Moving house is widely acknowledged to be one of life’s most stressful events. But with the right planning and a few insider tips, the process can be significantly smoother.
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or simply looking for a change of scenery, here are our top tips for a hassle-free move.
Start Planning Early
Starting your planning early can help you enjoy a less stressful move. Begin by creating a detailed checklist of everything that needs to be done, from notifying your utility providers to booking a removal company. The sooner you start, the more time you have to tackle unforeseen complications that might arise.
Declutter and Donate
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to reassess what items you truly need. Be ruthless in your decluttering efforts. If you haven’t used something in over a year, consider donating it to charity, selling it, or recycling it. Not only does this reduce the volume of items you need to pack, but it also makes for a fresh start in your new home.
Use High-Quality Packing Materials
While it might be tempting to skimp on packing materials, using sturdy boxes, quality tape, and protective wrapping can save you a world of heartache. Fragile items require special attention, so invest in bubble wrap and label boxes accordingly. Remember, the goal is to ensure everything arrives in one piece.
Embrace the Magic of Labelling
Label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will not only make the unpacking process more manageable but will also help the removal team place boxes in the correct areas of your new home. Consider a colour-coding system, or even using a spreadsheet to keep things even more organised.
Keep Essentials Close
Pack an ‘essentials’ box for your first night in the new house. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and any necessary chargers. The last thing you want after a long day of moving is to rummage through boxes for your toothbrush or pyjamas.
Notify Key Providers
From banks to broadband providers, a whole range of organisations will need to be informed of your change of address. The Royal Mail’s redirection service is invaluable for ensuring you don’t miss important post. Start making these changes before you move to provide time for the services to move over.
Consider Self Storage
For those items you can’t move immediately or are unsure about where to place in your new home, self storage offers a flexible solution.
Particularly useful for interim periods or when downsizing, self storage can provide you with an extra level of flexibility, allowing you to start moving your belongings earlier, and easing the rate at which you have to move them into the new place. It’s a convenient way to keep your belongings safe and accessible without cluttering your new space.
Take Meter Readings
On moving day, remember to take meter readings at both your old and new properties. This ensures you’re only billed for the energy you use and can help avoid any disputes with utility providers.
Look After Yourself
Moving house can be physically and emotionally taxing. Make sure to stay hydrated and take regular breaks. If you’re moving with pets or children, consider arrangements to keep them comfortable and safe, allowing you to focus on the moving side of things.
Be Patient with Unpacking
Once you’ve moved in, it can be tempting to unpack everything as quickly as possible. However, take the time to think about the placement of items and furniture.
Unpacking methodically will help you create a more organised and harmonious living space and allow you even more time to determine which items are suited to your new home.
Celebrate Moving In!
Last but not least, take a moment to celebrate moving into your new home. Whether it’s a takeaway meal amidst the boxes or a small gathering with close friends and family, acknowledging this milestone is a great part of the moving process.
If you’re interested in learning more about how self storage can help you with your move make sure to get in touch with our friendly team.
