Emotions can vary from joy to dread (or a mixture of both) when it comes to the idea of moving. It is exciting to live someplace new, but at the same time.. There is just so much to be done before one is able to settle down and enjoy the new environment. However, there are a few things that you can do in order to minimize stress and actually enjoy the move. 

Hire professional movers

This might seem like an obvious one, but most would much rather save on the cost of hiring professional movers, believing that they are able to do the task themselves. While they could potentially facilitate the move themselves, having cross country movers do the heavy work will definitely take the strain off. It is a trade off between whether the cost is worth minimizing your stress or suffer the stress but save your money. 

Use this opportunity to declutter

If it no longer serves a purpose, you can choose to bin it or donate it. Hoarding is a problem in many households because it is simple to throw something in a corner (or a storeroom) and completely forget about it. This is the perfect opportunity to clear out your closet, pick and choose which pieces of furniture you are unwilling to part with and discover which decorative items are frivolous. A rule of thumb is, if you have forgotten you had it, it should probably go. We are prone to finding something from the past and convincing ourselves that we will start using it again. The truth of it is, there is a reason it was forgotten in the first place. 

Settle your utility plans and bills

While electricity and gas are mostly pay as you go, it is possible to make arrangements with the respective companies and telling them to disconnect you at a certain time. This will make sure you are not excessively charged. It would come as such a shock to receive a notice months later when you have already settled into your new home and have not thought about any outstanding bills you might have at your old place. Another useful thing to do would be to create a list of utilities you have to deal with so you do not miss out on any. 

Update your address

On the list of things you should do in advance, one of them is updating your address. It is far better to receive something at your new home in advance than to miss some mail after you have left. 

Label right and specifically

One big help is to make sure all the boxes are labelled correctly. When you first move into your new home, you will be largely living out of boxes as it will take time to unpack. Nothing is more frustrating than opening a bunch of boxes to search for a cup or some other knick-knack. While most people choose to label their boxes according to where they belong to in the house (such as “kitchen” or “bathroom”, etc) it would be more prudent to label it according to what is inside the box such as “glassware” or “study books”. Be specific and searching for your personal belongings will be a breeze.