When you move into a new home, it’s usually a time of joy and excitement. Fresh beginnings are exhilarating. But moving is also one of the most universally stressful parts of the human experience. While you might not be able to make your move easy, per se, there are definitely steps you can take to simplify and streamline the moving process.

With some careful planning and organization, you can make the transition into your new space much smoother and more manageable. Here are some key strategies to help you make your move easier.

Start Getting Organized Long Before Moving Day

As with anything complex and daunting, you’ll want to start planning your move well in advance. Start by creating a timeline (even just a rough one with general dates) that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before moving day, such as decluttering, packing, and hiring movers.

Starting early will give you plenty of time to tackle each task gradually, reducing last-minute stress. You might break up the decluttering and packing tasks into rooms, allowing yourself a day or two for each room.

Don’t Put Everything Into Boxes!

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. Go through each room and decide what items you want to keep, donate, or discard.

Getting rid of unnecessary clutter will not only make packing and unpacking easier but also help you start fresh when you move into your new home.

Make Sure You Have the Right Moving Supplies

Moving is a lot easier with the right tools.

Stock up on packing supplies such as trash bags, boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers well in advance. Having all the necessary supplies on hand will make the packing process more efficient and ensure that your belongings are properly protected during transit.

Do You Need Professional Movers?

The answer is probably yes. While moving on your own can save money, hiring professional movers can significantly reduce the stress and physical labor involved in the process.

Research moving companies in your area and read reviews to find a reputable and reliable company that fits your budget. Booking movers well in advance will ensure that you secure the date and time that works best for you.

Notify Utilities of Your Move and Change Your Address

Don’t forget to notify your utility providers of your move and schedule disconnection and reconnection dates for services such as electricity, water, and internet.

Additionally, update your address with banks, credit card companies, and any other relevant institutions to ensure that you continue to receive important mail. You can also have the post office forward your mail for up to 6 months following your move so you don’t miss anything important. Just make sure to change it to your new address when you’re ready.

Decide on a Packing Strategy

Strategic packing now will make unpacking easier after the move.

Label each box with its contents (details are important!) and the room it belongs to, and consider creating an inventory list to keep track of everything. Pack essential items separately and keep them easily accessible for when you first arrive at your new home. You might also pack a “first night box.” This is just what it sounds like: a box full of things you might need on your first night in the new home, such as:

• linens and pillows,
• a change of clothes and pajamas,
• personal items like toiletries and chargers,
• important documents, keys, and essentials
• packaged snacks and a simple pantry meal like pasta and jarred sauce,
• toilet paper and paper towels

The special thing about the first night box (or bag) is that it travels with you, not on the moving truck. This way, you have everything you need for the first night or two and you don’t have to start tackling the unpacking job immediately upon your arrival in your new home.

For more tips on what to pack, bring and how to tackle it all, there are a number of apps and services to help. Some can even help you create a simple, digital inventory system so you know exactly what’s in each box, where it’s going, how fragile it really is.

Prepare Your New Home for the Move

When you get overwhelmed with packing up your old home, it can be easy to forget that your new home needs a little preparation, too.

Clean the space thoroughly, and if necessary, paint or make any large-scale changes beforehand. It can be helpful to complete a walkthrough of your new home with a family member to familiarize yourself with the layout and decide where you want to place large pieces of furniture.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy Your New Home!

Once you’ve landed with all your boxes in your new home, resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Take a moment to celebrate and relax!

When you’re ready, focus on unpacking essential items first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials. Take your time to unpack room by room, starting with the most important areas like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, before moving on to less essential spaces.

Because those less essential spaces can take some time to unpack. Determining where things go – like which drawer will hold your silverware versus your cookware – can take some playing around with. Things will change as you get used to your new space, so don’t get married to anything (or anywhere) too quickly.

Make Your Move Into a New Home Extra Easy with the Home Builders at Brighton Crossings

Our home builders have the tools, resources, experience and knowledge to help you through your move. And some can give you great connections and even offer incentives.

Right now, Brookfield Residential is making your move extra easy with a new incentive, but you need to act fast–these perks only run through February 29!

If you contract a new home in the Brookfield Residential Mosaic Portfolio by February 29, you can get up to $12,000 towards financing and a move-in package that includes a new refrigerator, washer and dryer. Mark “get new appliances” and “buy a new home” off your list on the same day with this generous and limited-time offer. Only a few more days until it’s gone!

While moving into a new home can be a daunting task, with careful planning and organization, you can make the process much easier and less stressful.

By starting early, decluttering, hiring professional movers, and staying organized throughout the process, you can ensure a smooth transition into your new space. So, take a deep breath, stay focused, and soon you’ll be enjoying your new home sweet home.