time off of work (and family/friends are more likely to be available to help), so it can pay to wait until mid-week. Booking your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday will help ensure you can get a reservation with your chosen moving company, and at a lower rate. 
  • Schedule your move for the morning. Your movers are less likely to run into traffic or other issues that can cause delays. Plus, you’ll get into your new space sooner, so you can start unpacking and getting settled in. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Don’t forget to food prep snacks and drinks for the day of the move

Let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with you when you’re “hangry”. But the hustle and bustle of moving might mean you skip meals or have to resort to fast food. 

Be sure to prep some easy, maybe healthy meals like sandwiches or salads, along with some disposable cutlery. Have portable snacks handy, too, such as nuts, string cheese, jerky and other foods that will help you feel full and focused. And don’t forget to carry plenty of water with you to avoid getting dehydrated.


There’s no guarantee any move will be entirely stress-free. But if you prepare well ahead of time, pace yourself, and have a game plan, a lot of the usual anxiety-causing culprits won’t seem so bad. And remember, outsourcing help for your move is a surefire way to take some of the tasks off your to-do list.

Factors to Consider When Moving to a New City

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Saying sayonara to your humble abode in search of new opportunities and a change of scenery? You’re not alone—the average American moves eleven times in their lifetime. Finding a new city to live in comes with inherent challenges, but it doesn’t have to be a triathlon of how much stress you can endure. This easy-to-chew guide breaks down the factors you’ll want to consider when choosing and moving to a new city so that finding a new home will feel more like a treasure hunt than an obstacle course.

Moving: A Family Affair First


Moving away means saying tough goodbyes to the friends and relatives you’re leaving behind—something that’s hard for anyone, but especially for children. Open up a discussion with your family about moving. Allow them to ask questions, offer input about where to move, and air any grievances they have about moving. Having a conversation lessens tensions and will make everyone more comfortable with the move. 

These are the factors families find most important to consider when choosing where to move.

Schools

How do you choose the right school for your child? Many parents choose a city based on its reputation for good schools. A good education sets your kids on a path toward lifelong learning and gives them better career opportunities later in life. Before you pick a city, check out its schools, using these tips to help guide your choices.

Type of school. What kind of school do you want your kids to go to? Public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, and schools with focus programs are all options to think about. 

Consider your child’s personality. How does your child learn best? What are their social needs? Take these things into account when looking into prospective schools.

Extracurriculars. Make sure the school provides any extracurriculars your child has an interest in, be it theatre, archery, or student government. 

Look at test scores. Don’t judge a school based solely on its test scores, but do take them into consideration. You want to make sure the school is performing well academically. 

Talk to the principal. Have a chat with the principal, and ask questions to get a better idea of what the school is like. 

Look at ratings. Great Schools is an organization that rates the quality of schools based on tests, academic progress, and equity to help you pick the right school. 

Consider higher education. If your kids are older, or you’re interested in pursuing a degree, look at nearby colleges and universities as well.

Safety

America is becoming a safer country to live in—overall crime rates are about half of what they were in 1991. Still, every city has crime, although some cities are safer than others. To avoid ending up in a city or neighborhood that has a high crime rate, vet the safety of a city with these tips:

Research the crime rate. Check out the crime rates and statistics for any cities you’re considering to see how safe they are. 

Ask the locals. There’s no better resource for information on a potential city than the people who already live there. Hop on the city’s social media pages to find out more about which areas to seek out and which to avoid.

Download an app. Once you’ve moved, use an app to keep you safe while you get used to your new surroundings. Safety apps allow you to send an alert to selected contacts if you feel like you’re in danger. Some even let you track your loved ones to ensure they’re safe on their way home from work or school.

Healthcare 

Moving to a city with quality healthcare facilities provides peace of mind should you need medical attention. Living near a good hospital is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition or need a specialist. When researching which city you want to move to, look for places that have highly rated hospitals and healthcare providers that cater to your specific needs.  

Affordability and Opportunity

Moving to a city or a neighborhood you can’t afford to live in will spell disaster for your finances and your quality of life. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether it’s cost-effective to move to a particular city.

Cost of living 

Cost of living is the amount of money it takes to cover expenses like housing, food, healthcare, and taxes. Cost of living varies between states, cities, and neighborhoods so it’s important to take your budget into consideration when moving to a new city. Use a cost of living calculator to estimate the difference between how much you currently make and how much you’ll need to make in a new city to maintain the same quality of life. 

Taxes

Tax rates vary widely from state to state. Some states—Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon—don’t have sales tax for retail purchases. Others—Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming—don’t collect income tax, leaving residents with more of their paycheck each month. Consider property taxes as well, which also vary widely. Having extra cash in your wallet can improve your quality of life, so keep taxes in mind when relocating. 

Job market

Unless you’re moving for work, you’ll need to make sure you’re able to find a job once you get to your new city. If you’re moving without a job lined up, we have a few suggestions to help you find a job in your industry. 

Economic trends. Is your profession in demand in the city you want to move to, or will you need to look elsewhere? Research projected growth and unemployment rates for your industry.

Income disparities. The same job might pay more in one state than it does in another. If you’re used to making a certain amount where you currently live, make sure the city you’re moving to pays the same or more so you’re not left in the lurch.

Create a safety net. No matter how great job opportunities look in your new city, it’s always a good idea to have a little cushion when relocating. Set aside enough money to pay bills and buy food for three to five months while you get your feet on the ground.

Transportation

Commute times are on the rise, with more than 14 million Americans spending an hour or more commuting to work every day. If you’re moving to a large city or you’ll be commuting from a suburb into the city for work, consider how much time you’ll be spending getting to and fro. Are cars a necessity where you’re going, like in Los Angeles? Or will you be moving somewhere like New York City, where using public transportation is easier and less expensive than driving a car? 

