At Stress Free Corporate Housing we are determined to help you experience that “Home Sweet Home” feeling. Are you wondering why? Because 23 years in Corporate Housing supports a company wide belief that our expertise should serve our customers. This corporate culture is not only in our name, it is how we do business.
For most, moving, no matter the distance can be exhausting. So, we are here to share time-saving tips to help you create a streamlined move, eliminate surprises, and reduce stress. Keep in mind that even if things do not go as planned, (life is always full of surprises) it does not mean they won’t work out. Our first recommendation is-prepare and allow ample time; the transition and entire experience will be smoother.
In addition to adequate time to pack up your belongings and make the necessary arrangements to facilitate the move, give yourself and your family some time to acclimate. Adapting to a new environment can have its challenges. The following recommendations should help you to get settled.
Unpack your belongings as soon as possible so the new place feels more familiar. If children are involved, you can help them to feel settled by setting up their rooms as quickly as possible. Get them involved; let them select new bedding, or a tent fort. Allow them to make their space special in some way. It does not have to cost a lot–perhaps they can decide where their toy area will be, and organize their toys? If a child is old enough, ask their opinion on how would like to arrange their bedroom furniture. Let them know you are in this together.
Whether a single person, or a family on the move the following information should help in some aspect, even if you are fearless.
Organizational Tips Before the Move
- Make a list, granted it’s old fashioned–so make it on your mobile if you wish, and set reminders on your calendar. Remember to turn off or transfer the utilities, cable/internet service, and such. Set a reminder for the day. Include all activities even simple to do’s; such as picking up dry cleaning or donating can items to a church or food bank. Lighten your load; attempt to scale down on furnishings by scheduling donation pickups of items just not practical to take along. Schedule the charities pick up day. Most call with a time range.
- Keep keys and other important items off the moving truck. It is best to create a designated spot for keys during the last week of your preparation.
- Make an open me first box, for medicine, vitamins, toilet paper, items you will need within 24 hours of your arrival.
- Write down an item summary of contents on the outside of each of your boxes. Include “Upack first” for essential kitchen items and essential bathroom and bedroom items.
- Number your boxes, so nothing gets lost. However; if it does, you can claim it if you have images of the items.
- Take a photo with your phone of a group of your numbered boxes– it’s your inventory record.
- Save on bubble wrap use your towels and blankets to protect breakables
- Make sure to complete a “change of address” form from the U.S. Postal Service, so there is no delay in receiving your mail.
- Save a box marked “Important stuff” – things that would prove unsettling if lost in the move. Keep it close at hand, perhaps in your car. Many stores sell the small, plastic file folders–ideal for birth certificates and passports, etc.
- Don’t forget to update statements; such as credit card billing, banking, and insurance statements.
- If you look forward to relaxing by enjoying one of your favorite TV shows or a good movie, do not forget to transfer your Internet, satellite, or cable provider. This goes for the electric company, too.
- Be good to yourself–take a walk to unwind, or hunt for unique finds to give your new home a personalized sense of you. Indulge in an activity you will enjoy.
- Before your move visit a friend or family you will miss.
- Sort and donate clothing. Do the same thing for books, shoes, dishes, furnishings, small appliances, bicycles, lawnmowers, and the like. Another option would be to sell unwanted items on eBay or craigslist. In a few days, you can turn extra clutter into extra cash.
- See if area liquor stores can save you some of their smaller boxes with dividers. They are great for packing breakables, wine and champagne glasses, kitchen glasses and mugs–also perfect for bathroom toiletries.
After the Move
In the middle of a sea of boxes you may be wondering what to do first. Think about functionality, what you will need to live–eat, sleep, and bathe properly. In the boxes you have labeled for specific rooms begin by unpacking your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom boxes first.
Identify storage areas for non-seasonal garments and decorations. Let’s talk closet space–free up valuable space by rotating your wardrobe. Place lightweight summer items in the closet if the time of year is appropriate, and store bulky winter sweaters, warm wool, and such in suitcases in your closet, or in garment bags under the bed until the season warrants you exchange them for the summer items in your wardrobe.
As you unpack your wardrobe boxes and suitcases remember to set up your closet by any combination of the following-
Color – place rows of clothing items that are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown, black, white, etc. near each other, not mixed. The same holds true with printed items.
Print – flowered, checkered, plaid, paisley, striped and in the similar color groups.
Separate- by grouping evening attire and work attire. No sense in mixing torn jeans and beach cover-ups with business suits.
Maximize space-by hanging removable stick-on hooks to back of closet doors, or closet walls to hang belts, purses, and scarves. Buy small racks or cubes to keep things ordered. It will save you time in the morning so you don’t have to hunt for a specific item–a blouse, a belt or a pair of shoes.
Suggestions to bring calm and happiness after you are settled…
Adopt a dog
Share the love–consider adopting a fur-baby, giving children something to focus on, if old enough to take on some of the responsibilities of per ownership. Canines help humans to reduce stress. Owning a dog can lower anxiety and loneliness while improving your physical health. Walking a dog can be a fantastic opportunity to meet new people in the neighborhood, as can be dog parks and pet stores.
Dive in
What was it our parents said–nothing ventured, nothing gained. Millennial’s’ have taken this old adage to a new level. Brave and positive Millennial’s’ set the right example. Allow me to elaborate.
Expand your horizons via knowledge
Attending classes is an excellent way to interact with people regularly. Do you have a desire to learn a foreign language? Enrich your life–seek a class that sparks your interest; such as gym classes, pottery, tennis lessons, cooking classes, computer classes, Oh, La, La –ballroom dance. Do you have a flair for the dramatic? If so, how about acting lessons? There is photography, and book clubs, writing workshops, or golf lessons. Not every activity holds appeal for each individual. Consider joining a social or networking club or volunteer at a museum. You can do this! Don’t give up and don’t settle with solitude, unless of course you need rest after the move.
Okay here is where I answer that question that may be lurking in the back of your mind–why should I listen to this woman?”
It is not because I work for a corporate housing company, it’s because there’s extensive evidence via research done supporting that social people who interact and form friendships can live healthier and longer lives.
Do a good thing-serve the community
Maybe you will reap the rewards, too? One way to meet potential future friends is by getting involved in a cause or project in your new home town. Enjoy volunteering? Research nearby volunteer opportunities at local community organizations, or at www.volunteermatch.org.
You got this!
Are you wondering how to start? I recommend you begin by exploring your new city to determine if there is a gym, museum, or college campus, nearby. Remember, even if you begin with baby steps, taking your first step to meet like-minded people is what’s most important. Your perspective can play a positive role in adapting. Think of your new environment as a blank canvas and look for the things that make you happy. Take notice of that great coffee shop, a kind neighbor, a breathtaking park, fabulous historical architecture. With change comes growth. Explore your new city and paint your canvas with rich life experiences.
By J. Giordan
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