Moving, whether relocating locally or somewhere further away, is a stressful time-consuming event.

Ironically, the part where the movers arrive and actually transport belongings is the least stressful part of the process.

Noting this, here are some tips for staying calm while awaiting the moving service by streamlining the moving process to get it done more efficiently.

1. Create A Moving Plan

Every relocation should begin with a documented plan that covers all necessities.

From hiring a moving company to making address changes and listing specific dates as well as deadlines for accomplishing the many tasks involved, a moving plan makes keeping a level head easier as completed tasks are checked off the list one by one.

2. Reduce Belongings To Be Moved

Reduce the number of items that must be packed and loaded up by movers by going through items and removing unwanted ones.

Sell items online, give them away to friends or family, or donate them rather than moving unneeded belongings that serve only to make the packing process longer and the moving process more expensive.

3. Hire A Reputable Moving Service

Next, interview multiple moving services and get estimates to find a service to handle the relocation.

After deciding on one and scheduling a moving date, continue with the moving plan and start preparing for moving day.

Also, discuss whether insurance is included in the fee and if not, purchase separate coverage to protect personal belongings.

4. Organize The Packing Process

When self-packing, streamline the packing process so it can all be completed before the movers arrive, leaving them only with the need to load up the boxes.

Gather enough packing materials ahead of time, develop an inventory and box labeling system, and then go through the rooms one by one to pack up those spaces.

Once a room is complete, move those boxes to a staging area so the room can then be cleaned and left empty.

5. Arrange Utility Switchover

Forgetting to arrange to turn utilities off and on can be a hassle that makes moving into a new place more stressful than it needs to be.

Once the move-in date is determined, contact the utility company and set dates to do the switch.

Turn on the power in the new place a day or two ahead of time if possible, then turn off the power at the old place a day or two after the move.

The extra days will help in the event of delays while also leaving enough time to go in and clean both places while they are still empty.

6. Plan For Potential Problems

In addition to giving a few extra days on either end of the utility switchover, plan for other issues like time delays and bad weather and be prepared to deal with them.

Have a contingency plan like a storage unit for vacating the current space if it is essential to get out on moving day and a place to stay if necessary.

Some moving services even offer free temporary storage when plans change at the last minute.

Keep a travel bag full of essential items, a list of all important phone numbers, and other critical needs that can help out when things do not happen as planned.