Life can be unexpected, and if you’ve recently been thrown a curveball that’s leaving you temporarily without a home—delayed construction, job relocation, natural disaster—knowing what to do or where to go can be difficult and daunting. But because you’re not the first (and, unfortunately, won’t be the last), the experts at MolloyMoving & Storage have four tips to help make this unsettling moment in your life a little more manageable.

  1. Find boxes quickly (and affordably). Generally, the more affordable packing supply options can be found online. But if time is of the essence, you may want to broaden your options. To quickly get your hands on boxes, ask your local supermarket or liquor store if you can take (or buy) their empty boxes. Several online  If your time is extremely precious, then you may want to consider hiring professionals to pack and unpack your place.
  2. Find flexible housing options. Finding your ideal living situation takes time, and if that’s not a luxury you currently have, you’ll want to focus on short-term solutions. Look into local hotels that offer discount rates for long-term stays, find a room or apartment to rent on Craigslist or other online platforms or stay with family. It’s important to keep in mind that this time of your life is only temporary, and once you find the perfect space for you (or once your dream home is finally built), then you can commit and look forward to the long-term.
  3. Storage is your best friend. If you’re buying time by staying in a hotel, renting an apartment for a couple of months or crashing with friends or family, then utilizing a storage unit will be the easiest way to gain some peace of mind. The amount you decide to store may vary depending on where you choose to temporarily live. If you’re renting an apartment, you may want to only store large items, such as certain pieces of furniture or artwork; if you’re staying with friends or family, then you may want to store seasonal clothes and shoes, kitchen tools and appliances and décor. If you’re using a moving company, many offer private storage options to tide you over between move out and move in.
  4. Lean on friends and family. This can be a stressful and difficult time, so it’s important for you to seek the help of your friends and family. If they live far from you, it’s still important to touch base with them via phone calls, video calls and text messaging. Sometimes, a few words of encouragement are all that’s needed to turn a chaotic moment into a calm one. If you’re lucky enough to have multiple people near you, do not feel bad about asking for or accepting help. After all, that’s what friends and family do.

Since opening its doors in 1964, Molloy Moving & Storage has satisfied the moving and storage needs of Long Island, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut customers. A family-owned and -operated company, Molloy cares about you and your moving needs, so whether you’re moving around the block or across the country, you can rest easy knowing every aspect of your move will be attended to. Contact them today for a free, no-obligation moving quote.