Are you looking for the top tips to ensure a stress-free house removal?
Moving to a new house can be both an exciting and stressful process.
Regardless of whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, the process of packing up your entire life and relocating everything to a new place may seem scary!
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help the process run more smoothly and avoid any unpleasant experiences.
In this piece, we have used our experience and expertise to provide some of the best advice to follow to ensure a stress-free house removal.
1. The Importance of Planning
Planning is the cornerstone of any successful house removal.
A meticulous plan ensures every aspect of the move is accounted for, alleviating unnecessary stress.
Develop a comprehensive moving timeline, considering tasks like hiring movers, packing, and notifying people about your address change.
An in-depth plan offers a clear overview and helps maintain focus during the chaotic moving period.
Be sure to check out our full article with 24 top planning tips that are sure to help make planning easier.
2. Creating a Moving Checklist
Using an organised moving checklist is a key factor in ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Your checklist should cover every stage of the move, from initial preparations to settling into your new home. Include tasks like:
- Sorting and decluttering items
- Scheduling utility disconnections and reconnections
- Arranging childcare or pet care on moving day
Prioritise tasks and allocate sufficient time to each, adopting a systematic approach to your move.
3. Selecting the Right Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company is paramount to a stress-free house removal.
It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and select a company with a solid reputation, transparency in pricing, and a history of reliability.
Verify customer reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you’re entrusting your belongings to a reputable mover – you can check out R.H. Pardy’s customer reviews HERE.
Where possible, avoid last-minute bookings to prevent unnecessary inconveniences and higher costs, we understand that this is sometimes unavoidable but it can help to prevent any delays or issues.
4. Decluttering Before Moving
Decluttering simplifies your move and can reduce costs. Go through your belongings and identify items you no longer need. Consider:
- Selling: Use online marketplaces or hold a garage sale.
- Donating: Give items to charity shops or local community groups.
- Recycling: Dispose of unusable items responsibly.
At R.H Pardy Moving & Storage Ltd, we work closely with The Dorset Children’s Foundation, so if you have items you’d like to donate to charity, we can help arrange this for you.
5. Take Time to Clean
If you can arrange some overlap between getting the keys to your new home and leaving your old one, it can make a world of difference to your stress levels.
Getting into your new home a little earlier means you can fully assess it and give it a good clean before you move your furniture in.
Be sure to keep your cleaning supplies separate before moving day so you don’t end up with them packed away!
Cleaning the house thoroughly before all your boxes and furniture arrive means there’ll be no nasty surprises on moving day.
It also allows you to create a snagging list as you assess the property.
If you have access a few days before your move, you could arrange for any deliveries to be made in advance.
You could also use this time to take additional measurements of your new space to help organise your furniture.
If you’re ordering new white goods or need to measure for blinds, carpeting, or anything else, take advantage of the empty space and get them booked in.
6. Packing Tips
Proper packing is essential to protect your possessions during transit.
Follow these simple tips:
- Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes and packing materials.
- Pack Strategically: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Avoid overfilling boxes to prevent them from breaking.
- Label Boxes Clearly: Write the contents and the room they belong to.
This will make unloading and unpacking at your new home much easier.
7. Handling Fragile Items
Fragile items require special attention during packing.
Wrap each item individually with ample cushioning and use sturdy boxes.
Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items to alert movers to handle them with extra care.
Employing these precautions minimises the chance of damage to delicate belongings.
If you’re still worried about the correct packaging, you can ask a member of our team about our packing services.
We’re always happy to assist you in any way we can.
8. Organise Utilities and Final Meter Readings
Don’t forget to take the time to properly manage your utilities.
Here are some of the most important things to consider:
- Final Meter Readings: Take readings on moving day and photograph them for records.
- Set Up New Services: Arrange for gas, electricity, water, and broadband in your new home.
- Inform Providers: Notify current providers of your move to settle any final bills.
If you’re changing utility providers, inform your current company that your account will be closing, just in case the new occupants haven’t organised their services.
Also, remember to update your details on the electoral roll and renew your driving licence address if necessary.
You’ll also need to consider council tax—if you’re leaving the borough, inform the council of your move date.
9. Notification of Address Change
Timely notification of your address change is crucial to avoid any disruption in receiving post, deliveries, and subscription services.
Inform relevant parties such as banks, insurance companies, and utility providers about your upcoming move.
Update your address with the postal service to ensure a smooth transition of mail to your new location.
10. Child and Pet Care During Moving
Child and Pet Care During the Move
Moving day can be hectic, especially with children and pets around.
Consider the following if you are moving with children or pets:
- Arranging Care: Ask family or friends to look after them for the day.
- Packing Essentials: Keep favourite toys or comfort items accessible.
- Preparing Them For the Move: Explain the move to children to ease any anxiety.
We have two full articles packed with tips and tricks to make moving easier for your cats and dogs, so be sure to check them out.
11. Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit
Before your moving day, make sure you’ve packed a moving day survival kit of essentials.
This should contain necessary items that will get you through the day (and the first night) unscathed, such as toiletries, phone chargers, bottles of water, snacks, and provisions for hot drinks.
It’s important to have easy access to the supplies that will keep you well-fed and hydrated on the big day, and to have everything readily available so you can fall straight into bed at the end of it.
Are You Moving Home?
Embarking on a journey in your new home will involve numerous challenges, but with these 8 top tips, relocating can be a joyful and enriching experience.
By staying organised, informed, and proactive, you can overcome moving anxieties and approach the task with optimism.
With years of experience moving individuals and families alike to locations throughout the UK, R.H Pardy Moving & Storage Limited can assist you with every aspect of your move.
Our specialist team can guide you throughout every aspect of your relocation journey.
For added assurance, you will have the knowledge that you are dealing with a member of the British Association of Removers.
For more information about our removals services and to help with any questions you may have, be sure to give us a call today at 01202499390, or fill out our quick and easy contact form here.
A member of our team will be more than happy to help you answer your questions and get your move started in no time!
FAQs
- How early should I start packing for a move? Start packing non-essential items about a month before the move and gradually progress to daily essentials as the moving day approaches.
- Do I need moving insurance? Yes, moving insurance provides peace of mind by covering potential damages or loss of belongings during transit.
- How can I avoid moving scams? Research moving companies thoroughly, verify their credentials, read customer reviews, and avoid companies demanding large upfront payments.
- How do I manage stress on moving day? Stay organised, follow your moving checklist, and maintain a positive attitude. Having a good support system around you can also help in managing stress.