In theory, finding a new place to live is a very exciting moment. Whether you have just signed a lease on your first apartment, or you have just purchased your dream home, you are likely happy about the idea of settling into your new place and starting a fresh chapter. But first, you have to move, and for many, moving is a major chore.
It's okay if you feel this way. You are not alone. Here are 10 things we all hate about moving:
1. Creating a Packing Timeline
Getting organized is often the most difficult part of the moving process. It's important to remember that you cannot procrastinate when it comes to creating a timeline and packing your stuff. In the weeks leading up to the move, you should make a timeline for packing your stuff. Begin purging what you do not need to take with you, and start packing the items that you use less frequently. Don't forget to make a last-minute packing list of all the things you use on a daily basis.
2. Making Inevitable Packing Mistakes
It doesn't seem to matter how organized you are and how hard you try to pack your moving boxes perfectly, packing mistakes are often inevitable. There is nothing more frustrating than finding out that one item got separated from the rest, and is located in an unknown box. Or, you may try to pack a box too quickly and avoid packing it properly, only to open it up and find a broken item inside it.
3. Realizing You Need Storing During Your Move
If you have found yourself in a situation where you will be moving out of one place before you can have access to your new one, you may have to resort to storing your items in a storage facility. This particularly frustrating when it is unexpected, and you cannot plan for the moving and storage expense in advance. Putting your stuff in storage can significantly increase the overall cost of moving.
4. Asking Friends to Help with the Move
Asking for favors is never easy, especially when that favor often requires your friend or family member to give up an entire day of their weekend to help you. The good news is, you are not the first person — nor the last — in your group of friends or within your family to move. If you ask someone to help you move, chances are they are going to need that same favor in the future. If all else fails, you can resort to bribery. Very few people are willing to turn down the chance to have a free meal of pizza and beer at the end of a long day of moving.
5. Finding Out You Have to Pay Movers
If for some reason you do not have any friends or family members who can help you pack up your stuff, load it onto a truck and help you get it to your new place, then you may have to hire professional movers. This is not something that anybody enjoys doing, but it may be unavoidable. If you are going to hire movers, make sure you take the time needed to find reputable movers who can be trusted.
6. Dealing with Stopping and Starting Utilities
Another logistic that people often forget about when they are moving is stopping their current utilities and starting them up at their new place. It can sometimes seem impossible to break up with your current cable company, especially as they try to lure you back in with fresh deals. It also can be challenging to make sure that your utilities stay on up until the moment that you move, while also verifying that they will be up and running at your new place when you arrive.
7. Moving with Pets Undertow
From large, excitable dogs to skittish cats or smaller animals in tanks, moving with your pets can be a logistical challenge. You have to consider their basic care and needs during every step of the move, while also being mindful of the emotional impact that moving can have on an animal.
8. Cleaning Your Old Place and Your New One
When you are going to be leaving one house and moving into a new one, you need to set aside plenty of time for cleaning. It's never fun to spend several hours cleaning your old house from top to bottom only to find out that you are going to be doing those same chores once again in your new home. If you are planning a move, you will want to make sure to take time to dust all surfaces, clean the floors and clean the bathrooms before you leave. Then, make sure you do a surface cleaning of your new home before you move all of your stuff into it. It's always best to start on a clean, fresh slate.
9. Driving Back and Forth Between Your Old and New Homes
You may think that you have put the worst of it behind you once you have packed all of the boxes and loaded them up, but now begins the process of transporting your items to your new house. If you are moving within close proximity, you may find that you may several trips back and forth in one day. This can become tiring, so don't forget to play your favorite tunes along the way to keep it fun.
10. Saying Goodbye to Your Favorite Neighbors
Moving can be physically exhausting, but it's also emotionally draining. Saying goodbye to your old neighbors is never easy, but it's important to remember that you can stay in touch. Plus, remember that you will have another opportunity to build lasting relationships with your new neighbors after you move in.
The process of moving is often tedious and stressful, but it's important to remember that the reward is worth it. You will be happy that you made the effort to move when you are setting up your new place exactly the way that you like it.
