Planning, packing, organizing – relocating can be quite hectic. For someone who works from home, the moving process can make it really challenging to stay productive. However, it’s still doable. Here’s how you can keep up with your work when such a big change is taking place:
Take your time to plan your move wisely
Preparing for a move is certainly not the time to start doing everything in a rush. Generally speaking, it is not advisable to leave all the packing until the last minute as it will only create more stress and make the whole process even more challenging.
Of course, this excludes situations in which you have no other choice but to move quickly (time-sensitive situations and emergencies). If you’re certain about the moving date, it’s best to start packing as early as possible in order to avoid unnecessary stress when the moving day finally arrives.
Having good self-discipline is not only essential for freelance employment but also for situations such as these, so make sure you create a moving plan you can stick to. Also, give yourself enough time to plan your move wisely. Consider creating a calendar on your phone and assigning different tasks up until the last couple of days before the move. Pack items such as off-season clothing and things that get rarely used early on, and make sure you tackle the packing daily, ideally after you’re finished with work for the day.
Pack your office supplies in a separate box
Another way to stay productive in the process would be to stay organized while you’re packing. Surely, it may be tempting to just mix everything up, put it in a box, and call it a day.
However, mixing your office supplies with miscellaneous house items and kids’ toys and telling yourself you’ll sort everything out when you move in is going to do more harm than good and further complicate the already complex unpacking process. It’s best to pack your office supplies and important documents and files in a separate box, ideally before tackling the rest of the stuff in the house.
Every successful remote worker knows that organizing and taking charge of a workspace is imperative as it largely determines how productive you are. On the plus side, having a well-organized space to work in is sure to create a sense of control amidst chaos and give you peace of mind.
Prepare an essentials box
When you start preparing for a move, you realize just how much stuff you actually own. With an average American home containing up to 300,000 items, packing and organizing can easily start to feel overwhelming.
Something as simple as packing up a box of essentials can be of immense help here. It’s also one of the most important things to do before moving – other than contacting your banks and utility companies, that is.
As a remote worker, your list of essentials will probably contain a computer, important documents, and files, as well as some personal items (toiletries, everyday clothes, medications, bedding, etc.). This open-first box will come in handy during your first few days at your new place and enable you to maintain a sense of order even during chaotic times such as these.
Schedule working and non-working days
Flexibility is one of the major perks of freelancing, so it’s no wonder that it’s becoming increasingly popular. This is especially true for Australia, where freelancers account for more than one-third of the workforce. Freelancing means being in charge of your own schedule, which can be particularly useful when preparing for a move.
During big transitional periods such as these, it’d be best to schedule working and non-working days. This will allow you to focus your energy better and be more productive, especially if you’re planning on moving on your own. For those relocating within the land down under, the move can seem like a daunting task as it involves traversing a significant distance. In that case, googling some useful moving interstate Australia tips can help you avoid common problems and make the process go a lot smoother.
If you’re planning on self-moving, your safest bet would be to hire a self-moving truck that is dependable. That way, you can easily move your belongings sans hassle, picking up the truck at one location and dropping it off at your destination.
Expect your usual routine to temporarily change
The best part of being a freelancer is being able to take your work with you. However, for freelancers who are not completely location-independent, relocating businesses is no easy feat.
There are a number of factors to consider, including clients (especially those you meet face-to-face with), legal concerns, as well as things like safeguarding your equipment and updating your old address.
If this happens to be the case, make sure to cross these items off your to-do list as soon as possible. Keep in mind that your priorities will change until you finally settle into your new place. Fortunately, this is only temporary, and with a bit of effort, you’ll be continuing with your usual routine in no time.
Wrapping up
Maintaining productivity as a freelancer when moving homes is challenging. Nevertheless, it’s very possible. With these tips in mind, you’ll have no problem staying on top of your daily tasks, even during these hectic times.
