The saying may go: “breaking up is hard to do” but we think you can switch out “breaking up” with “moving” and you’d still be pretty accurate. A lot goes into the dynamics of a move. It’s not all just physical labor, logistics, and packing. It’s also an emotional time, fraught with stress, worry, elation, and sometimes a combination of all of those!
So, why is moving so hard? In a nutshell:
- It’s tough to say goodbye to neighbors, friends, coworkers and familiar surroundings.
- It’s stressful to face the unknown, accept big changes to your lifestyle and routines, and put on a brave face against uncertainty.
- It’s tough to establish new friendships, take on new lifestyles, and be exposed to new ways of doing things.
- It’s hard to switch up your daily routine, or have to give up prized possessions.
- It’s overwhelming to organize every aspect of a move and anticipate any snafus that may come up.
- It’s tiring to sift through complicated paperwork, and haul heavy items from one place to another.
- It’s nerve-wracking to choose a trustworthy company who will pack and move your possessions and deliver them to the new place safely.
- It can be sad to find yourself in a new place, alone or with family, for the first time, missing home and missing routine.
For all these reasons and more, it’s hard to move. But there are three main reasons why moving homes poses a challenge, making it one of the toughest things you’ll ever have to do.
Moving Costs Money
Money is a stressor for many people. If your finances are already strained, moving will push your budget to its limits. Many of these costs you just can’t avoid – or should – like hiring professional movers. They will save you a lot of money and hassle over the long term than if you tackled the move yourself.
In order to handle all those relocation expenses in stride, you’ll need to come up with a budget to ensure you stay in the black. It’s important to be as transparent and honest with your moving company as possible so your estimate is as accurate as possible. This will save you from being shocked by hidden fees later on.
But even beyond the strict costs of the move itself, there are other big expenses involved in moving.
Buying a new home or renting an apartment: Both scenarios will saddle you with a monthly payment. In the case of an apartment rental, don’t forget about the first and last month’s security deposit.
You may plan on visiting the city of your future home at least once, so you’ll also have to budget for hotel rooms, plane fare, gas, food, etc.
Here are some more expenses and tasks:
- Paperwork – You will need to fill out a change of address, gather medical and school records, update insurance and registration, and transfer your driver’s license. Some of these documents you will have to pay a fee to obtain.
- Movers – The biggest part of your moving budget will be your movers. But make no mistake, this expense is well worth it. Full-service moves are the most expensive but when it comes to long distance moves, these may be your best bet because they include everything to make your life easier.
- Insurance – You may want to consider buying additional insurance for high-value items.
- Packing materials – If you don’t hire your movers for packing, you will have to purchase all your moving supplies, from boxes to bubble wrap to tape. To save some cash, you can use old towels, blankets and sheets to pad and wrap items, especially delicate and expensive ones. You may need to invest in some custom-built crates for items that are expensive, rare or oddly-shaped, says My Moving Reviews. Pick up some markers and labels too.
- Cleaning supplies – You’ll need to thoroughly clean your old home and the new one, so you’ll have to purchase a set of cleaning supplies, such as wipes, cleaning solution, mops, sprays and more.
- Transportation – If you plan to drive to the new destination, budget for fuel, food, lodging, tolls, parking fees, insurance and more. If you plan to fly, consider the cost of airfare.
- Home improvements – If your home isn’t move-in ready and you want to get some renovations done before you move in, budget for these. These can cost quite a bit, so be as detailed as you can when coming up with your budget. Don’t neglect to budget for new furniture and appliances, as you may be planning to leave some of your old stuff behind to save money on transportation costs.
- Cost of living – In addition to security deposits, you should also set aside money for the first month or two of living expenses, as well as cash for emergencies.
Moving is Tiring
It takes a lot out of you to pack, move and then start a new life somewhere else. The logistics and planning alone can be exhausting. Each step in the relocation process is often tedious and time-consuming, sapping you of energy each day. You will likely be packing for weeks or days leading up to the move, plus taking care of switching school records, doctors and utilities. Then once moving day hits, it’s all a blur as you contend with boxes everywhere, heavy furniture and bulky appliances. Then, once that’s over, you have to face a whole new house of unpacking once you arrive. It’s truly exhausting to move!
Moving is Emotional
In addition to the physical tasks involved, a move is an emotional upheaval that can lead you feeling equal parts excited, sad, nostalgic and other overwhelming emotions. While you may be fully prepared to take on this new, fresh and exciting chapter of your life, there will definitely be days where you will question it all, as you leave friends, neighbors and a way of life that’s been a part of you for so long.
Yes, moving is hard, but it’s also rewarding when you plan it in advance so you can take everything in stride.
Contact Dependable Movers
Moving is hard. We make it easier. For a free quote on your local or long-distance move, contact us at 415-619-5997.