If you’ve got a house move on the near horizon, chances are you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. It’s a big undertaking and unless you’re hiring professional movers and packers, it’s something you just have to get on with.
Here are some tips to help make it simpler, reduce your stress levels, and help you get the job done as smoothly and easily as possible.
Start Early and Plan Ahead
The best way to reduce stress and help you keep things in proportion is to break things down into stages, and have a plan for getting through each stage. Create a detailed timeline of tasks to be completed before, during, and after the move. This timeline should include:
• Decluttering: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Reducing the amount of stuff you have before you even think about packing will save time and effort later.
• Packing Supplies: Gather all the necessary packing supplies, such as cardboard moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Buying these items in advance will save you last-minute headaches trying to squeeze too much into boxes.
• Booking Removals: If you plan to hire a professional removal company, book them as early as possible. At least ring round, get some quotes, and talk to them about how it works and what you need to do. This gives you the best chance of getting your preferred moving date and will help you figure out what and how to pack.
• Notifying Important Parties: Inform your utility companies, banks, and other important contacts about your move well in advance. Make a list of all the people to include, not forgetting friends and family of course.
Create a Packing Strategy
Packing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving. Having a strategy can make it more manageable. You could consider:
• Pack Room by Room: Focus on one room at a time to keep things organised. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
• Use a Colour-Coding System: Assign a colour to each room and use coloured stickers or markers on the boxes. This will make it easier for movers (whether professional or yourself and your helpers) to know where each box belongs in your new home.
• Keep Overnight Essentials Separate: Pack a box of necessary items that you’ll need immediately after moving, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. This will save you from rummaging through boxes on your first night in your new home.
• Protect Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and blankets to protect fragile items. Clearly label these boxes as “fragile” so they’re handled with care.
Stay Organised with a Moving Binder
A moving binder is a great way to keep all your moving-related documents and information in one place. Include sections for:
• Checklists and Timelines: Keep track of your moving timeline and to-do lists.
• Inventory Lists: Make a list of all your belongings and the boxes they are packed in. This will be helpful for both unpacking and for insurance purposes.
• Important Documents: Store important documents such as lease agreements, contracts with movers, and receipts in your binder.
• Contacts: Include contact information for your removal company, gas and electric, internet, banks… having everyone in one place is very handy when you’re busy.
Get Help
Packing and moving home is a big task, and it’s important to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s hiring professional removals or asking friends and family, having extra hands can make the process much smoother.
• Professional Removals: Consider hiring a professional company to handle the heavy lifting and transportation. This can significantly reduce your stress and ensure your belongings are moved safely.
• Friends and Family: If you’re on a budget, ask friends and family to help with packing, moving, and unpacking. Have snacks or a take-away, plenty of drinks and some music to make it more enjoyable and a little bit ‘moving party’.
• Use Self Storage: You don’t have to move everything all at once. It’s easier if you store items not in daily use to help clear the decks while you organise other things into boxes.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of moving and neglect your own well-being by trying to do too much, too quickly.
• Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. Moving is physically demanding, and taking breaks will help prevent burnout.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Have lots of soft drinks on hand, and don’t neglect proper meals to keep your energy levels up.
• Get Enough Sleep: Moving can be exhausting, so prioritise getting enough sleep. Being well-rested will make the process more manageable.
Make Unpacking a Priority
Once you’ve moved into your new home, aim to unpack and settle in as quickly as possible. Here are some tips to make unpacking less overwhelming:
• Unpack Essentials First: Start with your essentials box so you have everything you need to feel comfortable in your new home. Make the beds, get some food and have a good night’s sleep.
• Tackle One Room at a Time: Once you’re rested, focus on one room at a time to keep the process organised and manageable.
• Create a Comfortable Space: Set up a comfortable space such as your bedroom or living room, where you can relax and take breaks from unpacking. It’s horrible when you’re tired and there’s nowhere comfy to sit.
With multiple deadlines, legal stuff, and the need to fit in with other people’s schedules, a house move will probably never be totally stress-free. But you can minimise the downsides by organising well ahead of time, staying positive, and keeping your eye on the rewards of a new home at the end of it all.