Personal Preferences: What’s Important to You?

Moving to a new city is an opportunity to start over. That’s why it’s important to pick a place you love, somewhere you can see yourself thriving. Consider these questions when making your initial list of potential new homes.

Big city, small town, or something in between?

Do you prefer that small-town feel or the hustle and bustle of a major city? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Small towns are cheaper than big cities in almost every aspect, from housing and food to entertainment and gas. But bigger cities have more opportunities for dining, entertainment, and jobs—not to mention public transportation, which can save you a bundle and even make it possible to ditch your car. 

What’s your ideal climate?

Climate has a huge impact on your quality of life. If you detest the cold, head to the south. Find humidity unbearable? Go north. A city’s climate can influence your mood, so if you’re prone to seasonal depression, cross cloudy, wet climates like those of the Pacific Northwest off your list. If you’re an outdoorsy type, research cities in states like Colorado and California that have an ideal climate and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Georgia, Hawaii, and Texas have some of the most temperate climates in the US, ideal for heat-seekers who want sunny skies all year round. 

What’s there to do?

If art, music, dining, sports, culture, and entertainment are your thing, look at large metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Denver, and San Francisco, which will have the most such opportunities. If you prefer smaller cities, choose one that’s big on culture, like Austin, TX, Savannah, GA, and Madison, WI. If you’re thinking of going rural, choose a small town close to a larger metro so that you can easily head into the city for a night out.

How to Find a Home in Your New City

Now that you know where you want to move, it’s time to find a place to live. Finding new digs before you move means you won’t have to stay in a hotel or crash on friends’ or relatives’ couches indefinitely. Here’s the best way to find a new home from afar. 

Find a realtor. Research and interview realtors to help you find your new home. Realtors know the ins and outs of the city and can give you advice on where to look for homes. Make sure your realtor is tech-savvy—you’re going to be buying a home from a distance, and you’ll want someone on your side who’s easy to get ahold of. 

Visit before the move. There’s no better way to get to know your new city and choose a new neighborhood than by visiting it. Do the preliminary research online, but once you’ve narrowed your choices down, an in-person visit will give you the opportunity to meet your realtor or leasing agent and view potential houses and apartments in person. 

Budget. Estimate the cost of living for your new city, and budget accordingly for buying a home or renting an apartment. Your realtor will be able to help you find good neighborhoods that are in your price range. Before committing to buying a home in a city you’ve never lived in before, consider renting an apartment for the first year. That way, you can really get a feel for the city’s neighborhoods and decide where you want to live before you lay down deep roots. 

Prepare For the Move: The Nuts and Bolts

You’ve settled on a city, you know where you’re going to live, and now it’s time to make it happen. Hauling yourself and all of your worldly possessions across state lines is a mighty undertaking, and there are many preparations you’ll need to attend to before you move. 

Use a dedicated notebook to keep all of your notes and lists having to do with the move. Keep a master checklist of the major tasks you need to accomplish and cross them off as you go. Staying organized will ensure everything goes smoothly and you don’t forget anything major in the months, weeks, and days leading up to your big move. These are a few of the things you’ll need to attend to:

Find a new doctor. Research your new city’s general physicians and any specialists or mental health professionals you or family members will need to see. Ask your current doctor(s) for recommendations. Once you’ve chosen your new doctors, have copies of medical records sent to them so they’re ready to see you any time after you arrive. 

Register at a new school. Most schools have online registration forms, and you can usually upload documents like birth certificate, immunization records, and transcripts.

Change your mailing address. Submit a change of address form at the post office, but don’t stop there. Banks, credit card companies, and any websites you regularly shop from will need to be updated with your new address. 

Find a vet. Don’t leave your furry friends hanging. Research and choose a veterinary clinic in your new city, and request your pet’s medical records from your current vet. Check on licensing requirements for new residents.

Transfer professional licenses. If you’re a doctor, nurse, lawyer, aesthetician, massage therapist, or in any other profession that requires a license, contact your professional organization to find out your new state’s requirements for licensing, and start the process early. 

Start downsizing and packing. It’s tempting to wait until the last minute to start packing so you don’t feel like you’re in limbo, but if you start early, you can take your time sorting through and culling your belongings, packing them properly, and staying organized during the process. An early start saves you a lot of stress later on. 

Getting There: How to Move Your Things From A to B

If you don’t have much stuff, renting a moving truck and doing it all yourself is one option for getting your belongings to your new home, but it may or may not be the most economical or practical. Depending on a range of factors, including where you’re moving from and to, renting a moving truck may be more costly than hiring a moving company, so it’s a good idea to call around and get estimates for both options before committing to being your own mover.

If you decide that you’d rather let a moving company take over the loading, driving, and unloading duties, you’ll want to do your due diligence and find a reputable company with whom you can trust all of your worldly possessions. Here are a few tips for ensuring you’re hiring the right guys.

Get referrals. Ask around to see if anyone you know has a referral for a good moving company. If you’re working with a real estate agent, they might have some suggestions for reputable movers. Go down your list, and read testimonials and online reviews by previous customers.

Make sure it’s a legit business. Only use companies that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau or that have a good rating on TrustPilot. Watch out for  companies that ask for cash up front—this isn’t a common practice among reputable moving companies and can indicate a scam that will leave you high and dry on moving day. Licensed interstate movers will have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Request this number from the moving company you choose. If anything goes amiss during the move, you’ll need it to file a claim. 

