Is moving day looming? Has the panic of packing started? Follow our top 10 tips for a smooth and stress-free move.
Moving house is exciting but it can also be a huge headache if you’re not organised. Come moving day it’s easy to find yourself up to your neck in cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and black bin liners, on the brink of an emotional breakdown because you don’t think you’ll be finished by the time the removal men arrive.
To help you avoid this tear inducing and hair tearing scenario, we’ve put together our top 10 moving tips that will make you’re life easier come the dreaded day. Happy moving!
MAKE A CHECKLIST
Create a checklist of everything you need to do. Jotting down little tasks like cancelling newspapers, searching for cheap van hire, defrosting your freezer and informing your bank and other companies of your change of address will help you feel organised. Also, checking things off a list will make you feel good and like you’ve accomplished something towards your move.
GET YOUR PACKING MATERIALS READY
By this we mean boxes, bubble wrap, duct tape and sheets to cover items. Start stashing old newspapers for protective padding and pick up extra boxes when you go to the supermarket. If you get all your packing materials ready, you’ll avoid the crazy rush for boxes and bin liners come moving day.
COMPARE REMOVAL COSTS
Hiring a van for a couple of hours like Luton vans is cheaper and might be more practical than getting a removal company involved. From self drive vehicles to a man with his van, there are loads of removal options out there. However, if you’re moving long distance, it’s best to get some professional help instead of trying to DIY.
PACK EARLY
The best bit of advice we can give you is to start early. Packing things up will take a lot longer than you think. About three weeks in advance (minimum) should do it. Start with the things that you use the least. It makes sense to start with seasonal items like Halloween and Christmas decorations or gardening tools and furniture depending on the time of year.
Top Packing Tip: Never overpack boxes and put the heaviest items in first.
DECLUTTER
Don’t be a hoarder. There is no better time for a clear out and to declutter. Be ruthless and get rid of all the junk that you don’t need. Start with one room at a time and go through it object by object. If you haven’t used it in years, then get rid of it. The less you have to pack, the easier and cheaper moving day will be. What’s more, you can even make money by having a clear out. Sell all your unwanted goods at a carboot sale or on gumtree and ebay. You will probably be able to pay for all your moving day expenses out of everything you sell or buy something lovely for your new home.
RECYCLE
Recycle as much as you can. Shred old documents, take recyclable items to a recycling centre or your local charity shop. Don’t just throw away things and add to landfill – think of the environment.
PUT YOUR STUFF IN STORAGE
Moving everything in just one day can be super stressful and a lot of hard work. Instead of doing it all at once why not ease the pressure and put some of your belongings into self storage? Packing the things that you use the least slowly and storing them somewhere else means:
- You won’t have hundreds of boxes lying around the house getting in the way.
- You won’t get stressed out doing it all at once and you’ll have some energy left to unpack.
- You can keep everything safe until after the move, so you won’t be overwhelmed with furniture and boxes when you get to your new house.
CLEAN EVERYTHING
Wash all your clothes, towels and sheets and make sure all your ornaments, crockery and furniture are spotless. You don’t want to transport old dust to your new house.
LABEL YOUR BOXES
This seems like a no brainer, but it’s an easy thing to forget to do. There is nothing worse then moving into your lovely new home with a million boxes, and having absolutely no idea what’s in them. Remember to be specific and list what’s inside each box. For example instead of just bathroom, list what’s inside like bathroom towels, bathroom cleaning products, bathroom toiletries – get the idea?
DON’T STRESS
Just take one step at a time and try your best not to stress. Soon it will be over and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home.
Top Tip: Remember to pack an overnight box of everything you’ll need for your first night in your new home, including a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.
Moving day can stressful, but if you give yourself plenty of time it can be a breeze.