Shifting is a big task and there is no escape from it!  Making a move into a new apartment can have several effects on your life, from your lifestyle to the friends you meet and people that get to become a part of your life.

Let us look into areas you should be paying more attention to before taking the call to shift.

1.) The cost of Living in Your New Area – Careful consideration needs to be put into how the cost of living in the new area is compared to what it is with your previous or current residence.

2.) Safety – The area you are moving into must be safe.

3.) Access to Schools for Your Kids – If you have kids that are attending school, assess how would commuting time change for them and is school transport available for them.

4.) The impact of Shifting on Your Family – It’s important that everybody agrees on moving before the decision is made including your kids as they would be spending a significant part of their lives in the next apartment you’re moving into.

The following tips will enable a smoother shifting for you.

• Planning & preparation

1. Read your current lease so you know proper protocol for informing your landlord that you’ll vacate – follow the agreed-upon directions.
2. Decide whether you’ll do the move yourself or if you want to hire professional help. Research moving companies, look at reviews and compare prices.
3. Schedule a date for shifting.
4. Prepare your moving budget which includes the cost of movers, cost of ac/TV /broadband installations etc.
5. Start to find new professionals (such as doctors) and other services (such as school and childcare) where you’re moving to.
6. Start researching about your new community for points of interest like grocery stores etc.

Pre-Packing

1. Start sorting through your stuff. You don’t have to pack it all yet but begin purging things you don’t need.
2. Finalize your moving arrangements, whether that’s reserving a truck or hiring a company for the specific day.
3. Separate your valuables from everything else, so they don’t get mixed up or damaged in the move.
4. Schedule transfer of your utilities, including gas, electricity, and Internet or cable service.
5. Schedule a day to make any repairs your apartment needs and get it cleaned.
6. Schedule and complete a walk-through of the apartment with your landlord. Discuss refund against security-deposit.

• Packing

1. Pack one essentials box that has everything you need for your first day/night in your new place.
2. Keep clothes for the entire family for at least two days before your stuff arrives. You shouldn’t be scrambling for anything the first night.
3. Confirm details of moving day with your moving company or your helpers.
4. Withdraw any cash you’ll need for moving day
5. Finish packing, check every nook and corner to be sure you didn’t leave something behind.

Shifting doesn’t come easy but it can be a lot more tolerable and a lot less stressful if it is carefully planned and executed. Happy shifting!