Tips for Moving
Happy New Year! First post of 2019.
Yesterday, I tried to count up the many times I have moved. I think this marks my 24th move in 30 years of being alive. I might have missed some and I am not counting room shifts when in my sorority, but I am counting summer living and the few times I was sort of homeless and lived on people's couches. The longest I have lived in one place is the 4 years I spent in high school. My mom moved us in with her then boyfriend, now husband. They have happily lived in that house for 16 years now, but I only hung out for the 4. I think the shortest was when I spend a month living in my friend's uncle's den. That was not fun, but better than my car...
Anyway, to the list:
Step 1: Know your Budget.
No point in looking at places you cannot afford to live. Finding a roommate helps. In all honesty, I have never once lived alone. In part because it is really expensive and also, I hate the idea of living alone, but that is a separate topic.
Step 2: Know Where you Want to Live.
Take into account factors like distance from work, stores you frequent, gas stations, and the neighborhood in general. This is more important to me than things the place might come with. If you live in a city you have to worry about drive time and traffic. If you live in a more rural area weather becomes a factor and entertainment. Better to check out everything.
Step 3: Make a List of Must Haves Versus Wants.
This will change often. I could live without a dishwasher but man having a washer and dryer is super nice. Also parking and driveways are a big deal when living in a place with limited space. If you have or need a roommate compare your lists and make sure you will both/all be happy.
Step 4: Shop Around.
I am not always great at this. I have blindly moved into the first good place many times. It has been okay, but for sure not the smart way to pick a place to live. I have weird luck. Hoping for the best is not always a good life plan. Also, be careful. It is nice to find a place that is owned by just a person and sites like craigslist are great for finding that...but be careful...people are crazy and can be scary. If you can take a friend when you tour a place.
Step 5: Apply.
Many places charge an application fee. I think the most I paid was 100$ but most are 25$-50$. This is not something you'll get back. So be picky about applying if you can. It is a per person charge too...so make sure your roommate is good with some application fees. If you find places that don't have fees jump on that.
Step 6: Packing.
Packing tends to take two routes. There are those who pack systematically over a period of time, with labels and real boxes. Pro-tip: if you have a place that you can get free boxes, do it! Take all you can! The U-haul boxes are not too bad though a small box runs .99 cents and are really great for controlling how much stuff you pack in one box. The second type is the throw all your stuff in a bag the day before the move. I have found that a combination of the two works pretty well, but if you have movers it is better to be totally packed. If you are moving yourself, bag that stuff up.
Step 7: Moving Day.
If you can get free help take it. There is no point in trying to go it alone if you don't have to. I have paid movers for my last 2 moves and I have zero regrets about it. I understand that is not a luxury that everyone can have. Sometimes just good friends and pizza is enough though. If you are doing this alone, take your time, you got this.
Step 8: Unpacking
Unpack. You will not want to. I have often thought, "What is the point? I know I'm moving again in a year" or "I have so much time, I'll get to it later." Do not give into these thoughts. Each place you are should feel like home. So unpack, hang artwork, and make sure your bed is where you want it. It is worth it to feel comfortable in your space.
Moving is crazy stressful. No matter how many times you do it. Different people definitely handle that stress better than others. I find the key is to be patient. Eventually things well settle back down. Enjoy your new home, no matter how short a stay it might be. Hope this little guide helps someone. Helped me to write it. I know I will be moving again sooner than I would like to, but I have learned a lot in all my moves. Hope my shared tips help others and remind me to stay calm.
All my best,
Sharebear
Yesterday, I tried to count up the many times I have moved. I think this marks my 24th move in 30 years of being alive. I might have missed some and I am not counting room shifts when in my sorority, but I am counting summer living and the few times I was sort of homeless and lived on people's couches. The longest I have lived in one place is the 4 years I spent in high school. My mom moved us in with her then boyfriend, now husband. They have happily lived in that house for 16 years now, but I only hung out for the 4. I think the shortest was when I spend a month living in my friend's uncle's den. That was not fun, but better than my car...
Anyway, to the list:
Step 1: Know your Budget.
No point in looking at places you cannot afford to live. Finding a roommate helps. In all honesty, I have never once lived alone. In part because it is really expensive and also, I hate the idea of living alone, but that is a separate topic.
Step 2: Know Where you Want to Live.
Take into account factors like distance from work, stores you frequent, gas stations, and the neighborhood in general. This is more important to me than things the place might come with. If you live in a city you have to worry about drive time and traffic. If you live in a more rural area weather becomes a factor and entertainment. Better to check out everything.
Step 3: Make a List of Must Haves Versus Wants.
This will change often. I could live without a dishwasher but man having a washer and dryer is super nice. Also parking and driveways are a big deal when living in a place with limited space. If you have or need a roommate compare your lists and make sure you will both/all be happy.
Step 4: Shop Around.
I am not always great at this. I have blindly moved into the first good place many times. It has been okay, but for sure not the smart way to pick a place to live. I have weird luck. Hoping for the best is not always a good life plan. Also, be careful. It is nice to find a place that is owned by just a person and sites like craigslist are great for finding that...but be careful...people are crazy and can be scary. If you can take a friend when you tour a place.
Step 5: Apply.
Many places charge an application fee. I think the most I paid was 100$ but most are 25$-50$. This is not something you'll get back. So be picky about applying if you can. It is a per person charge too...so make sure your roommate is good with some application fees. If you find places that don't have fees jump on that.
Step 6: Packing.
Packing tends to take two routes. There are those who pack systematically over a period of time, with labels and real boxes. Pro-tip: if you have a place that you can get free boxes, do it! Take all you can! The U-haul boxes are not too bad though a small box runs .99 cents and are really great for controlling how much stuff you pack in one box. The second type is the throw all your stuff in a bag the day before the move. I have found that a combination of the two works pretty well, but if you have movers it is better to be totally packed. If you are moving yourself, bag that stuff up.
Step 7: Moving Day.
If you can get free help take it. There is no point in trying to go it alone if you don't have to. I have paid movers for my last 2 moves and I have zero regrets about it. I understand that is not a luxury that everyone can have. Sometimes just good friends and pizza is enough though. If you are doing this alone, take your time, you got this.
Step 8: Unpacking
Unpack. You will not want to. I have often thought, "What is the point? I know I'm moving again in a year" or "I have so much time, I'll get to it later." Do not give into these thoughts. Each place you are should feel like home. So unpack, hang artwork, and make sure your bed is where you want it. It is worth it to feel comfortable in your space.
Moving is crazy stressful. No matter how many times you do it. Different people definitely handle that stress better than others. I find the key is to be patient. Eventually things well settle back down. Enjoy your new home, no matter how short a stay it might be. Hope this little guide helps someone. Helped me to write it. I know I will be moving again sooner than I would like to, but I have learned a lot in all my moves. Hope my shared tips help others and remind me to stay calm.
All my best,
Sharebear
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