Moving is considered one of the most stressful experiences a person can endure. When you’re in college, moving is customary on a yearly basis because you typically move from one dorm room to the next. When you know you’ll have to move on a consistent basis, there’s a sense of discomfort that can come along with that knowledge. Thankfully, there are ways you can make your moving experience not only much easier but with as little chaos as possible. Consider the following tips.
Create a To-Do List
A month before your move, sit down and create a comprehensive to-do list. This will help you stay organized and on track as you prepare for the big day. Make sure to include all of the essential tasks, such as securing housing and arranging for utilities. If you’re moving off-campus, you’ll also need to take care of practicalities like setting up cable and internet service. And don’t forget to allow time for packing up your belongings and cleaning your old place – the last thing you want is to be rushed at the last minute. By taking care of everything in advance, you can ensure that your move goes smoothly and without any stressful surprises.
Enlist Help
When it comes to moving, enlisting help is key. Whether it’s family, friends, or a professional moving company, getting assistance will make the process much easier. If you have people who are able and willing to help, take advantage of their offer! Having extra hands around will make it much easier to move heavy boxes and furniture. If you’re hiring a moving company, for example, someone like Gameday Moving Services, be sure to communicate your needs and expectations clearly before they begin moving your things around. Such as what boxes are fragile, even if they’re labeled, and where you want things both when they’re in transit and when you get to your new place. Doing so will help ensure that they provide the level of service you’re hoping for. In any case, enlisting some kind of help is a smart way to make your move go more smoothly.
If you choose to draw your move out over a couple of days, you can wait until the day you have to move larger furniture or a greater amount of items to enlist help. This will mean that everything gets done quickly, as opposed to making the moving day an all-day event.
Create Space to Relax
In the midst of a move, it’s important to create space for rest and relaxation. If you try to do everything in one day, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed and bogged down. Instead, use your to-do list to create a strategic timeline. Within your moving timeline, set up blocks of time for rest and relaxation. If you know that you’ll have a hectic morning, set a time in the evening to sit and dine at a restaurant. Get a pedicure the morning after you’ve been on your feet the entire day. As you schedule relaxation within the drama of moving, it’ll feel less chaotic. By taking some time for yourself, you’ll be able to approach the rest of your move with fresh energy and a clear mind.
Pack and Unpack Methodically
A move can be a hectic time. Packing up everything you own and transporting it to a new location is no small feat. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, it’s important to pack and unpack methodically. When packing, be sure to label each box with its contents and the room it needs to go in, even if you’re moving into something like a small one-bedroom apartment or a studio. Label the boxes with the area they belong in so you know how to keep them organized. This will help movers know where to place items and will keep you organized. When unpacking, don’t leave items in the car that can be damaged by heat or sunlight. Instead, unload them first and put them in their designated spot.
Another tip would be if you choose to move your belongings over a period of time, take a few things every day and unpack them when you get there. This way you’re not trying to move and unpack everything in one day, which can become a hassle and a chore very quickly. Drawing the process out over a couple of days allows you to go at your own pace and keep your stress levels low.
Heading back to college after a long winter break, or starting college for the first time, can be daunting. Not only do you have to adjust to living on your own, but you also have to juggle a demanding course load and extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s important that you how you’re living in your apartment, as it can become an important place to relax and get away from your responsibilities.
When getting ready to move, there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother. For instance, start packing early and make a list of everything you need to take with you. This will help you avoid last-minute scrambling and feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, reach out to your roommates or classmates before you move in so that you can get to know them better and start forming relationships. Finally, try to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings ahead of time by exploring the campus or city. By taking some proactive steps, you can ease the transition back into college life and set yourself up for success.