More money doesn’t always mean better service. Call at least three long-distance moving companies and compare prices, policies, and time frames before you make a decision. Comparison shopping ensures you’ll get the services you need at the best price point.

Considerations for Moving Internationally 

The world is your oyster—live in it! Whether you’re a retiree looking to start again or a recent graduate interested in getting a taste of the world around you, living overseas is a life-changing experience that opens up a world of opportunities—literally. But living across the ocean from your friends and family is a pretty big deal, and one you should take into deep consideration before leaving the US behind. Moving internationally means missing out on the small stuff like Sunday dinner at grandma’s and meeting your friends on the whim for a drink—and possibly big things, like holidays and family weddings. But once you’ve decided to take the plunge and relocate to an exotic, foreign land, here’s how to make it happen.

Research, research, research

Anyone can move abroad—you just have to do some research first to find the right country for you. Make a list of countries you’d like to live in, then read blogs, watch online videos, and link up on social media with expats living in those countries. Talk to your friends—maybe someone has a BFF or relative living overseas they can put you in contact with who wouldn’t mind answering your questions.  

Find a job

If your job isn’t relocating you overseas and you find yourself wondering how you’ll make money in a new country, fear not — you’ve got options. Use networking sites or social media to find available jobs overseas. Working holiday visas are available in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore for those who are 18 to 30 or who have a graduate or post-secondary degree. Teaching English in countries like China, Taiwan, and South Korea is a great way to make money overseas if you’ve got a bachelor’s degree.

Plan your move

International moving can get quite pricey, so unless you’re willing to drop the cash on moving everything you own, the first step to moving overseas is downsizing. Pare your belongings down to just the essentials, then decide how you want to transport your stuff. Shipping via sea freight is less expensive than using air freight, but it takes longer. If you have any questions about your new country’s laws regarding the transportation of certain items, such as vehicles or appliances, an experienced moving company can help you answer them. 

Mind the finer details

There’s a lot to keep track of when you’re moving to a new country. You’ll need to file for a visa, find a healthcare provider, and make sure you’ve got cell phone service where you’re headed. Notify your bank that you’ll be living and spending internationally, or move your money to a bank in the country you’ll be staying in. Research how to move your pets internationally. Find out whether you’ll need a new driver’s license—there are driver’s license exchange programs for certain countries and international driver’s licenses available for those countries that don’t allow an exchange. 

5 Easy-living U.S. Cities to Call Home

There are 19,495 cities in the United States. How do you choose which one you want to relocate to when there are so many choices? To get your mind whirling, here are five cool cities to move to in the U.S.

  • Austin, Texas 

Austin has it all: Ample access to outdoor activities such as hiking, bike trails, and parks, amazing food, and a thriving live music scene. Austin is the fastest growing city in both Texas and the United States. 

  • Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is 44.4% cheaper to live in than New York City while keeping all the perks—a bustling nightlife, museums and entertainment, and of course all that delicious Southern food—with better weather, to boot.

  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

The gorgeous mountain city of Colorado Springs has beautiful weather, affordable living, and it ranks #3 for the best cities to live in Colorado. It’s a short drive from Denver, which draws all kinds of major sporting and entertainment events and hosts a major international airport. 

  • Fayetteville, Arkansas

An oasis in the Ozark mountains, Fayetteville is a fitting home for those who love the outdoors. It has tons of state parks, walking trails, and playgrounds—plus, it offers stellar live music and nightlife.

  • Hilo, Hawaii 

Hilo is a small town located on Hawaii’s Big Island, known for delicious food, pure water, and clean air. If a year-round warm climate, lush forests, and the prospect of beach life are major draws for you, you can live the tropical life in Hilo while remaining in the US.


Moving to a new city offers a fresh start and exciting opportunities for personal growth and change. Everyone has their own reasons for making the jump to a new area code, and getting there doesn’t have to be a complicated affair—with some diligent research and a touch of wanderlust, you can move to any city that’s calling your name.

We Asked 12 Professional Organizers How They Made Their Moves Easier

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While moving to a new home is exciting, it is also an overwhelming task due to all the things that need to be done before, during, and after you start enjoying new adventures and experiences. Just thinking about preparing for a big move can make you feel anxious. We reached out to expert home organizers and asked them for tips to help you overcome this task.

Read on to check out our list of easy moving and packing tips.

How do you get organized before moving?

Getting organized for a move requires a project management approach. You will have extensive lists and planning to help you keep your sanity.

  • Start with developing a timeline for your move. Work backward on your timeline to include dates the movers will load the truck, packers will arrive, the time you will be off residence while packing occurs, decluttering, change of address, optional items you will sell or donate before the move, and other items coming out of storage for your move. Record this timeline in your planner.
  • Add team members to your project. This includes movers, packers, professional organizers, childcare help, and other resources. It’s much harder to do this project entirely alone. Be sure to add the cost of all these additional tasks to add to your budget.
  • Start decluttering at least THREE months in advance, if you can. You can eliminate what you don’t use or need at your new residence. This saves you money and lowers your stress.
  • Keep your move organized with labels. Have plenty of markers available to write the contents on your boxes. You can label the boxes with a room name or assign a number to the room. Your movers will appreciate knowing that they can unload in the correct room without your direction because you have labeled the rooms and boxes.
  • Remember the “last in, first out” box, and your personal needs during this move. The last in, first out box should contain all the hardware for beds and the remote controls. These are vital to your happiness during the first 24 hours in your new home. Your personal needs items include medications and stuffed animals that must be a part of your first night in your home.
  • Keep calm and carry on! It will take a little longer than you like to settle in, even with every box unpacked. Happy moves happen with a plan!

-Ellen R. Delap at Professional Organizer

How exactly do you make a schedule for moving?

