By: Paul Wolfert

If you’re hunting for new ideas to make a relocation to or from Michigan easier, it’s amazing how often the words “stress” and “relocation” appear in the same paragraph.

The most common thing you’ll hear is to separate “stress” from “relocation” by hiring “relocation professionals” —not surprising since many of the most-read articles are written by people involved in that industry.

Since I’m involved in all sorts of moving-day drama reduction on behalf of my clients, I’ve seen/heard it all.

Here are a few of the tips I’ve seen work wonders. Pretty sure they’ll work for you too!

The first one is something you can get started on long before any move is on the calendar:

1. Stockpile cartons, bubble wrap, padding paper—even those peanut-shaped plastic fillers. More and more, people are buying everyday items online, so the shipping cartons and packing materials inside are a lot easier to come by. Who cares if your boxes are all from Amazon? The only issue is creating an area where you can hoard them.

2. As relocation day nears, be sure to have the other basic packing materials on hand: those disposable heavy-duty Scotch shipping tape rollers and a couple of magic markers.

3. Within reason, try to sell everything you can (they're called 'moving sales' for nothing). Especially if you're moving out of Michigan using professional movers, the weight saved can make a meaningful difference on the expense side.

4. Think forward; pack backward. Imagine the ideal order for unpacking (label an “open 1st” box, “open 2nd” box, etc.), then line them up backward, so that the “1st” box will be first to be unloaded and easiest to spot.

5. In connection with that earlier “sell everything” tip, once rooted in your new digs, resist the urge to rush right out to complete every room’s decor. Experts agree that this is one of the most common reasons that relos wind up with expensive cost overruns. Chill out, kick back, and relax for a few low-stress days as you unpack at a leisurely clip. Plan to give yourself ample time to figure out what’s really indispensable in your new environment.

The single extra “Top Tip” that most relocation counselors agree upon? It’s Number 6  —to avoid falling into the trap of assuming that a simple local move doesn’t also take some degree of preparation. Above all, pack fragile items as carefully as if they were headed across the Michigan border!

Please don’t hesitate to text or call me (734-743-1482) for local recommendations when it comes to a move from or to the area:

I’ve a lot of time collecting proven resources in Michigan!

Happy moving

Paul Wolfert
Century 21 Row
734-743-1482
Paul@movingmi.com