The 3 Rules of Moving

Hang up some art when moving into your new home. It doesn’t have to look like it belongs in the Louvre.

When it comes to moving, I have one word of advice. Don’t. Moving sucks, and if you can avoid it, you probably should. Unfortunately, sometimes you just have to relocate. Though moving can be a big hassle, it’s usually worth it to get a better job or start a new relationship. And since moving is a necessary evil, here are my three rules on how to make it slightly less painful:

Toss the clutter

Clutter is a problem for almost everyone. It’s a gradual accumulation of stuff. Having moved so much over the years, I’ve become very cognizant about what I buy, but even if you’re not materialistic, your purchases will add up over time. Oftentimes, it’s not worth the time and money to move it all. Sell as much as you can: have a garage sale, hold an auction or even give it away.

Prepare for chaos

This is a good rule of thumb for any big day, such as a wedding or party, but it applies equally well for your moving day. The truth is, something will go wrong. Bet on it. Don’t fret about it. Just remember that moving, like any important event, always seems messier on the day it happens. Embrace the chaos and move on.

Make your new home

I’m a big believer in the expression “home is where the heart is”. Having moved so much over the years, I feel I can make myself at home just about anywhere. That’s why, when I first move into a new place. I decorate it as quickly as possible. I put stuff on the walls just to make it feel like I’ve lived there for a while. I’ve got a couple of familiar things that have survived multiple purges. These go up first. Then I just cover the rest as best I can. I’ve even hung up picture frames with the example photos still in them, just to have a better idea of the household I want to build.

What are you tips for making moving as painless as possible? Let me know in the comment section.