It might not seem like it, but stress-free moving is possible. We’ve seen families tackle long distance moving, last-minute moving, and unexpected moving challenges without losing their cool.
It’s usually the small and unexpected aspects of a move that cause stress. Packing, moving, unpacking, and settling down in unfamiliar settings is already emotionally draining. So, when you’re faced with dealing with a lot of extra details on top of it all, it adds up quickly.
Luckily, we have a few tricks up our sleeves for stress-free moving. We’ve put these to work for many of our clients in the past and we hope it helps you plan for your next big move.
Set the Foundation
Your moving checklist should begin at least 4 to 6 weeks before your scheduled move. Start with a plan and set your official moving day that will only be dedicated to moving. Notify your current landlord or property manager so that you align your plans. From there, build your personalized moving checklist to keep things organized.
Your moving checklist is first of all your confidence in everything going on. But you don’t have to manage logistics alone. Our specialists at Eager Beaver can help you with professional moving services across Edmonton and Calgary. From the moment you lock in a date, we can help you handle the heavy lifting, planning, and even the route optimization.
Declutter and Downsize
At this early stage, which may begin a few months before your move, start keeping your belongings organized and begin letting go of anything you haven’t used in a long time and won’t need in your new home. It’s tempting to think you’ll declutter while packing, but in reality, sorting through your things often takes more time and energy than packing itself.
Several months before the move, try to go room by room and separate what you want to keep, donate, sell, or toss. If you’re unsure what to do with items you don’t immediately need, we Eager Beaver can provide climate-controlled indoor storage in Edmonton and portable storage containers in Calgary.
Get Organized BEFORE You Start Packing
If there’s anything that can stress you out during a move, it’s not being able to find something you need. That could mean packing supplies (which tend to go missing right when you need them) or household items you’ve already packed away.
The best plan of attack is to decide how you’re going to pack each room and label each box. Start with a single room and try to pack like items together so they’re easier to find in those cases where you need something last-minute.
Having the right supplies ready to go and stored in a central place is also important. Make sure you have the right type of packing supplies for what you’re packing. It’s always good to have:
- Different sizes of boxes
- Bubble wrap or foam wrap
- Paper sheets
- Tape (and extra rolls of tape)
- Foam peanuts
Finally, make sure you pack in a way that makes items easy to move. Remember, the bigger the box, the lighter the items that should go in it. If you’re packing something heavy like books, use a small box so it can be lifted more easily.
Reserve Your Movers
Summer is the peak moving season in Alberta. So it may be worth it to book the session a few months before and secure your spot with a reputable company early.
What Should You Do Several Weeks Prior
This phase of the moving checklist is more intensive than the previous one. While you still have enough time, complete errands that are necessary after the move. When you eventually move, these are the essential things, but you’ll be too busy getting around and unpacking:
- Notify Canada Post, your employer, your children’s schools, and your insurance providers of your upcoming address change.
- Gas, electricity, water, internet, and garbage collection need to be canceled or transferred at the right time (ideally 1-2 weeks before your move)
- You’ll need more supplies than expected. Most people underestimate how many boxes, rolls of tape, or packing paper they’ll need. It’s better to call for professionals.
- Plan for downtime. The Internet may not be up right away. Fridges and freezers take hours to settle before use, so take care of your groceries and set them away to your friends’ or relatives’ house.
Get All Your Packing Done Before Moving Day
Some of our clients choose to use our packing services when they’re moving to a new home, but others want to tackle it themselves.
If you choose to pack everything up yourself, make sure you start early and give yourself extra time. Packing up a house can take days or even weeks, depending on how much you’re moving with and how much help you have. One of the biggest stressors on moving day is running around trying to pack up the last boxes of items while the movers load up.
Packing everything in a day or two might feel overwhelming, so try to start with the items you know you won’t need for a few weeks.
Moving Day: Let Go and Let the Experts In
We recommend keeping your schedule clear on moving day so you can focus entirely on the transition. If you’ve hired professional movers, all that’s left for you to do is wait for everything to arrive and start settling into your new home.
Before the moving specialists come, protect the floors and entrances. You don’t want scratched hardwood or dented walls on either end. By the way, the Eager Beaver team comes prepared with floor runners, wall protectors, and the gear needed to ensure your property is respected.
Basically, everything you should have completed was done in the preparation phase. Now you only need to let the specialists in and oversee the process while the pros handle the lifting, loading, and logistics. The Eager Beaver crew is trained to move fast, safely, and professionally. And yes, we also handle furniture disassembly and reassembly.
After the Move: Unpack & Settle In
Inspect everything brought to the new home and try to organize. Check your items for any damages and begin unpacking the essentials. Save complicated setups for later. If you opted for Eager Beaver’s furniture assembly services, your setup will already be easier because beds, desks, and bookshelves reassembled where you want them.
Additionally, you will likely be left with used boxes and packing materials. But we have the solution so that you enjoy your new home. Ask Eager Beaver about post-move cleanup support or eco-friendly disposal recommendations for the area.
Take the Pressure Off Friends & Family by Hiring Professional Edmonton Movers
If you’ve moved before, you’ve probably had help from your family members. But depending on other people for a move can be stressful in itself. You still have to rent a moving truck, coordinate people, and make sure you have enough manpower. Plus, you’re usually expected to feed your family and friends to thank them.
All of this adds up to money spent and extra stress. That’s why many families end up completing moves with a professional moving company.
Moving companies in Edmonton offer different levels of service. Look for local moving services in Edmonton, AB that offer options like packing services and moving storage.
3 Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful
Treat Your Move Like a Planned Project
Moves become stressful when they rely on favours and lose timelines. A clear schedule, defined responsibilities, and professional coordination reduce uncertainty and prevent delays. When each step is planned in advance, the move stays controlled instead of chaotic.
Limit Decisions During Moving Week
Too many last-minute decisions quickly increase stress. Making key choices ahead of time: what’s being moved, stored, or handled by professionals, keeps moving week simple and predictable. Fewer decisions mean fewer problems.
Save Your Energy for Settling In
Moving is physically and mentally demanding. Handing off heavy lifting and logistics allows you to focus on adjusting to your new space. Preserving energy makes the transition smoother and the move far less overwhelming.
Need More Advice for a Big Move?
Avoid stressful moving situations by getting in touch with the Eager Beaver moving experts. We’d be happy to share our knowledge and tips to make your next move as smooth as possible.
