Among my family members and friends, I’m known as an expert organizer. I don’t like clutter. Therefore, I search for smart storage solutions to utilize in every room of my small home. Perhaps you need help organizing your space. If you have a large family, you might especially feel desperate to find storage alternatives for your mud room. Consider making your mud room neater by installing open shelving. You might also wish to shop for a custom bench complete with a hidden storage compartment. Your family members can sit on the bench each day while removing their shoes. Then they can put them inside the bench’s storage compartment. On this blog, I hope you will discover simple, effective storage options for every room in your house. Enjoy!
Ingenious Storage Alternatives for Your Mud Room
5 Tips For Handling A Cross-Country Move Without Freaking Out
Cassandra Little
Perhaps you or your spouse received an unexpected job offer that's too good to turn down, or a beloved family member in another state has had a medical emergency and needs you nearby. Whatever the reason, you are now moving your entire family and household to the opposite end of the country, which can feel incredibly overwhelming and daunting. Instead of freaking out, just take a deep breath and follow these five tips:
Start by Decluttering
The less excess stuff you have, the easier and cheaper your move will be, and the more quickly and efficiently you will be able to unpack everything in your new home. This doesn't mean that you have to get rid of nice furniture or other beloved belongings, but it does mean seeing your long-distance move as an opportunity to streamline your belongings and get rid of clutter and anything you no longer use, enjoy, or need.
Many thrift stores will come pick up items you wish to donate, which saves you time and gas money. You can even write donations off on your taxes by asking for a receipt and then filling in the estimated fair market value of your donated items.
Hire Long-distance Movers
You may be tempted to save money by renting a truck and moving your entire household yourself, but this is incredibly stressful and can lead to unexpected problems like injuries due to loading and unloading heavy furniture or broken belongings. Professional long-distance household movers will safely and efficiently load, transport, store as needed, and then deliver and unload all of your belongings for you, making moving so much easier.
You won't have to drive and navigate with a huge moving truck and can instead drive your own car, or even fly if you plan to sell your cars and buy new vehicles when you arrive.
Pay for Professional Packing Services
Most long-distance moving companies also offer packing services at an additional fee. This service saves you a ton of time, reduces your stress, and also ensures your valuables and fragile belongings are packed safely and properly. Everything will be neatly labeled and easy to identify and unpack when you get settled in to your new home.
Look for Short-Term Housing
Buying or even renting a home from across the country is a risky proposition, since you can't see it in person or get an accurate feel for the neighborhood. A better idea is to look for furnished short-term housing for a couple of weeks or so. This gives you a chance to investigate your new city and find the perfect neighborhood and home in person. Your professionally packed and moved belongings can be stored on the moving truck in your new location by your moving company until you are ready to move into your new long-term home.
Try to Make Things Fun
It may sound unlikely, but by outsourcing as much of your move as possible, you will reduce your family's stress and free up a lot of time, allowing you turn your long-distance family move into a fun adventure. If you are driving across country, you can turn this into a fun road trip (especially since you won't be burdened by a giant moving truck), stopping off at national parks and interesting sites on the way.
You can also take some time to research your new location and make plans for a few days of sightseeing when you arrive and before your family begins work and school.
Moving across the country is stressful, but by following these tips, you will make things as easy on yourself as possible and have a successful and more relaxed cross-country move.
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