About 32 million Americans relocate annually. Some move for work or studies, while others relocate to escape the high cost of living or move together with their fiancé. If there’s one state that experiences most of these movements, it’s California.
Around 50% of Californians leave the state due to the high cost of living. At the same time, an average of five million people moved in the last few years. Regardless of your reasons for moving in or out of California or any other state, here are the strategies that can help make your move easy:
1. Create a checklist
You need to know what you own, what you intend to transport to your destination, and what you should leave behind. That is why a checklist is important. Your checklist will give you an idea of the sheer amount of work that needs doing. It will help ensure you don’t forget anything important until the last minute. A good plan of attack will make your relocation easier.
2. Label everything
When packing your things, you need to label everything. That includes the things you don’t think are extremely important.
Assign what you own to different boxes and label them based on where they will go in the new home. Specify which box needs to be opened first. If you have more than one big box that is going into one room of the house, then write down the kind of items that are in that box. Could they be appliances, crockery, cutlery, or bowls?
Labeling will enable movers to know how to unpack things efficiently. It will also save your sanity.
3. Delegate some tasks
You don’t have to do it all. Ask for help when moving to a new place. You can start by asking your employer if they offer relocation assistance. Then, call your family and friends to help you pack. Also, let the professional movers do their job. Did you know that there are car transport services in California that can move your car for you? Delegate those kinds of tasks. There is no need to risk driving over a long distance through routes you are unfamiliar with just to save money. Be with your family during the move, if possible. Children tend to get stressed out during moves, so being there for them would help.
4. Get rid of what you don’t need
The more things you have to move, the more expensive and stressful it would be to move them. So, travel as light as possible. When packing your belongings, have boxes to put in things that can be donated recycled, shared with family and friends, thrown away, and sold. You can always throw one last garage sale to get rid of things you don’t want to keep in your new place. The money you make during the sale may offset some of your moving costs.
Relocation provides people with opportunities to start life anew. When handled well, moving can be quite exciting and fun. But if you have no idea what you are doing, relocation can be stressful. Make sure you are organized and be willing to let others do some of the work. It may cost you a significant amount of money, but letting professionals do most of the work will reduce your stress levels.