Guest Author: Steven Reed
Now that you’ve found your next home, it’s time to pack and prepare to move — but first, declutter everything you own and donate the items you no longer want, need or use. These actions reduce stress, moving costs and clutter in your new home, all while supporting charitable community causes. Though decluttering and donating can feel overwhelming, several tips simplify the process.
Decide to keep or donate every item you own. This way, you only pack essential belongings and don’t carry unwanted stuff to your new house.
Ideally, begin downsizing as soon as possible. Give yourself time to look through all your belongings.
Set aside dedicated time each day to sort items. If possible, turn off your phone and tune out distractions so you can stay focused. Scheduling allows you to see progress, which can keep you motivated and allows you to finish the job before your complete moving company shows up on moving day.
Place every item you touch in a moving or donation box. This tip reduces your packing time, shows you exactly how much stuff you own and motivates you to keep decluttering.
As you look through your possessions, decide what to keep and give away. You could try one of these five strategies as you evaluate each item:
1. Think about when you last used, wore or looked at the item. Let it go if you haven’t interacted with it in the past six to 12 months.
2. Commit to a set number of boxes per room. For example, you might fill only four boxes of kids' toys and donate everything else.
3. Label the boxes with specific categories, such as “insulated cups” instead of “dishes.” Then, you can see exactly how much you own and further declutter.
4. Follow a 20/20 rule. Donate anything you want to keep “just in case” but can replace for under $20 in 20 minutes.
5. Ask yourself several questions:
• Do I want this item?
• What is the specific purpose of this item?
• Will I use this item in my new house?
• Do I have duplicates?
• Is this item still in style?
• Can someone else use this item?
Rather than starting in high-traffic rooms such as the bedroom or kitchen, tackle the attic or basement first. These areas probably hold less sentimental items, and you can store packed boxes there as you declutter the rest of your home.
Consume the toiletries, food and other inventory you already own. Then, restock these items after your move.
You might spend hours sifting through emotions and memories as you sort sentimental items like collectibles, heirlooms and photos. For this reason, save this category for last. Then, try not to linger too long over each item and only keep the items that bring you joy.
If you find yourself overwhelmed or stuck during the decluttering process, call on a family member, friend or professional organizer. With assistance, you can address any roadblocks such as emotional attachments to items and maintain momentum.
After you clean items and make sure they work properly, carry your donation bags directly to the car. If possible, drive to the donation center right away. Immediate action reduces your chances of unpacking donation bags or accidentally placing them in the moving truck.
Although moving is a big job, you can use decluttering and donating to simplify the process. Try these tips to stay on track as you prepare to fill your new home with items you want, need and use.
Author Bio: Steven Reed is the founder and President of Big League Movers, a moving firm established in 2008. With over 10 years of experience, Reed helps lead a dynamic growing company based on morals and integrity for the optimal customer experience.
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/peaceful-woman-carefully-packing-carton-boxes-4247729/
Guest Author: Stan Caramalac
Relocating can give your family access to a stable income, better schools and a safer neighborhood. Moving can be a stressful experience, though, especially if you have children. Consider several factors as you ensure you’re making the right decision before you relocate your family.
Your children could benefit from a move if they gain access to better schools in a safer neighborhood with stable housing. University research, however, found that moving can disrupt your children’s daily routines, lower their math and reading scores and negatively disrupt their social development and emotional health. Weigh the potential pros and cons of moving as you protect and care for your children.
Educational opportunities
As a parent, your children’s education is one of your top priorities. Evaluate the local schools before you hire a moving company for your relocation. Ensure the school’s culture, performance and extracurricular activities support your child’s holistic growth and development. Also, verify the availability of a gifted or special education program if your child needs additional support.
Potential employment
Maybe transferring to a different town includes a promotion, higher salary and better benefits with your current company. Or you might move to switch careers and pursue your dream job. No matter why you relocate, carefully consider the benefits, culture and finances of current or potential employers. A healthy company can support you well into the future rather than leave you hanging shortly after you move.
Housing market
Houses or rental units could vary in price, availability, size and amenities depending on where you relocate. Because housing expenses can impact your family’s budget and economic stability, search available houses and rental costs online before you move. Then, decide if you can afford to relocate.
Cost of living
Even if your income increases, calculate the expenses of living in your new town. Include taxes, utilities, insurance, transportation, childcare and leisure activities. Use this calculation to verify you can afford the cost of living.
Family proximity
You and your children may thrive living close to or far away from family. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of family proximity and your personal preferences as part of your relocation decision.
Lifestyle
Think about potential lifestyle repercussions as you decide if moving is the best choice for your family. Moving could mean you can enjoy a shorter commute with more time at home. Or maybe your family will experience a new climate and related recreational activities. Even moving to a rural, suburban or urban location can affect your lifestyle.
Social life
Right now, you and your children may enjoy a network of supportive friends and activities. Maybe you swap babysitting with your best friends or enjoy walking downtown on weekends. Consider how a move will affect the social life of each family member and if you can handle these changes.
Future effects
Making a move right now might be beneficial for your family, but be sure to also look into the future. Think about the area’s high school and if it will nurture your children. Check out the development and improvement plans for the neighborhood where you’ll live. Consider if you’ll be happy in the new job over time. Of course, you can always move again later, but long-term thinking now can save you time and aggravation in the future.
Relocating can open multiple doors of possibilities for you and your family. Before your move, do some research and ensure you’re making the wisest decision.
