Moving house is an exciting chapter filled with fresh beginnings and new opportunities.
But let’s be honest, it isn’t often as easy as it seems.
The process of packing up and relocating can be daunting at the best of times.
However, without the right plan in place, it can be a disastrous experience.
The good news is that with some organisation and foresight, you can transform this potentially stressful time into a smooth, controlled and even enjoyable experience.
From sorting out your belongings to setting up utilities in your new place, being prepared can make all the difference.
It can put you in a positive state of mind and prepare you to enjoy life in your new home.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the 13 best tips for moving home to help you navigate your move with confidence and ease.
So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s discuss how to make your moving day a breeze.
1. Start Planning Early
The key to a successful move is early planning.
While many of your tasks cannot be completed until the last stages of your move, there are plenty that can be done weeks or even several months in advance.
Create a comprehensive checklist that outlines all the tasks you need to accomplish before moving day.
This might include booking a reputable removal firm such as R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage, informing your landlord if you’re renting, and scheduling utilities’ disconnection and reconnection.
Starting early gives you ample time to tackle each task without feeling overwhelmed and rushed.
Your go-to checklist will go a long way to reducing stress and inevitable last-minute hiccups.
2. Declutter and Donate
Moving is the perfect opportunity to really purge your home and declutter.
This is one of the jobs that can be done months in advance of your move date.
Before you do anything, start the process by walking from room to room (don’t forget the attic, garage and shed).
Seriously consider what items you really need to take with you.
If you haven’t used things for a year, you are unlikely ever to use them!
Separate your belongings into categories: keep, donate, recycle, or discard. Consider donating used items in good condition to local charities like Oxfam or The British Heart Foundation.
They will even collect your unwanted items for you, saving you time and energy when going to the local refuse centre or advertising online.
This not only lightens your load but also gives you a fresh start in your new space.
The extra bonus is that removal companies charge you for the volume of items they move, so less volume means fewer costs!
3. Hire Professional Movers
Unless you’re planning a DIY move, which, by the way, is incredibly hard and tiring work and fraught with danger if you are not used to lifting and moving heavy objects.
Hiring professional movers can save you time and effort.
Research reputable companies read reviews, and get several quotes to find the best fit for your needs.
Professional movers have the expertise to handle your belongings safely and efficiently, giving you more time to concentrate on other issues.
Check out the British Association of Removers to find accredited moving companies in your area.
R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage have been members of this renowned industry regulator for many years.
4. Notify Utilities and Services
Ensure you inform all your utility providers about your move well in advance.
This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and any subscription services you use.
Arrange for final bills and schedule the setup of services at your new address.
This step helps you avoid interruptions and ensures you don’t pay for services after you leave your old property.
5. Update Your Address
Don’t forget to update your address with important institutions, family and friends.
Notify your place of work, bank, insurance providers, doctor, and any government agencies.
To catch any stray mail, consider setting up a mail forwarding service with Royal Mail.
It is easy to register and forward your letters and bills to your new address with Royal Mail.
It takes a few minutes to set up, and you can opt for a 3-, 6-, or 12-month service.
Prices start at around £40.
6. Pack Strategically
When it comes to packing, a strategic approach can save you a lot of hassle.
There is an order that will make it easier for you.
Start by packing items you use less frequently, such as seasonal decorations or rarely used kitchen gadgets, clothing, toys, tools, and the contents of your loft.
Be careful with delicate items such as glassware.
To avoid breakages, they should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper.
Use sturdy boxes and quality packing materials to protect your belongings.
If you are using a professional mover, they will supply you with boxes before your move.
Remember to keep heavy items like books in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
Bending, wrapping, and packing is hard work.
Do it in stages to avoid burnout at the last minute.
7. Label Boxes Clearly
Clearly labelling your boxes makes unpacking so much easier.
Write the contents and the destination room on each box.
You might even use colour-coded stickers for different rooms.
This simple step helps you and/or your movers know where to place boxes in your new home and saves you from opening every box to find what you need.
Here again, this is where using a moving company can help.
They will complete an inventory of everything they pack, numbering boxes to match the inventory form, which will be a great help on the other end!
8. Prepare an Essentials Box
Pack a separate box with the essentials you’ll need immediately after moving in.
Include items like toiletries, a change of clothes, essential documents, chargers, and basic kitchen supplies.
Having these items on hand prevents you from rummaging through boxes on your first night in your new home.
If you are moving with children, you can add their favourite toy to the box.
The first few nights in a new home are scary for young children.
The same applies to cats and dogs.
Adding a special toy or bed to the box and some treats will help them settle on the first night.
9. Take Care of Pets and Children
It is no surprise that children, pets and moving is not a good combination.
Moving day can be hectic, not to mention dangerous.
Arrange for someone to look after them or set up a comfortable, safe space away from the chaos.
If you’re looking for professional help, services like Petpals offer pet care across the UK for a day or two or just a few hours.
You may have a relative or friend who can assist with children and pets which is even better, familiarity will ease their anxiety.
10. Double-Check the New Home
Before moving in, visit your new home to ensure everything is in order.
Check that all repairs have been completed (if applicable) and that utilities are up and running.
If it is winter, make sure the heating system is switched on as soon as you get the keys.
This is also an excellent time to plan where your furniture will go, which can help the movers place items directly in the correct rooms.
11. Secure Important Documents and Valuables
Keep important documents, jewellery, and other valuables with you during the move.
Items like passports, financial papers, and sentimental valuables should be transported personally to reduce the risk of loss or damage.
Better still, you can pack a “valuables box” a week or two before the move and give the contents to a friend or family member for safekeeping until after you move in.
12. Take Meter Readings and Final Checks
On moving day, take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water at your old property.
Make this your first task at your new home.
You can then inform your services or the readings as soon as you can to ensure accurate billing.
Also, do a final walkthrough of your old place to ensure that nothing is left behind and everything is clean, tidy, and in good condition.
13. Hire a Professional Cleaning Company
Moving can be exhausting, and cleaning an entire home is a time-consuming task.
Outsourcing the cleaning allows you to focus on unpacking and settling into your new place without the added slog.
Plus, if you’re leaving a rented property, a professional clean can help ensure you get your full security deposit back.
A cleaning company will make sure your home is spotless before you hand the keys back to the landlord or the new owners.
Do your homework and get several quotes. Check reviews and feedback online.
Book the cleaning after all your belongings have been moved out to allow for an unobstructed and thorough cleaning job.
Take a look at the Viewer Digest website.
It has links to move-out cleaning services across the UK.
Move Home with R.H. Pardy
Moving home doesn’t have to be such a nightmare experience.
With these tips for moving home and a bit of organisation, you can look forward to settling into your new space with minimal hassle and less unwanted baggage.
Remember, the goal is to make your move as smooth as possible so you can start enjoying your new home right away.
As a house move is among the top three most stressful life experiences, it doesn’t add to the stress by trying to do it alone.
You should seriously consider using a removal company.
R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage offers top-notch removal services alongside state-of-the-art secure storage facilities, so whether you’re moving locally or planning a long-distance relocation, we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
Simply call us 01425 274483 for a quote or use our online quick quote facility it could not be simpler.
Happy moving!
