Moving house is up there on most people’s lists of stressful things to do in life. The truth is that moving can be arduous and time-consuming but it can also be an incredibly exciting prospect. If you’re relocating to pastures new, here are some tips for a seamless, stress-free move.
Decluttering is the first job that should be on your list when you are preparing to move. There’s no point in taking boxes of stuff that you don’t want or need to a new house with you. If you’ve got drawers, cupboards or a garage or loft packed with random items or things you’d forgotten you even owned, now is the time to have a clear out. Get rid of anything you don’t want to keep and create a pile of stuff you could donate or sell. If you’ve got items that you want to hang onto but you don’t have room for them in your next property, you could explore self storage options. Once you know what you’re keeping, you can add items to your packing list, take a trip to the tip and drop off anything you’d like to donate at local charity shops.
Removals firms specialise in transporting items from A to B and they have expertise in packing and unpacking and moving large pieces of furniture and valuables. Unless you fancy taking on the gauntlet and hiring a van, it’s an excellent idea to book a removals firm to help you move. Look for companies online, read verified reviews and ask friends, colleagues and neighbours for recommendations. Compare quotes and enquire about services. If you have heavy items or possessions that are fragile, for example, you may wish to find a firm that offers specialist services.
If you’re not paying a removal company to pack and unpack for you, call in favours from friends and family to make the task easier and faster. Label every box so that you know what it contains and where it is going in your new home and try to give yourself plenty of time to pack ahead of your moving date.
Moving house isn’t just a matter of packing your possessions up and loading them into a van. There are lots of other jobs to work through, including changing your address with the bank, the local council and GP and dental surgeries, redirecting your mail and settling bills with utility providers. You will also need to change your home insurance policy and make arrangements to ensure that your new home has TV and broadband when you move in. Write a list of everything you need to do before you leave and work your way through it.
The last thing you want when you’ve been traipsing up and down the stairs all day and carrying heavy boxes is to be wasting time trying to locate a mug for a cup of tea and some comfy pyjamas. Pack an overnight bag of essentials for your first night so that you have everything you need to relax and recharge your batteries.
There’s no doubt that moving house can be an upheaval but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Take these tips on board for a seamless relocation.
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.