Author bio: Stan Caramalac is the founder and CEO of Move Central. He started the company because he truly believed that moving could be simple as long as it was done efficiently. He strives to help people make their moves smoother and less stressful. Caramalac and his team proudly serve San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
Guest Author: Sarah Johnson
As someone who's spent the better part of my life in the bustling heart of Chicago, I never thought I'd entertain the idea of leaving the city life behind. Yet, recent events have led me to contemplate a radical transformation: the purchase of a farm in Missouri to start my homesteading journey.
Motivated by a desire to embrace a simpler life and escape the urban hustle, I want to share my thought process, the pros, and cons I've considered, and the unexpected encounters that have shaped my path thus far.
Having spent the majority of my life in the bustling heart of Chicago, it's important to understand that this yearning didn't materialize overnight. It was a gradual realization, a longing that grew over time as I navigated the vibrant and dynamic streets of the city.
Living in Chicago was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. The city's energy, its skyline illuminated against the night sky, and the endless array of cultural and culinary experiences were all part of what made it a remarkable place to call home. However, amidst the ceaseless noise and perpetual movement, I began to feel a void deep within me. It was a yearning for tranquility and self-sufficiency, something that the urban hustle and bustle couldn't provide.
The seeds of this longing were sown during moments of respite—times when I could steal away from the urban cacophony and immerse myself in nature, even if only for a short while. These brief escapes to parks, nearby forests, or weekend getaways to more rural areas sparked a growing fascination with the natural world and a desire to lead a life more intimately connected to it.
As the years passed, this yearning evolved into a profound need for a simpler, more sustainable existence. The idea of growing my own food, raising animals, and living off the land became increasingly appealing. It wasn't just a desire to escape the urban jungle; it was a longing to cultivate a sense of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship that had taken root within me.
My quest to turn this yearning into reality led me to explore various avenues. I began researching the possibility of homesteading, devouring books and articles on the subject, and seeking advice from those who had already embarked on similar journeys. It was during one of these research sessions that I stumbled upon Livingthedreamland.com. This website proved to be an invaluable resource on my homesteading journey. It wasn't merely a random real estate platform but rather a curated space that catered specifically to individuals like me—those in search of a farm property where they could realize their dreams of a simpler, rural life.
What set it apart was the way it showcased properties that aligned with my vision, and it was on this platform that I discovered a farm property that captured my heart—a beautiful piece of land nestled in the heart of Missouri.
This farm, which I would come to consider as the catalyst for my exploration, embodied everything I had been searching for. Its pristine landscape, fertile soil, and the promise of a life immersed in nature drew me in. It was a place where the quietude of rural living could coexist with the potential for self-sufficiency, all under the wide open skies of Missouri.
In many ways, my journey from the vibrant streets of Chicago to the serene fields of Missouri began with the discovery of this farm property on Livingthedreamland.com. It represented the tangible realization of my dreams, and it ignited a fire within me to make this transformative leap.
My research into Missouri revealed a significant contrast in the cost of living compared to Chicago. While Chicago's expenses can be overwhelming, I've found numerous affordable farm properties that align with my budget in Missouri. The prospect of living more frugally and within my means is enticing.
Homesteading offers the chance to live off the land, grow my own food, and reduce my reliance on external resources. This journey towards self-sufficiency aligns with my desire for a more sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle.
Starting anew in rural Missouri means building connections with a different kind of neighbor—those who share a passion for farming and self-reliance. The close-knit community of homesteaders promises a supportive and like-minded environment.
The prospect of waking up to the sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of trees, rather than city sirens, is immensely appealing. The opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience a slower pace of life is at the heart of this move.
Missouri boasts agricultural universities and programs that align with my homesteading aspirations. The chance to further my knowledge in sustainable farming practices and animal husbandry is an exciting prospect.
Transitioning from city life to rural homesteading may come with its share of challenges. Adapting to new routines and mastering farming skills will require time and dedication.
While the tranquility of rural life is appealing, it also means less social interaction and entertainment options compared to the vibrant cultural scene of Chicago.
Missouri's climate offers a more profound connection to the seasons, which may require adjustment, especially for someone accustomed to the city's climate-controlled environment.
Leaving behind the dynamic energy and diverse culture of Chicago is undoubtedly bittersweet. Nostalgia for the city's unique offerings is something I'll carry with me.
As I continue to navigate this transformative decision, one thing remains clear—a profound desire to embrace the unknown and embark on a homesteading journey in Missouri. The real estate encounter on "livingthedreamland.com" was the catalyst that sparked my exploration, and it's just the beginning of my path toward a life of self-sufficiency and simplicity.
The decision to leave the city and start a homestead is deeply personal. It entails careful consideration of my goals, values, and the kind of life I want to lead. While challenges lie ahead, the prospect of a more sustainable, eco-conscious, and nature-immersed lifestyle is a vision that keeps me excited and determined.
Ultimately, I'm ready to trade the bustling cityscape for the rolling fields of Missouri and embrace a life on the farm, where every sunrise brings new possibilities and every sunset is a reminder of the beauty of nature.
Author Bio: Sarah Johnson is an adventurous soul with a background in urban living, making her journey from the vibrant streets of Chicago to the serene fields of Missouri all the more remarkable. With a deep longing for simplicity and self-sufficiency, Sarah discovered her passion for homesteading and sustainable living. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of following one's heart and embracing the beauty of rural life.