Moving has been ranked as one of the three most stressful life experiences! The good newsit doesn’t have to be. I’ve been helping people with all aspects of moving for over 15 years, and my biggest tip for less stress and a smooth move is to create a moving schedule with specific dates as soon as you decide to move. 

  • Start with an old-school blank calendar. Even if your whole life is digital, there is something about seeing your key dates on paper – starting with your move date and current commitments – that gives you a realistic overview of what to do when. 
  • Search online for “move checklist for a general sense of the steps involved. Most will have a 6-8 week plan. The checklist I use with clients is 18 pages long to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Customize the checklist to reflect your needs and time frame. If you’re moving locally, there’s less to do; there’s more to do if you’re planning to pack and move yourself and not use movers (Pro tip: unless your move is very small, it’s worth getting a free quote from movers – hiring movers is usually money well spent.) 

  • Make appointments with folks who can helpfrom professional organizers to help manage your move and declutter beforehand to movers to handymen to install your TV and window treatments.
  • Block out time in your main calendar to work on your move.
  • Stick to your schedule – and adjust as necessary. Plan for the unexpected!

By creating a realistic, comprehensive moving schedule, you’ll save yourself time, money, and aggravation and will feel in control of the process. Get started!

-Lisa Zaslow at Gotham Organizers

How do you pack kitchen items?

Use small boxes when packing a kitchen and label the boxes with the roomkitchen, dining room, or pantryand with the contents. 

Pare down your kitchen items as you pack. Get rid of any gadgets that only do one thing (avocado slicer, banana saver, lettuce knife, etc.) Movers charge by weight. If you have a set of china, crystal, or silver you haven’t used in years, get rid of that before you pay to move it! 

Use up the food and pantry items you already have and don’t buy anything in bulk for the last few months in your old house. If you come across expired foods and spices, throw those away as you pack.  

Finally, pack your kitchen in phases

Up to 2 months ahead:

Pack entertaining/party supplies or anything you know won’t need before you move. 

If you are moving far away, think ahead of time about who can use your extra food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies when you leave. Women’s shelters often take these kinds of things, even if they have been opened. 

Up to 2 weeks ahead:

Pack up everything else in the kitchen by category, leaving out the bare essentials. You want to leave enough plates and glasses, napkins, and sippy cups for your family to cook and eat for a day. Pack all but one pot and two pans, two dishtowels, etc. Think about what you’d find in a rental unit. Leave just the basics, nothing extra. 

The day before you move out:

Pack up these everyday supplies and food (if it’s a local move). Label those boxes “KitchenOPEN FIRST.” Once you arrive in your new kitchen, you can open those 2-3 boxes and make due until you have time to unpack fully. 

Nonnahs at Get Organized Already

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Tips for packing your clothes

My favorite tips for packing clothes begin with a plan!

Before I pull anything out of the closet, I make a list of the specialty pieces I may need for where I’m going (e.g., exercise clothes, swimsuit, ski jacket, etc.) I also note if I need multiples, like four pairs of ski socks, for four days of skiing.

Then, I make a note of how many days of clothes I’ll need, how many nights (pajamas), as well as anything else, like underclothes and belts. I’ll also look up the weather, so I know I want to take long-sleeved tops and not short sleeves. I’ll pull out however many of each item and scratch it off my list. I consider myself a “folder”, so I like to fold these items into stacks that will fit neatly into my suitcase or bag. But, if rolling works better for your wrinkle-prone pieces, please do so! Laying out the items in stacks or rolls also allows me to quickly assess whether I need a piece of luggage in a different size. Now that I’ve secured my clothes, I can snugly fit shoes, accessories, and toiletries in the space between clothes’ stacks and other pockets. 

-Amy Trager at Amy Trager

What order should you pack in?

Begin with the home areas that you use the least because you will have to live without these items from now until you have unpacked in the new space. Start with rooms you rarely use or are mainly used for storage, like guest bedrooms, rooms of children away at college, and the basement, attic, and garage. 

Consider whether you really need and want to keep the item. Keep a boxed marked “Donate” by the doorway. Any item that doesn’t make the cut for your new home should go there. As you pack, move carefully stacked, inventoried, and labeled boxes to one side so you can see your progress as items “disappear” and the boxes are filled.

Methodically move cabinet-by-cabinet, or drawer-by-drawer. However, because there may still be weeks (or more) until you move, you will now not only consider whether to move, donate or discard something, but you may need to keep it in place until much closer to moving day. 

If it’s winter, pack the summer clothes and shoes from your closets. In living or family rooms, keep the TV and sound system, but pack up the books, puzzles, photo albums, and games. In the linen closet, pack everything except one change of sheets per bed and a few extra blankets. In the kitchen for your remaining time at home, pack whatever you can live without (e.g., gadgets, small appliances you rarely use, specialty supplies, and items). In your home office, pack all of your files in bankers boxes, and pack office supplies you won’t need daily in a separate container. Box up financial files and essential documents related to the move separately to travel with you; don’t leave them with the movers.

In areas you use most often, envision what you’d pack if you were setting up a vacation cottage for just a few weeks. Only leave minimal cookware, enough supplies to prepare simple meals, and adequate silverware, plates, and glasses to serve your needs for your time away. Then, pack everything else, leaving only your imaginary vacation essentials unboxed until right before moving day!

While packing, if you find something in the “wrong” space, move it to the room that corresponds to where it will go in your new house.

Finally, the only things left to pack should be what you will need for the first few days in your new home. Use a small suitcase or duffel bag for each person’s clothes, accessories, school or work items, toiletries, and medications, plus a box of first-night essentials like chargers, toilet paper, and a new shower curtain. Keep these items and all financial records safely with you during transit.

