Moving is probably one of the most stressful things about purchasing a new home, and who can blame you for getting stressed out? It seems like the minute you say “I’m moving” your friends all of a sudden have a million things to do preventing them from helping you move. Here, you’ll find a few simple things you can do to minimize the stress of moving to a new home.

Purge, Purge, Purge! Everybody has things in their home that they haven’t used in ages. Things bought at yard sales that you said you would fix up and never did, clothes you would never wear but are still holding onto, and a boat load of items you meant to donate but just haven’t gotten around to. Those items have got to go! The last thing you want to do is bring the clutter and unused junk from your old home into your new home, so the first thing you want to do before even thinking about boxing things up is to rid yourself of unwanted items. Grab a bag and start throwing stuff in there, and then make the time to drive down to goodwill and donate them.

After you’ve done your purging, you want to start packing the items you aren’t currently using but still need. For example, if you’re moving in the summer you can pack all your winter clothes, coats, sleds, and holiday decorations first. Packing these items first will minimize your stress level because you can pack them months ahead of time without worrying about digging through boxes should you need them. Plus, it’ll get you halfway through the packing process before you have to think about all the things you’re currently using and big things like furniture. Just make sure you stay organized! Resist the urge to throw everything in one random box so you don’t stress yourself out unpacking.

Lastly, don’t forget to eat. Go through your cabinets and eat the non-perishable items that have been sitting there for a while, because you definitely don’t want to move into your new home with a box marked “Miscellaneous non-perishable food products”.  Get creative and see what kind of meal you can make from the Vienna Sausages and other like products. Spam and eggs anyone? And remember, packing up a home is going to take some time, so make sure you’re not starting at the last minute!

Need more advice on moving? Email me: mickey@themickeygroup.com