Moving is stressful. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. From the packing and the planning to the actual move, it can be a real headache. And then there’s the unpacking! But don’t worry — we’re here to help with some moving day tips! Just a few simple moving day solutions can make the process run more smoothly.

Grab your favorite warm, comforting beverage and settle in as we discuss some of the most common reasons why moving is stressful and solutions to make the process easier.

Shipping Your Car

If you’re moving long distances, you might need to ship your car. This can be a stressful process, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are a few car-related moving day tips:

• Get insurance: Shipping your car is a big investment, so make sure you’re properly insured. Companies like Travelers will protect your car in case of any damage during shipping.
• Research shipping companies: Not all shipping companies are created equal. The CitizenShipper marketplace is a time and cost- place to personally select a car transportation professional for your move. CitizenShipper provides a highly personalized shipping and relocation experience. Transparency is a priority and you’re able to negotiate directly with potential transporters, minimizing anxiety from quote to delivery.
• Prepare your car: Before your car is shipped, make sure to clean it out and remove all personal items. You should also disable the alarm system and have a spare key available.

Packing and Planning

One of the most stressful parts of moving is packing up all of your belongings. It can be tough to decide what to bring and what to leave behind, and it can be even tougher to actually get everything packed up. If you’re feeling stressed about packing, here are a few moving day tips that might help:

• Declutter before you pack: Remember, everything that you pack up will also have to be unpacked. Before you start putting things into boxes, consider whether you really want the items to be moved to your new home. Start a trash box and a donate box. Don’t take anything with you that you don’t want.
• Start early: The sooner you start packing, the better. Starting early gives you plenty of time to sort through your belongings and make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. It will also eliminate the stress of rushing. You’ll have plenty of time to make good decisions about everything.
• Get organized: Make a list of everything that you need to pack, and then group items together by room. Then, label boxes accordingly. This way, you won’t be sifting through loads of tagless boxes when you get into your new home. This will also help you stay organized and make packing a breeze.
• Pack an essentials bag: Don’t forget to pack a bag of essential items that you’ll need for the first few days after you move. This should include things like toiletries, clothes, and any medications you might need.

The Day of the Move

Moving day can be chaotic, especially if you’re doing it yourself. There’s a lot to think about, and it’s easy to forget things. Help make the process go smoothly with these tips for the day of the move:

• Make a plan: Before the big day, sit down and make a plan. Decide who is going to be responsible for what, and make sure everyone knows what needs to be done.
• Pack a moving day kit: This should include things like snacks, drinks, a first aid kit, and any other items you might need throughout the day.
• Take breaks: Moving is exhausting, so make sure to take breaks throughout the day. Go for a walk, read a book, or watch a movie. This will help you relax and rejuvenate. You don’t have to do it all in one day! This will help you stay refreshed and avoid getting too overwhelmed.
• Hire professionals: If you’re feeling really stressed about the move, consider hiring professional movers. They can handle all of the heavy lifting for you, which will make the process a lot easier.

Unpacking it All

After the move, you’ll need to unpack all of your belongings. This can be an overwhelming task, but there are ways to make it less stressful.

• Start with the essentials: Unpack the items that you’ll need first, like clothes and toiletries. This will help you feel more settled in your new home. Once you have your essentials, you will be ready to start tackling the rest of the work.
• Take your time: Don’t try to unpack everything in one day. Spread it out over a few days or even weeks. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can unpack things room by room so that you won’t have empty boxes and messes everywhere. By keeping the mess contained, you’ll feel less stressed and more organized.
• Ask for help: If you’re feeling really stressed about unpacking, ask friends or family members to come over and help. They can lend a hand and make the process go much smoother.

Dealing with the Stress

Moving is stressful, there’s no doubt about it. But there are ways to deal with the stress so that it doesn’t take over your life.

• Stay organized: This will help you stay on top of everything and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Make to-do lists to keep you on track so that you won’t have to keep up with the mental load of everything. Put it all onto paper, and then give your brain a break.
• Talk to someone: If you’re feeling really overwhelmed, talk to someone who can help. This could be a friend, family member, or therapist. They can offer support and help you through this tough time.

Your Favorite Furry Friends

Moving can be especially stressful for pets. They might not understand what’s happening and they could get scared or anxious. To help make the transition easier for them, here are a few tips:

• Transport your pet: Relocating your pet via airline can be stressful, not only for your pet, but also for you. Plus, many dogs are simply ineligible for airplane transportation. Consider hiring a pet transporter through CitizenShipper. Drivers on the platform pass a stringent background check and many have years of experience transporting pets. Most transporters stay in touch throughout the journey, providing updates for your peace of mind.
• Keep their routine the same: As much as possible, try to keep your pet’s routine the same. This will help them feel more comfortable in their new home.
• Create a safe space: Set up a quiet place for your pet to go when they need some time to themselves. This could be a crate or a designated room in your house.
• Introduce them slowly: When you first get to your new home, introduce your pet to the space slowly. Let them explore at their own pace and get comfortable with their new surroundings.

Settling into Your New Home Sweet Home

After you’ve unpacked and settled into your new home, it’s important to take some time to relax. This is a big adjustment, and it can be overwhelming.

Here are a few post-moving day tips:

• Explore your new neighborhood: Take some time to walk around and explore. This will help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.
• Meet your neighbors: Get to know the people who live around you. This will help you feel more connected to your community.
• Find your favorite spots: Discover the places that you love in your new city or town. This could be a coffee shop, park, or restaurant. Having a few favorite spots will help you feel more at home.

Moving is a big change, and it can be stressful. But by following these tips, you can make the transition smoother and less overwhelming. With time and patience, you’ll be settled into your new home in no time. And then you can start enjoying all that your new community has to offer!

CitizenShipper offers affordable and reliable moving day solutions from pet transportation to car shipping and more. Post a listing for any shipping need and get free quotes from vetted transporters within minutes!

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