Particle

New place, new people, new job- you seem to be moving forward in life. What’s there to not get excited about? Except for one thing. The actual moving part! Where you have to pack your stuff responsibly (you don’t want breakage) and transport it safely. Honestly, it’s a hectic task and anybody can get nervous jitters over it. While you still have to work hard, there’s one thing that can ease the burden for you- A LOT. A moving checklist!

The only way to relieve the stress of moving is to plan ahead and plan better. Even if you have hired a moving company, it’s a good idea to prepare a checklist of action items that will serve you as a guideline during the whole process. Still unsure? Here are a few reasons why you must prepare a checklist.

1. Helps organize stuff better

Let’s get this straight. No matter how efficient you think you are, we will misplace a thing or two if you don’t organize your stuff better. Your favorite topper you love wearing on important occasions? It might go missing in the hullabaloo! Nobody can be as organized as Monica Geller from Friends without a checklist. And even she had her own label maker to create checklists.

Having a checklist with you will give you a clear idea of all your belongings. You’ll be able to sort your stuff quickly, which will make unpacking even easier. You’ll know which box has what. If your friends are helping you organize your stuff, share the checklist with them as well. Make sure you follow the instructions you’ve written in the checklist.

1. You’re able to get things done faster

You have two options- either make a moving checklist, be super organized and get things moving with speed OR be disorganized without a checklist and let the whole move inch ahead at snail’s speed. What will you choose?

You’ll find that a moving checklist makes everything easier. Whether you hire a moving company or ask your friends for help, there will be multiple people involved and you would have a lot of information going back and forth.

A moving checklist will save you from confusion and stress. Everybody will have the same list of things that need to be done. This helps focus better and get done with work faster.

1. You’ll be able to keep track of your belongings

I once relocated without making a checklist and forgot to collect all my plants from the backyard! With packing items and loading them, there was confusion and chaos everywhere. I had no idea I forgot my beloved plants until we were halfway through the journey. The bottom line is don’t be me!

When you make a checklist, ensure you include everything in it. There’s no harm in double-checking. This is especially important if you are relocating long distances because there will be a lot of time between you beginning to pack away everything and when you get to your new place. A checklist will help you ensure you’ve packed everything safely.

Even better include a detailed packaging guide on every page of your moving checklist. This way you’ll know which box has what item. You can guide the relocation team on moving boxes appropriately. You’ll also know which boxes to unpack first when you get to your new home.

1. You’ll be able to ensure everything gets done

I just shared the plant story with you. I’m sure you don’t want a repeat of that with you. A checklist will ensure you get everything done on a priority basis and nothing is left behind. Without a checklist, you’ll have no idea where to begin or how to go about it. This is a recipe for confusion and disaster. Chances are high you’re going to get overwhelmed trying to do everything and in the end, nothing gets done properly. It’s better to have a checklist now than regret it later.

1. Keep your important documents safe

The last thing you ever want to misplace during your relocation is your important documents! Having a checklist will help you make sure you have all the necessary paperwork with you. You’ll also be able to keep track of bills that need to be cleared away.