Moving to Minnesota

It’s a sure bet that we can all agree that moving is a stressful life event. However, a process will make a move emotionally and physically easier. You can transform moving day from a potentially stressful experience into a fun event with the correct attitude. Yes, it is true. I know these things because I have moved 22 different times in my life and five times over the last eleven years. Sounds exhausting, right? Not really. I like to move most of the time, and I was excited and optimistic. It was an adventure, and I was up for the challenge. Stressful? Some stress is expected, but it can be rewarding if you focus on the positive change ahead, be it a new job, a new city, a new neighborhood, or a newly purchased home.

Advice from a Top Team of Relocation Realtors in MN

In addition to having a positive attitude, there are other steps you can take to make a move go smoothly. Here are my best tips for moving without losing your mind in the process.

Organize

Good organization is critical to the success of the entire movie. Make a plan with a timeline for all the essential steps involved in the process, such as hiring a mover, packing, turning on the electricity, and setting up your WIFI. Everything will fall into place when you develop a great plan and stick to it.

Professional Mover or Friends?

I’ve made several professional moves and used family and friends who worked for pizza and beer. If you do not have much furniture, moving with friends can transform your moving day into a party. Just keep two things in mind: it will take longer than you expect, and don’t crack open the beer until the very end.

If it’s not your first rodeo, you have most likely acquired furnishings and many possessions. I suggest hiring professionals to move you. It will be money well spent, and saving yourself a mountain of stress is priceless. Also, if it is a job-related move, check the latest tax code because it may be a deductible expense.

Find a Mover You Can Trust

The sooner you reserve a moving date, the more flexibility you will have. Keep in mind that most rental leases expire at the end of the month, so those dates will be the quickest to fill up.

Ask friends and relatives for recommendations and read reviews for movers online. Make sure you have someone come out to your home and give you an estimate on cost, even if you live in a tiny hobbit house. Also, confirm that your belongings will be insured for damage or loss.

Declutter and Purge

Moving stuff you no longer need or want results in more work for you and more money you will spend. Go through all your closets, drawers, and cabinets designating which items you will throw away, donate, or keep. Believe me, when you unpack at your new digs, you will thank yourself a hundred times for making an effort to do this now.

Purchase Packing Materials

You will need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, and Sharpies. My favorite place for all these items is a UHaul Service Center, and you can also rent plastic storage boxes.

High five if you can score free moving boxes. Some movers will even supply the boxes as a perk, and this option can save you a few hundred dollars worth consideration.

Start Packing

Begin the packing process at least 30 days before you move. Begin with items you won’t miss or hardly use, like books, memorabilia, decorative objects, and seasonal items.

Set up a system of labeling the boxes. If you like to keep it simple, writing the room on the package may be enough. For those who need to know the items that they packed in each carton, there’s an app for that! 

Establish a daily number of boxes you want to pack as your goal. If a priority pops up and you miss a day, make up for it. Do not procrastinate. Running out of time and throwing things into boxes that are improperly wrapped, packed, and recorded will cause you undue stress when you arrive at your new destination.

Utilities

You will need to discontinue gas and electric service in your old residence and start it up in your new one. You can do this on the internet in most cases. If it’s a local move and using the same utility company, it’s easy peasy. I also suggest having your WIFI ready to go on move-in day. Lastly, don’t overlook changing your address with the post office. You can do this online as well.

Arrival Survival Kit

You will need some things right away when you move into your new home.  I generally pack these items in a suitcase that I take with me. Here are the items that make up my survival kit.

• a complete change of clothing
• Toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, towels
• sheets for each bed
• bed pillows
• jammies
• Tablet or laptop
• Electronic chargers
• Medications

Valuables and Important Documents

A safety deposit box is a way to go for expensive jewelry and documents that would be a nuisance to replace. You can also pack those separately and take them with you as well.

Now I leave you with one last tip. When you get to your new place, prioritize setting up the beds. Even if your moving experience comes off flawlessly, everyone will be exhausted by the end of the day.