Did you know that 44% of Americans who moved to a new home admitted to crying at least once during the process? I assume the results of a Canadian survey would be similar. The survey also indicates that over 50% of Americans have some regrets about moving to a new home. It is unfortunate they had these experiences because many of these complaints are preventable. Here’s how the Stress-Free™ Move Management Services at Out of Chaos can help people settle into their new homes faster – and perhaps with a little more joy.
Missing Their Old Home
Approximately 20% of people who moved missed their old home. Unfortunately, Out of Chaos can’t help clients with feelings of nostalgia. However, people may miss their old homes because they were comfortable there. They had their favourite artwork on the walls and their memorabilia prominently displayed. Their old home was, well, home.
When moving to a new house, it can take a family several weeks to settle in – especially if they are working at the same time. It’s no wonder that people reflect on their old homes and have regrets about moving. In contrast, the Out of Chaos Move Management team can set up a household in a few days. We unpack the boxes, get them out of the home, place the furniture, and display the décor. We can even help implement systems, so everyone’s schedules run smoothly right from the start.
Too Much Stuff
Wishing for a bigger home was one of the regrets about moving for 20% of the people in the survey. And 19% felt they moved too many possessions instead of getting rid of them. I don’t know if these two points are related, but in some cases, they might be. If you discard more stuff, you don’t need a bigger house.
When Out of Chaos works with clients, we discuss the space they are moving into and help them declutter accordingly. We also arrange to send items for donations, sold on consignment or online auction. This process not only reduces costs but also reduces the time it takes to complete the move.
Too Much Time
Speaking of time, 18% of respondents complained about how long it took to move. Some of the biggest time-consuming tasks are planning and coordinating the services needed to move to a new home. Besides collaborating with your realtor, you must interview moving companies, purchase packing supplies, declutter and dispose of items you don’t want, pack your goods, and change your address in multiple places. If you have a family, you may also need to deal with schools, daycare providers, pet care providers, and medical and dental services… the list is extensive. Wouldn’t it be nice with less to worry about?
Hiring the Out of Chaos team to manage your move means you only need to take care of your personal details. You can leave the moving details to us. We plan the transition from start to finish coordinating with our extensive network of support services such as moving companies, house cleaners, tradespeople, and even snow removal.
Stuff Got Broken or Lost
Packing and unpacking take much longer than people anticipate, and it is more difficult than it looks. That probably explains why 15% of the people in the survey complained about broken and missing items.
While some websites suggest wrapping fragile items in your linens or clothing but in real life, it is a terrible idea. Buttons and zippers can scratch and damage the surface, and fabrics can stick to the finish. The worst is if someone else unpacks the box without knowing the delicate item is there, and it smashes on the floor.
Inexperienced movers and packers fill boxes without thinking of the goods, where they came from, or where they will go in the new home. For example, a colleague who moved a few years ago told me their moving company packed the garbage bin full of dryer lint. They also “lost” the package of vacuum cleaner bags and six months later discovered them in a container of the children’s winter outerwear. It’s no wonder my colleague had regrets about moving.
Because of our experience, the Out of Chaos team can pack and unpack goods effectively and efficiently. Watch our video to see how we take great care to protect delicate items. We also pack items that belong together in the same boxes. For instance, all kitchen items will be in boxes labelled “kitchen.” With our full-service set-up, we unpack all boxes and place the contents in their appropriate place in the new home. Our clients can relax and enjoy living in their new space almost immediately.
Hire a Move Manager
One of the biggest regrets people experienced was not hiring a moving company. But of those that hired movers, over 40% said their move was easier. Professional movers are more expensive than a do-it-yourself move, but in the end, it may be worth the emotional and physical stress. Even if you hire a moving company, you still have all other aspects of your move to coordinate.
That’s why hiring a move management service like Out of Chaos will reduce your regrets and stress levels. We take care of all the details so you can settle into your new home faster with a bit more joy.
Contact us today for a free consultation.