-Julie Bestry at Julie Bestry 

moving tips

The top 3 most important factors before moving

  1. Take time to declutter before moving. Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter since everything has to be touched anyway. Ask yourself if you use or love each item and have a place to store it in your new home. If you don’t use or don’t love it or you can’t easily store it, now’s a great time to let it go. You won’t have to pack it, move it, and unpack it.
  2. Organize your packing. If you’re packing yourself, group items that go together in a room into categories and pack them in the same boxes. That way, you can label each box with a category. (For example, a kitchen box might also have the label food storage containers.) That will make it easier to unpack in an organized fashion and, if it takes you a while to unpack, you’ll be able to find the appropriate box if you’re looking for something. If you hire movers to pack, take the time to group categories of items together before they pack so that your boxes don’t contain a hodgepodge of stuff. Try to also label your boxes for the destination room (not the origin room) so that movers can get them into the right room. 
  3. Start early. The earlier you start organizing and decluttering, the less likely you will pay to move stuff you end up donating on the other end. Starting early also cuts down on stress and makes the move calmer. You’re more likely to get the dates you want with movers if you book them early. And if you’re hiring a professional organizing company or move manager to help, the earlier they get on board, the easier everything will be.

-Janine Adams at Peace of Mind Organizing

How do you pack valuables?

It’s going to depend on what the valuables are. If you still have the original packaging for jewelry (or anything!), use that. If any of your valuables are fragile, it may be worth hiring professionals to pack them.

  • See if you can lighten your load of any physical paper you don’t need anymore. For example, if you have care instructions for valuables, can you scan them? Or, if you have a valuation and a scanned copy is enough proof, shred the physical paper.
  • You will want to keep valuables like medicines and prescriptions close and in an “Unpack First Night” box, or in your suitcase or toiletries.
  • If you can’t keep valuables close, mark the box by room instead of by content. For example, “Living Room” instead of “Antique Vase”.
  • Keep track of all your valuables with some system. Take pictures, write descriptions and values. Consider an app like Sortly to keep track of everything.
  • If you’re using a packing cube or driving yourself, invest in a disc lock, as they’re a lot harder to break.
  • Use an inexpensive tracking device like Tile or TrackR so you’ll be able to know where your items are if you’re using a truck.

– Julie Coraccio at Reawaken Your Brilliance

What do you unpack first at your new home?

Be sure to unpack the rooms that you use daily first. Necessity is always first when it comes to unpacking. Think logically about the things that you will use first; sleeping, eating, and taking a shower are the essential and first activities you’ll do in your new home.  

The bedroom: After a long day of traveling and packing, you are going to want a good night’s sleep in your own bed. Reassemble the bed frame, unpack your sheets and make up your bed along with the pillows and bedspread. The rest of your bedroom items can wait. 

Set up the bathroom. You’ll feel instantly at-home if you get yourself settled into the bathroom. Hang a shower curtain, fill the medicine cabinet, and hang your towels. 

Next can be the kitchen, or kids and pet items. 

-Betsy Fein at Clutterbusters

How many days before moving should I start packing?

If you are packing yourself, ideally you’ll start packing as soon as you know you are moving! But as far as three months will make things easier (and cheaper) for you.

People often wait until the last minute and then get overwhelmed. We recommend starting to pack non-essential items (e.g., holiday, guest room, memories, decor, etc.) and queue them up in the garage, or a less frequently used space in the home. Make sure to set aside and identify things you’ll need during the move (e.g., clothing, pet care, personal items, linens, chargers, etc.), and as the move date gets closer, start packing more and more. By the time you are a few days out, the only things left should be furniture and a few bare essentials. This gives space to deal with any issues or emergencies and reduces the overall stress of the move. Be sure to label every box with its contents and final destination!

-Liz Jenkins at A Fresh Space

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How do you move perishable food (i.e., refrigerated/frozen foods)?

Take an inventory of what you have

One month prior to your scheduled move date, create an inventory of the perishable food you have on hand throughout the house (don’t forget the refrigerator in the garage and the deep freezer in the basement).

Create a plan to shrink your inventory

Your plan for dealing with perishable food will depend on a few factors:

  • Whether your move is local vs. long distance
  • Whether you are using a moving company

It’s important to understand that there are sometimes laws that prevent movers from transporting perishable items. So whatever you plan to move will need to be transported by you. Given these limitations, your goal should focus on reducing the volume of refrigerated and frozen food you have as much as possible before moving day.

With your inventory in hand, create a meal plan for the next few weeks that incorporates the food you want to consume. When you’re a week away from your move date, reassess what you still have and determine if anything can be given away to neighbors, family, or friends.

Locate your portable coolers and make sure you have plenty of ice packs on hand if you plan to transport any perishables on move day.

Prepare food for move day

On the morning of your move, set aside whatever food you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that day. If you are moving locally, pack whatever food remains in your coolers with ice packs. If it’s a long-distance move, you’ll need to toss whatever perishables remain.

By planning, you can avoid wasting food (and money!) during the move process.

– Natalie Gallagher at R​efined Rooms

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Is there a packing system you recommend for a move?

Make a checklist of your items! – It is the one thing you need to prepare for a move and the best way of not forgetting anything. List all the things you need for your move, for example, purchasing boxes and tape. Include all the rooms that still need to get packed. Don’t forget to add a list of what you need to do before and after moving, like any spaces in your home that need to be repaired or painted. You won’t regret having a list!

