10 tips to avoid the stress of moving

Moving is always stressful: there are many things to anticipate and think about, and unforeseen events are not uncommon. Especially since changing your living environment and having to readjust to a new environment can also be a source of stress. Discover our tips to ensure that everything goes well on the big day.

Moving is stressful when you haven’t anticipated it. To best anticipate the move, establish a schedule of tasks to be carried out before the big day: sorting belongings, purchasing boxes, packing objects, etc. Start packing 4 to 3 weeks before the move, starting with packing the belongings which you will not use until departure, such as books, bed linen, etc. This way, you will have plenty of time in the week before the move to clean the house and do small repair jobs if there is any to do.

Choose the date of your move carefully

For moving, high season is from May to September as well as December. The beginnings and ends of the month, which correspond to the end of rental leases, are also very busy. Moving in high season is a sure source of stress: movers are busier and you may not be able to get the non-return utility vehicle you want. Also avoid moving during long weekends, public holidays or bridges because you will have less help available! Moving in low season will allow you to avoid stress but also pay less.

Make an administrative checklist

The administrative side of moving can be a real headache! Start at least 2 months in advance for procedures that take time. Here is an overview of the administrative procedures to be done:

• Inform your landlord if you are a tenant
• Request the days of leave necessary for the move from your employer
• Report the change of address to the Social Security, the tax center, insurance and mutual insurance, the CAF or even the children’s school
• Set up mail transfer at the Post Office
• Subscribe to new electricity, gas and internet contracts (it takes 5 working days minimum for them to be active).

Do sorting

Before you start packing, take the time to sort! In fact, the stress will be less when packing if you have already eliminated unnecessary belongings. Plan ahead to have time to look for solutions in case of storage needs or if you want to sell/donate business. This big sorting will be an opportunity to get rid of clothes that you no longer wear and things (furniture, objects) that are worn out or that will not have a place in the new home. 3 weeks before the move, you will also need to start depleting your food supplies so as not to find yourself with full cupboards on your hands on the big day!

Getting your bearings in your new home

To avoid the stress of settling into a new home, it is important to get your bearings before you even move in. Meet your neighbors, visit the surrounding area, see local shops and services to already know your future environment. You can also familiarize your children and pets with your future new home!

Take an inventory of the contents of the boxes

Once you’ve moved in and it’s time to unpack the boxes, it can quickly become a real headache if you don’t know what’s inside! Numbering your boxes and taking inventory of their contents is essential for moving peacefully into your new home. This way, you won’t need to stress about unpacking everything on he big day, you can first unpack the items you are going to use.

Group your important items together

To avoid stress on the big day, group all your important items in the same place: the keys to your accommodation, with labels so as not to confuse them, important documents, identity documents, cell phones, etc.