For some, moving is synonymous with adventure, renewal, space and fresh air. For others, it’s a source of stress, anguish and torment. To help ease these feelings, the idea is to be well-prepared, to take your time and to take it one step at a time. Here are a few tips and tricks for hassle-free moving.
The importance of choosing your allies
When planning your move, know that here at the Lib, we can assist you as well as offer you some options. First, your facility’s management will place a move management partner at your disposal, so that all future tenants can plan the course of this important day and benefit from advantageous rates. When several people move at the same time into a newly-built complex, it’s important to adequately coordinate all comings and goings to ensure all goes smoothly.
Should you choose to deal with a different moving company than the one offered, you should still contact the partner to book your date to help coordinate the transportation and avoid congestion at the elevators and in the parking lot. Once you’ve made your decision, don’t waste any time, mark your calendar and quickly choose your mover. It’s important to shop around, as prices vary and so do the services provided. Naturally, you should go with a company you trust, with a proven track record. Make sure that the company you choose is registered under the Registraire des entreprises du Québec and that is has adequate insurance. This is an important day; your allies should therefore meet your requirements.
You should also notify some of your service providers of your change of address and cancel the services you will no longer need ahead of time. Canada Post’s mail forwarding service is ideal for avoiding oversights and will ensure all your mail is forwarded to you.
Carefully sorting to breathe easier
It’s unavoidable, there will be boxes to pack. To do this, it’s important that you grant yourself some time. Time to assess your belongings and your needs, and to properly sort through your things. We often move into smaller accommodations. It is therefore necessary to undergo this process to declutter the new environment and make room for new furnishings.
When faced with the daunting task of sorting your belongings, it’s important to proceed one room at a time, while giving yourself short breaks to avoid becoming discouraged. Take this opportunity to do some cleaning. It’s strange how some shelves can be so neglected over time! Complete this process, while avoiding all possible distractions. If an object makes you feel nostalgic, set it aside, you can come back to it once this chore is complete. In fact, sorting through your sentimental possessions is definitely the biggest challenge. Follow your heart and your feelings towards the object; you will then be able to make an enlightened decision.
And the beauty in all this? Sorting and organizing provides psychological benefits by alleviating the mental load, among other things. Sometimes quite subtly, a messy home can induce a state of stress and lead to serious health problems. Who would have thought? A spring cleaning can be good medicine.
Packing boxes, a science?
Because packing boxes is a science, before you begin, it’s important to have all the material required to complete this step. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap and a marker are some of the basic essentials you’ll need. Several specialized stores sell boxes, but you can also pick some up in very good condition at the grocery store, at the SAQ or in big-box stores.
Take precautions with delicate objects, use wardrobe moving boxes for your clothes and pay special attention to the weight of your boxes. No need to draw you a picture, lower back pain can quickly strike! Also remember to label your boxes. There is nothing worse than having to look for your things in your new apartment.
Start with the items that you don’t use on a daily basis; this should be done sooner rather than later. On moving day, you should perhaps consider bringing the boxes that contain your delicate items with you. Even if your movers are meticulous, no one is immune to unfortunate events. You can simply pack them using your towels and washcloths, thereby killing two birds with one stone.
The importance of being well supported
On moving day, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Make sure you have someone you can rely on with you, like a friend or a family member so that they may support you and help you go over the important steps required. Also, make sure to keep a box with you that contains everyday essentials. There is nothing worse than reaching your destination and having to search through all your boxes for toilet paper. Oh, and don’t forget to bring snacks for the good Samaritans lending you a hand.
Once there, settling into your new home requires some management. In a stress-free manner, take the time to unpack your boxes, one room at a time, placing your belongings in strategic places that will help make your daily routine easier. Unpack the rooms by order of priority. The kitchen and bathroom will obviously take priority over the shed and its countless items.
In short, it’s important to breathe, to plan carefully and thoroughly, and to surround yourself with others. By following these simple tricks, your move into your Lib rental condo is sure to go smoothly.