Color code boxes and rooms When it comes to packing systems, I am all about setting up color-coding systems for each room, such as red for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom, yellow for the bedrooms and, so on. Then when you start packing, you can tape the box with the corresponding room color. It does not have to be the entire box, but enough to see where the boxes will belong. By giving each room of your new home a designated color with tape or even a sign on the door, it makes it super easy for your movers to put boxes in those areas.

Label boxes by room and sub-section – You can keep it simple with the name of where it will go. However, I like to take it a step further. For example, for the bathroom, instead of writing just the location of where it is going to, I would write “Bathroom Shower Items” or “Bathroom Under The Sink”. This will make it easier to unpack those items in the new home.

-Shanice Bannis at City of Creative Dreams

Should you pack by room or item category?

When packing, you should go room by room. However, this is also a great opportunity to first move items that are in the wrong room to the room that they belong to. Mark each box with the room it will go to in the new space and what types of items are packed. If you don’t have the same number of rooms in the new home, consider that as you label your boxes. Unpacking is much easier the more organized you are during the packing process. 

Start by packing the rooms that don’t have as many daily use items in them. On our last move, I started with the garage. After that, the dining room and the living room. Then came the kitchen; I kept out a small number of dishes and utensils we would need before the move. I continued with the bathrooms and bedrooms in much the same way. I boxed up the items we weren’t using daily and labeled each box for where they would go in the new home and what types of things were inside. When we got to the new house, I put papers on the doors saying which room was which, so the movers knew exactly where the boxes should go. It made our move a much smoother process.

-Julianna Poplin at The Simplicity Habit 

Now you are ready for your big day! Follow these tips (and to shave off tons of time, consider hiring a professional mover) to have a way less stressful move.

Are My Movers Licensed and Insured? (And Does it Matter?)

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Updated: We’ve added updated info and new links for 2019.

First of all, I want to say, “well done.” If you’re taking the time to ask this question and figure out the answer, you’re off to a great start! Nothing will ruin your move more than becoming the person in that horror story who has all their belongings stolen by their movers or is charged 300% more than the original quote. It’s important to protect yourself from rogue movers and scammers operating nationwide.

What is a “licensed mover”?

Regulations and requirements for licensure vary from state to state. You can check out your state’s requirements here. Some states require movers to register with the state as a moving company and to offer at least two options for insurance (full-valuation or released-value). Some states have additional requirements. Beyond insurance, states might set standards regarding estimates, liability, mover agreements, etc.

If you are moving across state lines, your mover should have federal licensure, meaning the government has signed off on their business. Being licensed requires the movers to follow certain guidelines regarding insurance, safety measures, financial responsibility and so on.

If your potential movers will be traveling across state lines, check to make sure they are licensed for interstate moves on this government website.

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What is an “insured mover”?

When I first got into the moving business, I struggled with understanding the difference between a mover who is insured and one who offers insurance.

If your mover is insured, it generally means they carry basic moving insurance (release value insurance) that will cover a very small portion of damage or loss to your stuff while they’re handling it (typically at a payout rate of $0.60 per pound, per item). So a dropped 10 pound, $1,000 TV would only see an insurance check of $6.00!

“…ask them for a copy of their COI (Certificate of Insurance) and to see their state and/or federal license.”

A small handful of movers offer an even better option – the opportunity to purchase additional, full-valuation insurance. Full-valuation covers the total cost of repair or replacement in the event that your movers ruin or lose seriously valuable items during your move (e.g., gold and fine china).

Make sure you about this critical difference.

How do you know if your mover offers insurance?

The first and most obvious way for you to check out your mover’s credentials is to simply ask them. However, if you ask a thief whether or not they are a thief, they won’t likely tell you the truth!

So with that in mind, ask them for a copy of their COI (Certificate of Insurance) and to see their state and/or federal license. If you’re booking a mover online, they will likely have credentials listed on the site you’re booking through. The FMCSA (listed earlier) is also available if you want to be absolutely positive about their current licensure status.

As far as insurance goes, ask for everything in writing – on paper or via email. You should have your coverage in writing not only to retain proof of that coverage, but also so you know exactly what you’re entitled to in the event that something is broken or lost.

If you’re planning a long distance move, we recommend getting a quote from Moving Place. They can help you orchestrate a seamless move. All you have to do is take care of packing and loading, and they’ll get the truck and driver ready to deliver your stuff to the door of your new home. 

Have a story to share? Please share your moving insurance stories, tips, and experiences – good or bad – in the comments below.


Victoria is enjoying her summer time off from grad classes by soaking up rays, spending time with family and working with HireAHelper from her small town in Nebraska (aka “the good life”).

 

The Senior Citizen’s Guide to Moving

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By the time most people hit retirement, they start thinking about their forever home. For you, it may be time to choose where you will grow old and make new memories.

Moving as a senior will often require downsizing into a home that is smaller, safer and easier to maintain. The process involves getting rid of things that may hold sentimental value. It might also involve making some tough planning and logistical decisions.

You will need to decide if you want to age in place, join a retirement community or move in with a child or friend. You may even decide you want to retire in another country!

Wherever you choose to spend your golden years, you will need to move to get there. In this guide, we will cover all the steps you will need to consider for the most comfortable, happy transition.

Popular Moving Options for Seniors

Popular Moving Options for Seniors

It can be tough deciding where you want to spend your retirement years. But depending on your level of independence and mobility, there are many attractive options available!

Downsizing to Age in Place

Many senior citizens choose to move into a smaller home in the same community they are currently living that is better suited to their needs. This home will often include elements like lower maintenance exteriors and modifications to prevent injury. Moving into a home that is smaller and safer can help you remain independent as you age.

