Every year as the 1st of July nears, Quebecers everywhere start feeling their stress levels rise. That date is the unofficial National Relocation Day of la belle province, as thousands of renters pack up and move all on the same day.
Whether it’s your first move or your tenth, a change of address always involves a ton of technical issues to resolve, people to contact, micro-tasks to complete, and details to remember so that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Most people find themselves going through a long list of elements to consider, including:
- Finding/purchasing boxes
- Packing your belongings
- Calling friends for help
- Arranging for a new internet hookup
- Transferring keys to new tenant
- Reserving a parking spot for moving day
And of course, this doesn’t include other difficulties such as pre-cleaning the new apartment, plastering and painting walls, carrying heavy furniture up and down stairs, etc. It’s a big list!
On top of all this, there’s the process of adapting to a new environment, and the need to develop that sense of feeling at home in a new space. It’s therefore not surprising that, for many people, moving generates a lot of anxiety as the big day draws near.
To help you get through what can feel like a cataclysmic event with as much peace of mind as possible, we’ve prepared a list of 10 tips that can help you reduce your stress levels, and allow you to take on your move with enthusiasm and serenity.
1. Take Time Off Work
One of the best ways to reduce your stress levels during a move is to take more than enough time off work to get it done. This will allow you to gently settle into your new living space, and gives you time to get organized as much as possible before resuming your daily routine.
2. Book a Moving Truck Well in Advance
As soon as you know the date of your move, book yourself a truck big enough to move all of your furniture. This is doubly true if you’re planning on moving on July 1st in Quebec, when moving trucks are more scarce than any other day of the year. Otherwise, you might find yourself trying to move all of your belongings in a four-door sedan!
3. Sharpen Your Organizational Skills
Think ahead and try to plan out the spaces in your new home. Plan for what furniture you will need to sell or purchase. Label your boxes according to the rooms they’re destined for, or use a simple and easy-to-read colour code. Ideally this will help reduce the amount of things you’ll need to remember on a busy moving day, and help manage last-minute surprises you might run into.
4. Pack Your Boxes Like a Pro
Start to pack as early as reasonably possible, beginning by packing things you don’t use often. You should also:
- Set aside a box for things you’ll give to charity
- Distribute heavy items smartly so that boxes don’t rip
- Mark the heaviest boxes so that they’re easy to spot
- Pack an all-important “first night” box that is easy to identify. It should contain all the essential items you will need when you arrive in your new home.
5. Set Up Your Basic Services
Often forgotten by first-time movers (or by forgetful veteran movers) is the time it takes to activate services such as internet, cable and hydro. Very often, these service providers require at least a week’s notice. If you don’t call in advance, you might find yourself relying on the local coffee shop’s wifi for weeks before you can secure an appointment with a technician.
6. Plan for Your Pet’s Move
If you have a cat, dog or any other pet at home, it’s important to carefully plan their move as well. Consider the need for a transport cage, where the cage will go in your vehicle, and where your animal can settle down upon arrival. This way, you can spare your pet the stress of moving day, and they too will be able to settle into their new environment with peace of mind.
7. Get to Know Your New Neighbourhood
This is perhaps one of the most important items on this list. Visit your neighbourhood-to-be once (or several times) before moving in. Spend time discovering the surroundings alone, or even better, accompanied by people who live and know your new area well. This will help you get your bearings and spot areas of interest such as the nearest grocery store, the coziest café, a promising restaurant, a park with good trees, an inviting swimming pool, the local library, etc. Familiarizing yourself with your new environment will prepare you to not only find your way around, but to enjoy the neighbourhood to its fullest.
8. Assemble a Dream Team
On top of being helpful, the presence of family members and friends will allow you to feel supported. That will be crucial in order to be able to properly delegate tasks to the right people, and above all, to laugh and have fun while you’re doing it. Don’t forget to spoil your loved ones with snacks, cold drinks, a hot meal, or all three! The better the atmosphere, the better the move.
9. Book Parking Spaces
This tip applies to urban city dwellers in particular. The day before your move, use whatever you can get your hands on (chairs, cones or ropes) to reserve enough space for you to be able to park your vehicle in front of your current apartment. Do the same for the space in front of the new apartment as well (or have one of your friends do it for you). This way, you’ll be able to easily load and unload your equipment without the added pressure of being honked at for blocking the street.
10. Only Deal with Professionals
Without a doubt, the best way to eliminate the stress of moving is to deal with professionals. They are in the best position to provide peace of mind as well as fast loading and delivery. The best part is that it requires no physical effort required from you at all!. With experienced movers at your service, your body and mind will arrive fresh and well-rested in your new home, and you’ll feel ready for your new start!
Have a look at the great services offered by King’s Transfer, one of the best Montreal moving companies. They specialize in residential and commercial moving, and have years of experience doing both short and long-distance moves. Contact them now – the consultation is free!