So, you’ve bought your dream house in your dream neighborhood. Congratulations! Now, comes the hard part.
That, of course, is moving. And many people will hire movers to make this long and tiring process easier. But you can do yourself a favor, and make moving day easier, by moving a few things yourself. If your new house is close enough to your current home, you can move these items in advance. If not, pack them in your car—they won’t take up much room and it will make the transition smoother.
A Few Outfits: Pack a suitcase with the clothes you and your family will need right away, like pajamas and comfortable outfits for the next day. If you have kids, get them involved in the process by having them pack their own bags.
Baby Essentials: If you have a little one, pack diapers, wipes, sleepers, baby food and other things the baby is going to need. And don’t forget those toys the kids just can’t live without.
Important Documents: Even the most reputable movers can lose things, and you don’t want to risk losing vital papers, such as passports, birth certificates, a marriage license or social security cards. Organize these and place them in folders to ensure nothing happens to them.
Get Ready for Mealtime: Chances are you aren’t going to want to cook after moving all day, so you’ll probably order food in, or you can prepare some meals or sandwiches in advance and keep them in a cooler. Either way, buy some paper plates, cups, napkins and plastic cutlery. This way you’ll have everything you need to eat your first meal in your new home at the ready.
Electronic Devices: Keep your laptops and tablets safe and secure by packing them separately. They can keep kids entertained as you move, and you may also find yourself needing to go online to look for stores and places to eat as you settle into your new home.
Moving a few essentials yourself will lower the stress that comes with moving and will prevent you from having to go through endless boxes to find the things you really need when you settle into your new home.