If you are considering aging in place, first determine if it’s the right option for you:

  • You will need to be relatively mobile and be able to drive (or have someone who can assist you with errands).
  • You should be either be living with a partner, a roommate or have someone nearby that can spend time with you.

If you are healthy and have the right support system, then aging in place is a wonderful option! You can find more about aging in place here.

Choosing a Retirement Community

Choosing a Retirement Community

Some people will find that a senior living community is the best option. While retirement communities may sometimes have a bad reputation, modern senior living communities work to avoid this perception, and can even be fun!

Good candidates for a retirement community:

  • Have concerns about home maintenance
  • May not have family nearby
  • Have health concerns

If you’re facing any of these concerns, a senior living community can be very convenient. They allow you to remain independent while still having a community and healthcare resources nearby. If you think this might be the option for you then planning in advance is smart. Determine which type of senior living community is the best fit for your needs.

There are continuing care retirement communities that require upfront entrance fees as well as “rental” communities that offer similar services à la carte. There is a retirement community to fit every budget and lifestyle!

Moving in With Family

If you have family that is willing and able to let you live in their home, moving in with family can be a convenient option. Consider your reasoning for moving in. Do you have financial concerns? Do you have a health condition?

If you need more care than your family member can provide, you may want to consider a retirement community or senior living facility. It’s important to be realistic about your limitations and needs.

Once you have determined that moving in with your family is a fit, you will need to significantly downsize in order to merge households with your family member. You and your loved ones will need to determine if any modifications need to be to their home to make it safer and more elder-friendly. For example, many homes with older adults will widen doorways to accommodate for mobility devices, add easy-grab or non-slick surfaces in the bathroom and clear common areas of trip hazards.

Moving in With Family

Choosing Another State or Country to Retire In

Extremely healthy and mobile older adults might consider moving to a smaller home in another state or country! Moving to a drastically different location can allow you to live out your dreams of adventure in your later years. Some countries can also be significantly less expensive than living in your current one.

While it may seem like a rare occurrence, the Social Security Administration reports that some 400,000 retired workers collect their benefits abroad. After all, the average social security check can last a lot longer in some places. Some popular retirement destinations include:

  • Thailand
  • Portugal
  • Vietnam
  • Mexico 

To be a good fit for retirement abroad you will need to purge most of your belongings. It is best if you have a partner to move with you. Choose a new city that has excellent medical care options nearby and easy transportation options.

You will want to look into health insurance options and make a plan in case your health declines. If you are prepared, retiring in another country can be an exciting option!

Planning Out Your New Home

Planning Out Your New Home

Once you decide where your new home will be you will need to start planning your move. Look at your new space—will you have room for all of your things? If your new floor plan will not allow for many of your items you will need to start the downsizing process.

Think about where your belongings will go and what you will need to do to get them there. If there are items that are too heavy for you to move on your own you will want to line up assistance.

Sometimes you will be able to ask a friend or family member for help, but often you will need to hire movers. If this is the case, planning weeks in advance can help you cut costs and help you plan accordingly.

Planning to Move Pets

Do you have a pet that you hope to take with you? You will likely need to make arrangements to move your pet ahead of time. If you are moving in with a family member or friend, ensure that they are okay with your pet also making the move.

Ensure that your new space is large enough and safe enough for your furry friend. Think about what you will need to do before the move such as find a new vet and update their tags. Keeping your pet calm during a move is important too! 

Planning for the Needs of Your Partner

If you have a partner with health issues or limitations you will need to consider their needs in your move. Does the new house need modifications? Will you need to arrange for a home nurse? Planning for these needs ahead of time can save considerable time and stress in the long run.

How to Downsize

How to Downsize

Downsizing can be a stressful and taxing process, but knowing when to start can ease much of the anxiety. Most older adults downsize for economic reasons, but there are other benefits like less maintenance and avoiding empty nest syndrome.

When you decide to downsize you will need to reduce the number of items you own. It will also reduce the amount you have to move (or pay someone else to move). Choosing what to let go of and what to keep is the tricky part.

The key is to start early. Develop a sorting system and sort through your belongings to weed out items you no longer need. Here are some tips to help you downsize like a pro.

  • Start small: There may be a few things that you’ve been thinking of getting rid of—start with those. Throw away or donate things that have little emotional attachment and work your way to the more important items. If you start in your laundry room or linen closet you will ease yourself into the process and get used to letting go of things.
  • Eliminate whole rooms: If you are moving from a five-bedroom house to a two bedroom house, eliminate the two rooms you won’t have in the new house. Almost everything in those spaces will need to go, so it shouldn’t be hard to decide what to get rid of. You can even pick out the things you do want and then donate, pass down or toss the rest.
  • Toss duplicate items: If you have more than one of anything, pick one and get rid of the other. You will find that spaces like the kitchen have duplicate items you have accumulated over the years. Let go of the ones you will no longer need and watch your clutter disappear!
  • Reduce your collections: If you have a lot of items you have been collecting over the years it can be tough to get rid of them. Remember that your new space will not have as much room and these collections can end up as clutter. Instead of moving them, pick a couple of favorites to keep and take high-resolution pictures of the rest. Then you can remember your treasures without them taking up space.

Steps for Downsizing

  • Make yes or no piles—no maybes: Often times a “maybe” becomes a “keep”. If you’re really serious about downsizing your living situation then you will need to be efficient about letting things go.
  • Make money off unwanted items: You can sell things you don’t want on Craigslist, eBay, LetGo, Facebook Marketplace or a good ole’ fashioned yard sale. If there are items you think might be worth money have them appraised. For the most part, you will want to price your items to sell. You can also have a relative or professional that specializes in estate sales help you. You never know—you might get a little extra money towards your retirement!
  • Pass down special items: There will undoubtedly be valuable items or items of sentimental value that you will not be able to fit in your new home. Don’t be afraid to pass these down to your younger relatives who might have more space in their homes. It’s never too early to start giving legacy gifts, so ask your relatives what they might want!
  • Allow yourself time to reminisce: While you don’t want to drag this process out too long, you will also want to allow yourself a reasonable amount of time to think about the memories these items might dredge up. It’s OK to pause and reminisce, just know when it’s time to let go and get the job done.

