Moving to a new home is an exciting time. The process is likely to have taken several months to complete, and you’re nearly there. There’s just the move to get through. Not many people like this part. Packing is tiring and stressful. And then you have to repeat the process in reverse at the other end. There’s the cleaning of both properties to think about and the removal company to organize. Follow these tips to remove some of the stress and make things a little bit easier.
1. Before You Begin
Before you begin the packing process go through all of your possessions and have a good sort out. This is particularly important if you’re downsizing. Go through everything and get rid of anything you no longer need. It is easier to do this if you work through one room at a time. How do you know what to throw away? Ask yourself whether the item has a purpose. Do you need it? Does it make you happy? Is there a reason you’re keeping it? If not, you might want to consider rehoming it or tossing it. If you’re unsure, try storing it for a month and seeing whether you use/look at it during that time. If items are unwanted, think about donating them to charity or giving them to a friend.
Streamlining your possessions has several advantages:
If you cut down considerably, it will potentially lower removal costs
It will make the moving process easier
It will make setting up your new home easier
When you move into your new home, set up a system for dealing with clutter on a regular basis. This will avoid things building up in the future.
Create a checklist to cover the whole moving process.
2. Find a Removal Company
Once you have got rid of unwanted items, you can start looking for a removal company. Try and obtain at least three quotations. Don’t base your decision on price alone. Opt for a reputable company with trained and qualified staff. Check to see whether the company is registered with a trading body and that they have been in business for several years. Make sure they offer insurance for your possessions.
3. Packing
If you have professional packers to do this part for you, it will save a lot of time. However, for most of us, this is something we will do ourselves. Follow these packing tips to make your packing easier:
Rent or buy equipment that will help make your move easy.
Make sure you have enough packing materials, tape and pens.
Start the packing process as early as possible. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Start with spare and lesser-used rooms.
Don’t overstuff boxes.
Label each box carefully with the destination room at the new premises.
If you’re stacking, ensure heavy items are placed at the bottom.
4. Cleaning
If possible, clean your new home before you move. This may be tricky if you’re relocating. Try to have a member of the family at your new home who can clean thoroughly before the furniture arrives.
Moving home and packing generates a surprising amount of dust. Clean as much as you can before the move. This will save you some time later. However, the move itself is likely to generate a lot of dirt. People will be walking in and out of the house. Unless you’re fastidious with your cleaning, there’s likely to be a lot of dust behind heavy furniture and appliances. Arrange to go back to the house to clean thoroughly once the move is complete.
Moving house is often cited as one of the most stressful times in our life. It is certainly not an easy process. With a little planning and organizing, you can reduce this stress and make the transition a little easier.
