Tips & Tricks
1. Plan Ahead
Taking the time to plan thoroughly before your move can make the entire process far less overwhelming. The earlier you start, the more in control you will feel.
Start by making a comprehensive list of everything you need to organise before moving day. Consider your furniture and belongings, decide what you want to take and what to leave behind, and arrange care for any children or pets during the move.
2. Get Packing Materials
Having the right materials to hand is one of the most practical things you can do to get your move off to a good start. Running out of boxes mid-pack is a frustration easily avoided.
Source moving boxes and packing materials as early as possible. You can purchase quality boxes from a removal company or collect free ones from local shops. Having enough materials well in advance will make packing far less stressful.
3. Choose and Communicate with Your Moving Company
Your removal company will play a central role in how smoothly your move goes, so choosing the right one and keeping in close contact is absolutely vital.
Select a removal company that is responsive and helpful. Establish your moving date early, ask any questions you need to, and confirm the arrangements again a few days before moving day to avoid any last-minute misunderstandings.
4. Sort Out Access for the Removal Van
Logistics on moving day can quickly become complicated if access issues haven't been thought through in advance. A little preparation here can save a great deal of time and frustration.
Think practically about how the removal van will reach both your current and new home. Let your neighbours know in advance and obtain any necessary parking permits to ensure a smooth operation on the day.
5. Decide What to Take and What to Leave
Moving is the perfect opportunity to have a thorough declutter and be intentional about what you bring into your new home. It is worth taking the time to make these decisions carefully rather than simply packing everything by default.
Create a detailed inventory of everything you plan to take with you.
This is especially important when moving abroad for customs purposes. For items you're leaving behind, consider offering them to friends and family, donating to charity, or holding a garage sale.
6. Plan Your New Home Layout
Thinking about your new home before you arrive can save an enormous amount of time and effort when it comes to unpacking and settling in.
Draw up a rough floor plan of your new home so you can plan where everything will go. If the new property is smaller, this will help you identify what simply won't fit, and packing with unpacking in mind will save you considerable time and effort.
7. Pack Systematically
Packing in a disorganised way is one of the most common causes of moving-day stress, so approaching it with a clear plan will pay dividends. Starting early and being methodical are the keys to success.
Begin packing non-essential items several weeks before the move, working through each room methodically. Label all boxes clearly, and leave everyday essentials until the final few days. Consider hiring a professional packing service if you have many fragile or valuable items, or are moving abroad.
8. Notify Important Contacts and Organisations
Updating your address with the right people and organisations is a step that is easy to overlook in the busyness of moving, but neglecting it can cause real problems down the line.
Inform your gas, electricity, and water providers of your change of address, and do the same for your bank, employer, friends, and family. If you have children, arranging a school transfer well in advance is also essential.
9. Keep Valuables and Documents With You
In the chaos of a move, important items can easily get misplaced or end up in the wrong box. Taking a few precautions will give you peace of mind throughout the process.
Never pack personal documents, jewellery, or money with the rest of your belongings. Keep these with you throughout the move, along with anything else you may need immediate access to upon arrival at your new home.
10. Be Present on Moving Day and Do a Final Check
After weeks of planning and preparation, moving day itself requires your full attention to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Make sure you are on-site on moving day to oversee the process and address any issues with the removal team.
Before leaving your old home for the last time, do a thorough walkthrough to ensure nothing has been left behind, and remember to turn off the gas, electricity, and close all windows.