It is common for military families to have to move frequently. These transitions can be challenging, as aspects like moving with children can make the process stressful without good planning. Preparing for your move a few weeks before the day will help reduce any anxiety you may have about the transition.
Whether you are an expert or this is your first time switching homes, before your next move, remember these tips to ensure that your experience is as stress-free and positive as possible.
1. Declutter as often as you can
Over the years, a house can start to accumulate a significant amount of your belongings. It is best to frequently declutter your home. It helps to determine if you want to keep something based off of whether you are willing to move it to another house down the line.
Military.com recommended going through everything as frequently as every 10 days, especially if you have children who tend to collect a number of toys. Go through their closets with them and figure out what they are willing to get rid of. Having a yard sale with any items you do not want to keep but are not willing to throw away will reduce the amount of stress you feel on moving day.
2. Choose trustworthy packers
When your spouse is away and you are responsible for moving everything on your own, movers and packers are extremely valuable. While most people focus on finding movers they can trust – which is important – they often forget to focus on finding reliable packers. They are the ones who will be making sure that your belongings get to your destination in one piece, so it is essential that you can trust them. Sometimes it can even be worth it to praise their hard work, as this often encourages them to do a better job.
3. Pack a box for your first day
According to MilitarySpouse, packing a box with all of the essentials you will need for your first day at your new home will make the moving process run a lot smoother. Think of everything, from towels for showering to a broom to get rid of any debris that enters the house after moving boxes in and out all day. Be sure that your box is not put in the moving truck with all of the others. Sometimes using a bag instead of a box can make these items easier to carry and may fit better in your car.
4. Take pictures of complicated cords
If you do not know the ins and outs of the cables and cords involved in the setup of your electronics, it can be challenging to reinstall everything without assistance after you move. Before unplugging electronic devices like your television and computer, it can save you a lot of trouble to snap a picture. When you get to your new house, you can refer to the photo as you plug everything back in.
5. Have a plan for unpacking
A home overflowing with unpacked boxes can be overwhelming. Having a plan can speed up the process. After a couple of moves, you may have determined what works for your family. For example, if you have children, tell them that after unpacking five boxes you will go to a nearby park or pizza place to motivate them.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to never open more than one box at once. This makes everything feel more chaotic. Tackle one at a time and take breaks if you feel yourself start to get stressed out.