do not get hurt while moving

Moving can be very stressful for most people. If you worry about feeling the pressure, uncertainty, and looming deadlines of a big move, here are a few practical things you can do right now to help reduce your pre-move stress.

1. Purge Items. The less you have to pack, transport, and unpack, the less you'll have to worry about. One of the most freeing things anyone can do prior to a big move — especially across the country — is to let go of stuff they don't actually need or use. The moving truck or storage unit will cost less, you'll have to less to lug and carry, and you'll start out at your new place with less clutter in your life.

2. Schedule Pickups. Do you have items you plan to donate to good causes? This is a great way to purge your clutter and help out others, but getting items to the charities can be time-consuming and often gets procrastinated until it becomes a chore. Instead, call your intended charities and ask if they offer pickup services. Many nonprofits pick up larger furnishings regularly or offer weekly scheduled pickup days in different areas. Not sure how much you want to get rid of yet? Schedule more than one date so you can add more later.

3. Create a Master File. Making a big change to your living situation requires a lot of moving parts. Manage and control these by creating a master file related to the move. Use a large binder to track and keep things like service confirmations, expense receipts, contracts, checklists, timelines, and the contact information of any vendors involved in your move. 

4. Do Items Early. While some aspects of packing up have to be done at the last minute, many things can be done well in advance while things are still comfortable. Generally, you can schedule utility shutoff and new accounts weeks in advance. Make travel arrangements for your family's trip across the country. Box up little-used rooms or seasonal items that you won't need for months. Not only will you have less last-minute work, but seeing things checked off your to-do list will give you a mental boost.

5. Get Help. One of the best ways to de-stress your move is to ask for help. Where possible, consider hiring professional movers to do the brunt of the last-minute work. If you can't afford to hire a full-service team to box up your stuff and move everything, at least hire help to physically move your belongings. It will take the pressure off you and save your aching body.

These are only a few of the ways you can reduce stress during a big move. By spreading out tasks, getting the proper help, and minimizing your belongings, you're sure to have a smoother move and an easier transition to your new life. 

For more information, contact some long-distance movers near you.