Experts have long said that moving is one of the most stressful things a person can do. This is true whether you’re getting a mortgage and buying a new home in New York City or renting a studio apartment in Omaha—picking yourself up and finding a new place to call home comes with a lot of upheavals.
Still, even though some folks say moving is even more stressful than divorce, there are ways to make this period of adjustment less awful. Wherever in the U.S. your wings are taking you, if you follow a few simple tips, the experience of moving may even be fun! Let’s take a deep dive into some of the items on that list.
1. Get your credit score in good shape.
You may think that you only need a great credit score if you’re looking at mortgages and researching lenders, but that’s simply not true. Even if you’re just renting a new apartment in New York, Los Angeles, and anywhere in between, the landlord is going to want to see that you have good credit. This simply makes you a more attractive tenant who is sure to pay their rent on time.
Of course, this is true tenfold if you’re delving into homeownership and are looking at mortgages. If you’ve been doing Google searches recently for “mortgage options in New York” or “best lenders in Staten Island,” you should also be searching for tips on how to boost your credit. Better credit means better interest rates, a lower down payment, and optimal loan terms for first-time homebuyers.
2. Simplify what can be simplified.
Moving is complicated, but you can make some things simple. For example, if you’re moving to a big city like New York and aren’t 100% sure about how great-tasting the tap water is, you don’t have to deal with that adjustment as you navigate life in the Big Apple. While you’re on the web, do a quick search for “bottled water home delivery near me” and get some spring water delivered to your new primary residence. With 5-gallon bottles of spring water on their way, you have one less thing to worry about.
3. Hire movers and use a packing service.
You may think that you can pack everything you own, but you probably don’t understand quite what an undertaking that is. It’s absolutely worth spending some of your income on movers and a packing service. If you bundle these services, you may even find a moving service that can offer competitive rates and discounts. Spend a little more on great service from movers and save yourself the headache of packing for days on end.
4. Make a checklist for your utilities.
Don’t forget that you’re moving all your belongings as well as your utility payments! The water company, gas company, and electric company all need to know that you’ve got a new primary residence. Make a list of all the utilities so that you don’t forget any. It would be a bummer to find a great mortgage and a great new place and get there to find that you have no electrical service. While you’re at it, set up a dedicated email address for all your utilities and make sure that they have the correct credit card on file.
5. Ask for help ahead of time.
While you may expect your family and friends to step up while you’re in the process of moving, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that they have jobs and lives as well. If you’re moving to New Jersey, for example, and have family and friends there, it’s a good idea to make your expectations clear ahead of time. Let them know how and when you need help, and they’re more likely to return your honesty in kind—and show up to help you unpack! Being honest about your needs during a stressful time can make things go a whole lot more smoothly.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category
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