2020 was colored by economic collapse, political fractiousness, civil unrest, and a raging pandemic that’s still spreading throughout the country. If you’re planning to move, you’re already ahead of the game with a fresh start! Why start 2021 by voluntarily subjecting yourself to stress, especially when the world around you is offering you so little respite from it?
You are probably familiar with some of the more common resolutions, among them, trying to eat better, mitigating debt and volunteering more. These kinds of goals can also be translated into the process of moving, giving yourself a great start for a new year! Now that we’ve put 2020 behind us, you have all the more reason to make some moving resolutions. Here are some New Year’s goals you can make on your way to your new home!
PRE-MOVING TIPS
- Turning on the utilities, installing the cable and painting the walls are some of the things commonly done before moving into a new apartment. But, there are a few other tasks to accomplish before you call in the movers.
- Change the Locks- You never know how many keys past tenants have shared.
- Call the Exterminator- Have the exterminator check for bugs, plug any rodent holes and spray.
- Clean- The apartment has most likely been cleaned after the old tenants moved out, but clean it yourself once more just in case.
- Change the Toilet Seat- Replace the old throne with a new one, and while you’re at it give the bathroom a good scrub.
- Design your Space- Measure your space and have a plan. It will be easier to tell the movers where to place your heavy furniture.
RECYCLE MORE
- This common resolution is all about making a life change. As you pack for your new home, keep in mind that moving is an opportunity to make a new life for yourself. Get rid of unnecessary material goods or items that carry little sentimental value. Instead of taking your trash to the dump, however, donate it or give it away to people who may see it as treasure. You may not want your old coat or a worn chair, but maybe there is a family that does.
MANAGE POST-MOVING STRESS
- There is no shortage of stressors once you’ve moved. One of the more subtly irksome aspects of a move is a home that’s not fully unpacked. Having boxes everywhere not only makes your new place feel more like a storage facility, it also means you have to spend time digging through boxes for things you need. Set aside a weekend to do all of your unpacking. You’ll be happier for it once you’re done.
BUILD A BETTER BUDGET
- If there’s one New Year’s resolution that will help you the most in the long run, it’s making a vow to save more money. Before you head back to the office, outline a budget that works for you and make a plan for how you’ll stick to it. Apps like Mint and Goodbudget Budget Planner can help you do this as painlessly as possible.
As you plan, pack, move and organize, don’t forget to also see this change as a new beginning to open up your life and heart for the intangible gifts of love, purpose and joy! While moving during the holidays is tricky, it’s also a great way to start fresh as you kick-off the new year in your new home or apartment. We hope these tips will help you to streamline the process and to efficiently move with ease. New Year’s resolutions get abandoned so quickly because they’re usually hard to carry out. That’s why you should pause and take stock of some of the bigger leaps you take towards achieving your goal.
