Yayyyyy! You found that perfect new place, signed your lease and those dreams of waking up in a home you adore are closer than ever. Slow down though! There’s still the move and though relocating is definitely a challenging wrestle between time, money and getting everything over in one piece, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Here are 8 pointers to make your move a breeze:

1. 1. Plan

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      You can’t just wait until the night before your move and think things will go over smoothly. Your move plan should span a month especially if you have a family, lots to move or are moving rather far away. You need to decide as soon as you sign your lease if you will be hiring a moving company or getting some friends to help so you can start getting some boxes together. There are things you surely won’t need between now and move day. Pack those things now. If you have furniture that needs to be taken apart and later re-assembled, plan for that.

   2. Pack

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      You never knew you had so much stuff until this moment of truth. It can be overwhelming but, breathe and take it a bit at a time. Get some sturdy cardboard boxes, scissors, good tape and markers. Pack and label boxes per room and not contents, so that unpacking will be much more organized and you can find things easily once on the other side.

   3. PURGE

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      Moving presents the perfect opportunity to break up with all those items you know you don’t need or use. Those shoes you bought 3 years ago that still have the tag on them? The high school books you swear will help your career but are so dusty because you still never open them? Your bathroom full of relaxed hair products…and yet you’ve been natural for a year? Time to say bye-bye. Pack a special box for donations and have that picked up before you move. Only take things you will definitely use in your new home.

   4. INVENTORY

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      As you pack and purge, remember to keep a list of all your belongings. It’s smart to even create an inventory list per box so you can quickly refer to it to know everything in that box. This will reduce the stress later when you can’t find things and help you keep tabs on your stuff especially if you have a moving company executing your relocation.

   5. THE ESSENTIALS

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      “Where’s my medication?” Oh no – You packed it in the bottom of Box 3…or was it 4? Pack a special “Essentials” bag for the items you need easy access to in those last few days at your soon-to-be old address as well as for the first days in your new place. This could include toiletries, toilet tissue and makeup.

   6. MOVING COMPANY

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      If you are not into the idea of packing and moving by yourself, then you need to immediately look for movers that can help with an efficient and safe move. It’s best to identify 2-3 of them and then decide which you find is best for you considering your budget and their expertise. Make sure they offer insurance to cover your items.

   7. No Children Allowed

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      Arrange for the children and any pets to be elsewhere while you engage in the serious business that is packing and moving. Children may slow down the process, move things around and it may be dangerous overall to have them running about.

   8.  Make It Fun

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      The best way to make the moving process less stressful it to decide it will go well and make it as upbeat as possible. Turn on some music as you pack. Reminisce old times with your friends as you are packing (though don’t let this slow you down!), make sure there is plenty of drinking water and some light and energizing food. Take 10 minute breaks when needed.

Good luck with your move and enjoy your new home! Do you need help finding that new home? Ghana’s leading real estate marketplace, meqasa.com can help!