Enfrentarse a una mudanza no es sencillo. Independientemente de la cantidad de cosas a movilizar y trasladar, la idea de desmantelar una vivienda entera para montarla también por completo días o semanas después no suele resultar atractiva para nadie. Y es que es sinónimo de un esfuerzo agotador tanto mental como físico, que puede llevarnos al límite durante días y que, incluso, puede provocarnos algún que otro disgusto – como, por ejemplo, si se rompe o pierde algo en el proceso -.

In these cases, experience counts, since someone who has moved several times in their life will likely tackle the next move with more determination and clarity than someone doing it for the first time. That’s why, at Culmia, we’d like to share some key tips to help you organize a move step by step—whether you’ve already gone through one (or several) before or are about to tackle your first one.

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Step-by-Step Recommendations for Organizing a Move

• Get rid of everything you won’t need

From the moment you know you’ll be moving soon, you should plan to clean out what has been your home until now. Of course, we’re not talking about removing dirt, but rather getting rid of those pieces of furniture, objects, and other belongings that you feel are taking up space and won’t be useful in the new life you want to start.

Remember that the more things you want to keep, the more complicated your move will be, since you’ll have to pack and transport more boxes. That’s why most people who are moving go through a process beforehand to get rid of everything they don’t need. This allows them to tackle the entire process with a little more peace of mind and makes it easier to decorate and reorganize their new home afterward.

• Set a date for the move: When will you be able to move your belongings to your new home?

Another key point we need to settle right from the start: making sure we know when we’ll have access to the new home so we can start moving in our furniture and belongings. Having the keys—or, if that’s not the case, the landlord’s permission (if it’s a rental)—to start moving in is essential to avoid ending up later with boxes in the entryway or in a temporary storage unit.

And don’t forget to update the direct debit information for the utilities you use regularly: gas, electricity, phone, etc. This also includes updating your information with banks, the municipal registry, your national ID, your mailbox, etc. These processes usually take time, so it’s a good idea to start them well in advance so that everything is finalized by the time the move takes effect.

• Make sure you have the full number of days allocated for the move

In fact, in Spain, Article 37.3 of the Workers’ Statute establishes the right of employees who must relocate to take paid leave. Thus, it is possible to take a day off for this purpose. And if that isn’t enough, it’s advisable not to mix workdays with moving days, because not only will you get little done, but it can also be extremely exhausting.

We already know how many days we’re going to set aside for our move, so now we just need to make sure we can actually dedicate those days to it. If possible, it’s best to use weekends and holidays; although at other times, we’ll have no choice but to ask for time off from work.

• Plan and Organize Your Move

Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you can focus on planning the move itself. Like any complex process that requires time and effort, improvising isn’t a good idea, so it’s best to plan well in advance. So, a few weeks before the move—at least a month in advance is recommended— make a list of all the tasks you’ll need to complete to ensure the move goes smoothly.

We’re talking about essential tasks, such as: hiring a moving company or renting a van to do it yourself, buying the boxes and tools you’ll need to pack everything, asking for help—if you’re going to need it—and so on.

• Make sure you know the measurements of your new home

That TV stand that fits perfectly in your living room right now might not look quite as good in your next home. And just like this example, there are many other situations like this when you move. So, measure your new home before you move, organize your furniture, and create a mental picture—or a visual one using a floor plan—of where everything will go once you’ve moved it all in. And, of course, make sure your largest pieces of furniture will fit through doors and down hallways!

• Make an inventory, especially of your most valuable furniture and items

The goal is to move everything you consider necessary from one home to another. But it wouldn’t be the first time something important got lost along the way, so be sure to set aside time to create an inventory of the most important items that absolutely must arrive in perfect condition at your new home. You can start making it as you pack each item, and later, check to make sure everything is there when you unpack the boxes and unload everything.

• Give yourself enough time to put everything away and pack it up

How many things do I need to pack? How big is the house I’m moving out of? These are questions you should ask yourself when planning your move so that, based on your answers, you can estimate how much time you’ll need. In this regard, it’s best to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time, because rushing through a move is something we wouldn’t wish on anyone—it can be especially stressful and exhausting!

In addition, this estimate will also depend on how many people will be helping with the move. If you’re going to do it yourself with one or more family members, it’s best to set aside several days, because it will likely take some time. On the other hand, hiring a professional service will help you cut down on the time it takes and make the process much more efficient.

• Pack everything from the most dispensable to the most essential

Start by packing and moving the items that are less important or that you use less often, such as decorations, side tables, pictures, books… And, as the moving day approaches, save the most essential items for last: chairs, clothes, toiletries, the refrigerator, etc. Remember that your old home will still be your primary residence until the very last moment!

And here’s one more tip for this step: be sure to label the boxes clearly so you know what’s inside each one! If you do this, you’ll always know exactly where you’ve put everything and where to put it once you arrive at your new home.

• Pack a suitcase if you think it’s necessary

What’s more, if it’s easier for you, you can use a suitcase throughout the entire process to store the personal items you need most for your daily life. You should always have the aforementioned hygiene and toiletries, a first-aid kit, a change of clothes, a phone charger and cable, etc., within easy reach; and the best way to keep track of where these items are is to store them in a suitcase or backpack that you carry with you during your stay.

• On moving day, keep your eyes peeled

Do your best to pay attention to the details and make sure everything is ready when the moment of truth arrives. Make sure to pack and seal the boxes securely, place them in accessible spots where they won’t be in the way, be prepared for any unexpected issues that may arise, try to find a good place to park the van, etc.

In fact, if you’re not going to hire a professional service, be careful and don’t try to take on more than you can handle: take it slow, ask family members, acquaintances, or friends for help, and be especially careful when moving your most valuable items.

What do you think of our step-by-step recommendations for organizing a move? Put them into practice, approach it with optimism and enthusiasm, and you’ll see how it ends up being easier than it seems!

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