15 Ways to Make Moving Home Quick & Stress Free
There’s no denying it. Moving house is one of the most stressful life events you will ever have to undergo.
With estate agents to navigate, legal fees to pay and utility providers to notify the list of things to do can soon start to stack up.
In fact 60% of people have been put off moving house because it is so stressful according to a recent poll produced by online estate agent Yopa.
The process of moving house itself need not be as stressful as you think with a little bit of prior planning, sourcing of quality materials and the hiring of a reliable removals company.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of simple and effective hacks to make moving home quicker and ease the stress of your move.
1. Hire Help
Moving home with the help of a removals company is a lot easier than doing it on your own.
Not only are they best placed to provide removals vehicles and quality packing materials but they can also draw on years of experience helping and advising people doing exactly what you are doing.
Look for the badge of a British Association of Removers registered removals company, and check their reviews online through an independent review site.
2. Keep the essentials with you
Make an essentials box, which you can stock with items you might need to access straight away.
Think toiletries, non-perishable food, kids toys and kitchen essentials such as tea bags, milk, biscuits,
Remember to pack a change of clothes for each family member as well and keep bedding spare so that you can sort out the bedrooms straight away on arrival.
3. Declutter
Who said spring-cleans have to happen in spring? Use moving home as an opportunity to have a declutter.
Throw out items you no longer want/need or which are no longer practical for your new home.
Consider donating them to charity or selling them on apps like eBay and Schpock.
4. Create a Packing Plan
Trying to take on a every room all at once is a sure way to become stressed.
Instead pack away each room one at a time, starting with the rooms you use least such as the attic and garage spaces.
Get creative with packing and use laundry baskets, suitcases and other large items to transfer items.
5. Arrange Minders for Children and Pets
The moving process can be equally as stressful if not even more so for kids and pets who crave routine and stability.
Ease the process by packing their favourite toys and ensuring you have enough food supplies.
Better yet consider hiring a pet minder or babysitter for them or dropping them off at a friend or family member who can look after them while you pack away the house.
6. Check Parking
Are there any parking restrictions at your current or future home? If so you will need to plan accordingly and ensure you have appropriate access points to your property.
Make sure you notify your removals company of any potential restrictions so they can plan ahead, either by obtaining the necessary permits or providing alternative vehicles/equipment.
7. Source Suitable Packing Boxes
Local DIY stores are a good place to head to but its also worth checking with friends and family who may have recently moved or acquired sturdy packing boxes.
Most reliable removals companies can provide these free of charge or as part of your tailored removals package and many will even help with the packing/unpacking for you!
8. Book Time Off Work
Once you have arranged a fixed moving date book time off work so you can focus on your move.
If you’re not moving on a Friday, having an extra day off work can help you settle in your new home and take care of anything that needs organising, including admin such as switching utility providers.
9. Create an Inventory
That way you can tick items off your list as you go along and make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Separate your inventory into different sections of the house and including specific instructions, eg dismantle living room filing cabinet last.
10. Label It
Chances are you’re going to be up to your eyeballs in different boxes. Use colour-coded labels to differentiate between each room and its contents.
It’s also useful to write handling instructions for your removals company to ensure items don’t get lost or damaged and also notes so they know where to place each box in your new home.
11. Take Lots of Photos
Taking photos of the backs of TVs and other electronic devices can help you easily reinstall them in your new home and reimagine where furniture is arranged.
It’s also useful to take a photo of your last meter readings so there can be no disagreements when it comes to paying your provider.
12. Update your Address
Notify your council that you are moving (and your new one if moving to a new area) to ensure you are paying the right amount.
Most will have online services where you can do this without having to ring up or visit the offices in person.
13. Take Regular Breaks
Moving is a physically and mentally tiring process, plan regular intervals for breaks.
Remember to offer tea and refreshments to your removal company to keep them well hydrated and motivated.
14. Redirect your Post
Make sure you notify everyone of your new address prior to moving, including any important service providers such as banks and mortgage brokers.
Use the Royal Mail’s redirection service to ensure you don’t miss out on any important bills or correspondence.
15. Defrost the Fridge & Freezer
Starting winding down the contents of the fridge and freezer a week before you move and defrost each unit a couple of days beforehand.
If you’re taking food items with you to cook on your first night ensure you have freezer packs or cool boxes to keep food at the right temperatures.
