Making the big move

Relax and don't be overwhelmed by the process of moving. —CONTRIBUTED

The location of our home pretty much dictates our day-to-day existence.

Living in the city means waking up to a bustling environment, navigating crowded streets, and enduring the rush hour. In the province, life moves at a more relaxed pace, but you often travel a bit farther to

access essentials and luxuries. Ultimately, the home you choose shapes your lifestyle.

Given this reality, it should come as no surprise as to why people sometimes choose to move homes. If you’re wondering what’s in store for you should you decide to move homes today, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best reasons why you ought to make a big move today.

Consider getting a professional moving company to ease the burden of moving. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Get closer to the action

Many of our lives revolve around work or school. If you find yourself getting beat down by daily traffic and tight schedules, it might be wise to consider moving homes to shorten your commute.

A home near our places of work or study is not only convenient—it also saves money in the long run. It provides you a viable opportunity to rent out your place in the future should you choose to move home again.

A home near a great university, after all, is consistently sought after by students on a yearly basis. Whether you decide to stay for the long haul or switch homes in the near future, getting a strategically located home means a win-win situation.

Change the speed of your scene

But if you’re looking for a more relaxed scene in your retirement years or simply for your peace of mind, moving away from the city makes a lot of sense.

Consider moving toward the countryside if you want to slow down and enjoy life more meaningfully. You’ll be surprised how many provinces today, especially those that are still relatively close to Metro Manila, offer many modern conveniences and comforts.

Land value continues to soar in developing places as well, so economically this decision may also prove fruitful for you in the long run.

Keep your family involved and enjoy the process of moving.

Pursue opportunities

There is also the romantic reason to make the move.

Perhaps, you are one of those lucky few making the change for love. If you’re newly married or starting a family, it makes a lot of sense to make a big move to accompany all the new changes happening in your life. Even a newborn can make you decide to change scenes, especially if you’re moving closer to relatives who can help you out.

Or perhaps, you are moving homes to pursue a new career or passion. Certain areas offer specialized opportunities which you can’t get anywhere else. Some jobs, university courses and sport activities are concentrated in particular areas.

If changing your home means you get to move a leap closer to your goals, then by all means do it.

Improve your life

Whatever the reason may be, there is one important thing to consider: Is the move going to improve your life for the better?

If you answer with a resounding yes, then all the initial hassles, struggles and costs that come with changing homes would be worth it. To lessen the challenges however, it’s best to plan ahead and make the move with a checklist on hand.

Moving into a new home often implies a new beginning and better life.

Tips to remember

Before you move homes, consider the timeframe, budget and quantity of items you would need to bring along.

Do you need professional help, or can you manage to sort, pack and transport belongings with family or friends only? Buy packaging items in bulk and start wrapping things up in the days leading up to the Big M.

If you want to get a professional moving company, ask for quotes from various providers to make sure you get the best deal. For fragile items, ensure these are well-wrapped to avoid having to deal with broken items in your new home.

Learn to give up things that you don’t really use to lessen the stuff in your new home. Donate them to neighbors or have a junk yard benefit from them.

Pack wisely. Instead of emptying out drawers one by one, just wrap each one in bubble wrap or cellophane to protect and preserve the contents as you move. Use sturdy items such as pots and pails to keep fragile ones such as ceramics and knives protected.

Take photos of plugs connecting to your electronics before disassembling them to ensure you won’t forget how to set them up in your new home. Remove the light bulbs from lamps.

If you must bring liquids, do not put them in cartons and instead opt for plastic containers. Pack essentials such as toiletries last. Don’t stress out as much as you can and take breaks whenever needed.

Big move = Big life change

Seize the opportunity to upgrade your life by making the big move.

Whatever the reason might be, changing homes ought to make your life easier and happier in the long run. Enjoy the process and remember to give yourself a pat on the back for whatever it’s worth.

References: https://www.moving.com; cottonbro studio, Artem Podrez, and Kindel Media via pexels.com

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.