If you love charming, small-town warmth and an active, welcoming community, you will love Wausau, WI. However, moving anywhere ranks among one of life’s most stressful events, especially if you make some pretty common (and easily avoided) mistakes. Want to enjoy the fresh opportunities that come with living in Wausau, WI? Start with a moving process that shuns these 10 stress-inducing mistakes. From understanding Wausau’s unique features and avoiding common mistakes to packing efficiently and addressing the emotional side of the move – we will talk about it all.

Mistake 1: Not Doing Your Homework

We have some bad news: Homework did not end with school. You have some research to do before you relocate anywhere, and that includes Wausau, WI. If you do not learn enough about this cozy small town and you could end up missing out on that charming neighborhood that is perfect for your family or living a little too close to the town’s active downtown. Here are a few details about Wausau to get you started, but do not forget to check out spaces such as the official Wausau site, or their detailed tourism site.

• Wausau is both cozy and active.
• It enjoys a strong presence of both Catholic and Luthern communities.
• Wausau boasts a strong community spirit.
• It puts on numerous events and activities throughout the year.

Mistake 2: Procrastinating in Packing

You may have instantly fallen in love with the idea of moving to Wausau, WI, but preparing to for the move is going to take some time. Start the packing process too late, and you will find yourself rushing through your belongings, packing away items you need for the area’s strikingly different seasons, or throwing random items in boxes and struggling to find them afterward. Here are some tips to make your packing process smoother:

• Start early – Like 6-8 weeks early.
• Dedicate part of every day to organizing and packing your belongings.
• Make your seasonal clothes easily accessible.
• Use uniform-sized boxes.
• Clearly organize and label your boxes.
• Invest in quality packing materials.
• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.

Mistake 3: Not Letting Go Of Your Stuff

Moving presents an excellent opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. You usually pay for your move based on the weight of your belongings. The more you keep, the more time, money and effort you spend on getting it to your new home. Instead, take the time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard (Hint: Starting the packing process early helps free up time to declutter).

The 12-12-12 rule is a simple and effective decluttering strategy. It goes like this: Find 12 things to throw away, 12 things to donate, and 12 things to put back where they belong. It’s an easy way to tackle clutter and pack light.

Letting go of the things you do not need or use will make your move to Wausau more efficient and cost-effective, especially if you consider the space constraints of your new home.

Mistake 4: Improper Packing Techniques

Improper packing can result in damaged items and added stress. To avoid these potentially expensive issues, use appropriate packing techniques and materials.

For fragile items, use plenty of padding and wrap each item securely. Specialized boxes for dishes, clothing, and electronics can provide extra protection. Don’t forget to pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies.

This box should either stay with you or be unloaded first at your new home.

Stashbee recommends you follow this quick checklist to pack properly:

• Declutter and store away unneeded items.
• Create a detailed inventory room by room.
• Stock up on all packing essentials.
• Tackle one room at a time.
• Prepare an essentials box for immediate needs.
• Keep boxes light and manageable.
• Individually wrap fragile items with care.
• Keep electronic items in their original packaging.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Your Feelings

Moving is not just a physical transition but also an emotional and psychological one. Leaving behind a familiar environment, social networks, and routines can be challenging. In Wausau, you may find a slower pace of life compared to larger cities, which could also be an emotional adjustment.

Do not ignore the feelings that come up during your move. They will come out one way or another, and facing them honestly can help you work through them in a faster and more healthy way. Here are a few tips for staying mentally healthy during your move:

• Acknowledge your feelings.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Maintain your old relationships.
• Forge new relationships in Wausau.
• Engage in community activities.

Here are a few things to do to get settled in Wausau:

• Find events and groups on Meetup
• Join local Facebook groups
• Volunteer in non-profit organizations
• Keep an eye on community programs

Mistake 6: Poor Planning and Organization

Do not wing your way through your move to Wausau, WI. Thorough planning is crucial for a smooth move. There are many things you can do to create a smoother transition, but one of the most important is to create a moving checklist. Try our 12-week checklist to keep you on track for the three months leading up to the big day.

Remember to update your address for utilities and services to avoid any inconvenience. Research moving companies, gather multiple estimates and choose a reliable option that fits your budget. Reputed Wausau movers like Piepho Moving & Storage can offer insights into the best routes and times to move, considering seasonal weather conditions.

Mistake 7: Not Protecting Valuables and Fragile Items

Neglecting to secure valuable and fragile items can result in losses or damages. Use high-quality packing materials and reinforce boxes with extra tape. Fill empty spaces with soft items like pillows and towels to prevent movement. Disassemble large furniture and protect it with padding and covers. Additionally, consider insuring valuable items to provide extra protection during the move.

Mistake 8: Forgetting to Set Up Utilities

Don’t spend your first night after moving to Wausau, WI, shivering in the dark because you forgot to turn on your heat or electricity. Ensure that services like water, electricity, internet, and gas are set up before you move in. This is especially important in Wausau, where winter temperatures can drop significantly in the fall and winter. Schedule these installations ahead of time to avoid any last-minute hassles and ensure that your home is warm and comfortable upon arrival.

Mistake 9: Pretending You Are A Hermit

If you never leave your Wausau home, you will never build the village that makes life richer (and easier). Take time to explore and engage with the local community. Wausau offers a rich cultural scene with events like the Balloon Rally/ChalkFest, Art in the Park, and various farmers markets.

The region’s natural beauty, with attractions like Rib Mountain State Park, offers great opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking and skiing. Engaging in these activities can help you connect with your new surroundings and meet new people.

Mistake 10. Underestimating the Time and Effort Required

Moving can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Many people underestimate the amount of time and effort required, leading to unnecessary stress. Leave enough time for each stage of the move, from packing and organizing to setting up your new home.

Don’t hesitate to seek help from family, friends, or professional services to make the process smoother. In Wausau, the community’s welcoming nature can be a great resource for finding local assistance and making new friends.

All Set to Move?

Ready to make your move to Wausau seamless and stress-free? Avoid the mistakes mentioned above with expert guidance from Piepho Moving & Storage.

Since 1952, our family-owned business has been dedicated to providing top-notch moving and storage services across multiple locations. Let our experienced team handle your move with the same care and dedication that has made us a leader in the moving and storage industry. Contact us today to get started!