Make a Seamless Move With Your New Spouse by Following These 8 Tips

Considering where you and your new spouse will live is an overlooked part of wedding planning. You want to start the next chapter in your shared life smoothly, whether you plan to buy a home or move into one of your current living spaces.

Use a few strategies to make your move seamless, save money and begin your married life.

 

1. Determine Your Timeline

You’re not the only couple moving in together after your wedding. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, a change in marital status is a typical reason for people to relocate. Though many spouses move in together after tying the knot, timelines can vary between couples.

Think about how far you’ll move, how many things you’ll need to pack and if you need to leave your living space by a specific date. Forming a timeline creates the roadmap you’ll need to keep your big move on track.

 

2. Consolidate Your Shared Belongings

You and your partner likely have some overlap in what you own. You may not want two sets of things like silverware and table lamps, so talk about what you’d prefer to keep from each living space. Remember, you’ll also have wedding gifts that double as household items. Make a list with everything you don’t need to consolidate things effectively.

When you’ve worked through your belongings, decide how to get rid of the duplicates before you move. It’s easier to drop everything off at a thrift store or landfill when you’re not exhausted from hauling your belongings to a new place.

 

3. Estimate Your Budget

Unplanned moving expenses can add up quickly. Consider how you want to get your belongings from one living space to another. You might prefer hiring a team of experts to haul everything if you have heavy furniture, tons of boxes or a home full of things you want to keep.

If you’d rather move without a professional team, there are still expenditures to consider. You’ll likely need to rent a moving truck, which will include costs like fuel, recommended insurance and additional equipment like dollies. An overnight hotel visit might become necessary, too, if you’re driving a long distance. The best budget will make your move comfortable while fitting within your spending abilities.

 

4. Create a Checklist

It may feel challenging to visualize how many boxes you’ll need. Checklists simplify that process. Write down everything in each room, drawer and closet. You can organize the list by room and reference it whenever you need to see how much is left to pack. It’s also an opportunity to make a smaller list of everything you’ll want in an overnight bag if you are a long-distance couple who needs to move across state lines.

 

5. Stock up on Supplies

There are multiple ways to store your belongings while changing living spaces. Get boxes, tape and markers to organize and label everything. You may also need cushioning material for fragile things. Bubble wrap and paper from a local shipping location may help.

People making shorter moves sometimes skip those supplies. They might only need to transport a small number of items that fit in suitcases or large garbage bags. Plastic storage bins in your basement, crawl space or attic could also work instead of cardboard boxes.

Don’t forget your road trip supplies if you’re moving a significant distance. You’ll want to think about bringing snacks packed with extra protein to give you energy, water bottles and gas money. Even a lumbar pillow for the driver’s seat could make a positive difference in your moving experience, depending on how comfortable you feel while driving for multiple hours.

6. Test Your Packing Tape

Some tape sticks to boxes better than others. Fill several small boxes with heavy belongings and carry them around your home to see how well the tape performs. Discovering this sooner than later will prevent your boxes from falling apart during your move. You could save your most fragile items by testing your tape before your moving date arrives.

 

7. Prepare Your Budget

Relocating can sometimes feel like a whirlwind. The arrival of bills may be an unwelcome surprise once you’re in your new home surrounded by boxes. Get ahead of your expenses by budgeting for your post-move life together.

Decide whose name will be on your mortgage to save money on terms if you have different financial histories. Discuss how you’ll split your mortgage or rent and who pays for which utility bill. You can always adjust your financial responsibilities as you settle into your new routine.

 

8. Lock Your Belongings

National data shows that motor vehicle theft occurs every 32 seconds, which may include your moving truck. People with criminal intentions know oversized vans and rental vehicles are often full of valuable belongings. If you’re renting a van, get a heavy-duty padlock. You’ll keep your things safe while they wait the night before you leave or overnight at your new place.

Before hiring a professional moving company, ask how they protect your boxes. They can explain their trucks’ locking system to ease your worries. They might also offer additional insurance policies to reimburse your belongings’ value, which could provide the reassurance you need.

 

Plan an Easy Move After Your Wedding

Moving in with your new spouse is exciting. Make it straightforward for everyone by navigating the experience using tried-and-true strategies. Budgeting, visualizing your move and sorting through unnecessary belongings are only a few ways to make this your most manageable relocation yet.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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