The Emotional Impacts of Downsizing

The Emotional Impacts of Downsizing

Downsizing can be difficult for a number of reasons. There is uncertainty surrounding the process that can be scary for older adults. Not knowing whether you will like your new home or what all you can take with you can lead to sadness, anger and frustration.

You may be emotionally attached to your home. Maybe when you purchased your adult home you thought that would be the last home you ever lived in. Perhaps you feel that giving up your home will be giving up memories and attachments.

Whether you’re moving because of financial reasons, health reasons or simply need less space to maintain, you will need to focus on the positives this move will bring to your life. Here are some ways you can manage the emotions you are likely to feel when downsizing.

  • Stress the positives: Mindset is everything. As we mentioned earlier, thinking about how downsizing will make your life easier, alleviate stress or bring you closer to family is a helpful outlook. This new property might be a better fit for you physically, keeping you safer than you would be in your old home. Think of it as a fresh start!
  • Talk about your feelings: Sharing your thoughts with friends or family members is a great way to explore and validate how you’re feeling. It’s okay to cry, to remember the good times you had in your current house and express your concerns about the future. What’s unhealthy is bottling up your emotions. Talk about your feelings as much as you need to until your fears are eased. If you need to talk to a mental health professional, don’t be afraid to do so.
  • Hire a professional: There are senior moving managers that can help you sort through your things, develop a moving plan and take a strategic approach to downsizing. They can also refer you to a specialist if you are emotionally distraught. Just knowing that someone is there to help can ease a lot of tension!

Moving Tips for Senior Citizens

Moving Tips for Senior Citizens

Now that you’ve decided where you’re going to move, made a plan, purged unnecessary items and are emotionally prepared for your relocation… it’s time to move! One thing you will need to decide is how much of the move you will want to do yourself. If you haven’t hired movers yet, you will want to do so a few weeks in advance.

Pack Room by Room

Start early and pack slowly so that you don’t get overwhelmed. You can break packing into smaller tasks to make it more manageable.

Choose one small area to start with, like a drawer or closet, and start packing there. By now, you should have only the items you will be able to take with you to your new home!

Take Pictures

Take pictures of things that you may need to remember such as the cord setup behind your entertainment center. It can save you a lot of trouble when you (or someone else) is unpacking and getting you set up in your new home.

You can also take pictures of the way the rooms are set up. Not only will you be able to remember what your old home looked like, but you can arrange the new home to look as close as possible as the old one.

It’s also handy to take pictures of what is inside each box and taping a copy of the photo to the outside. Then you will know exactly what each box contains without having to open them right away.

Moving tips for senior citizens

Don’t Lift Heavy Objects

You may think that you are able to lift a heavy object on your own, but doing so puts you at risk of injury. If you throw your back out or fall because you were trying to lift something that was too heavy it will make your move much more difficult.

Instead, ask for help. Have a friend, family member or neighbor help you lift an object that might be too heavy. Even before the movers arrive it’s important to keep your health in mind.

Keep Pathways Clear During the Move

It’s important to make sure that all pathways are clear during your move. This way you can easily move about your home and avoid trip hazards. If you find that boxes are taking up space in your major walkways ask someone to move them.

You can leave boxes in your garage or place them in the middle of each room so that you can still move around on the outer edges. Just ensure you can quickly move out of your home if there is an emergency without tripping!

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Pack a Suitcase of Essentials

Think about what items you will need in the next week. What items do you use daily that you absolutely can’t live without? Keep a few pairs of clothes, any toiletries or medications you use daily and a couple of different types of shoes in the bag.

You may also want to keep items like fresh bed linens and shower utensils handy so that you can feel comfortable in your new home right away. Pack those items in a suitcase and keep it easily accessible. That way you will have those items within reach when you need them in the new home.

Hire a Moving Company

This may be one of the most essential steps. Even if you’ve downsized your belongings significantly, you will still have a few heavy or fragile items that need to move.

Professional movers will have the equipment and skills necessary to ensure your items make it safely to the new home.

Be sure to do your research and compare prices. Make sure that you hire a company that has high customer rating and has a reputation of transparency and integrity. It’s best if you do this several weeks ahead of time so that you aren’t rushing last minute to find the perfect moving company.

Staying Connected in Your New Location

Staying Connected in Your New Location

Once you’re all moved in and unpacked it’s important to make connections in your new neighborhood. If you haven’t moved far or have moved closer to family or friends this will be easy.

If you’ve moved to a new city or new country you will need to put more effort into staying connected. This means making sure you reach out to your loved ones often and encourage them to visit. You can also make new friends in your new community.

There are several options to help you make like-minded connections with people of all ages in your new community. If you practice religion joining a new church, temple or synagogue can be a great way to make new contacts.

Stay Connected in Your New Location

Most cities also have local civic, arts and cultural organizations you can join. There are senior centers where you can interact with other senior citizens. There are several non-profits that specialize in senior inclusion as well.

As long as you stay connected in your new community there is no reason you shouldn’t love your new home just as much as your old one. Choose a location that makes sense for you and plan your move. Make sure you plan ahead of time, avoid injury and ask for help when you need it. You may be only a few steps away from a new beginning!

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