Moving house is a major life event, so if you’re feeling stressed by the prospect of what’s to come – you’re certainly not alone. However, with the right planning and organisation, you can make the process much smoother, ticking off your checklist as you go to ensure everything is in place for the big day.
Let’s dive into our tips and tricks to ensure the moving process is as stress-free as possible, and you’re fully equipped to cope with any unplanned hiccups along the way.
Declutter Before You Pack
It’s always beneficial to sort through your belongings prior to the move to minimise removal costs and streamline your new home. After all, the last thing you’ll want to do when you’re settling in is to commence a big clear out!
Take a systematic approach and sort through your assets room by room, deciding whether to keep, donate, sell or store each item. If you’re unsure about what to do with something, or are feeling the pressure to make a decision, consider using self-storage as a temporary home for your memories. After all, everyone should be able to hold onto the things that matter to them, however big or small.
Book a Removals Company / Van Hire
Decide how you will transport your goods to your new home well in advance of completion.
Removal Services
Using a removal company can minimise on-the-day stress as your belongings will be moved straight from your old space to your new home. Most removal companies will take down and re-build large furniture including drawers, wardrobes and beds, meaning you can use your time wisely, and don’t have to spend your first day DIY-ing your old furniture.
A removal company will need to estimate the amount of boxes you will need to ensure they bring a lorry of the right size. For this reason, decluttering prior to booking a removal company is essential!
Van Hire
Worried about something happening to your things during transit? If you prefer to have control over how your items are transported and when they will get there, van hire may be a more suitable fit for you. Whilst you are required to do the moving and lifting yourself, hiring a van will give you more flexibility as to where and when things happen.
However, you decide to transport your belongings, do your research and enlist the help of a reputable company. Enquire ahead of time to secure your slot as your moving day may be in demand with other house-movers!
Get Packing
As the big day draws nearer, it’s finally time to start packing. Aim to begin this process at least 2 weeks in advance, although the more you can do prior, the more it will ease your mind in the build-up to moving day.
Quality Packing Materials
Don’t chuck everything in a box and hope for the best. Invest in high-quality packing materials that will keep your belongings safe before, during and after the move. Sturdy boxes are essential, and breakables should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper. If you’re storing items with The Place, we have a range of packing materials available at our sites to buy. Discover our Box Shop.
Packing the Essentials
Pack a box dedicated to immediate needs. You will need easy access to the necessities, so package together things you will need on day 1 such as toilet roll, soap, medication, kettle, tea and coffee.
Keep your valuables close and set aside your important paperwork, including passport, birth certificate and driving license, so you are confident that they are in a safe place and to hand when required.
Label Your Items
Label your boxes with contents and their intended room – your future self will thank you!
For particularly fragile items, we recommend labelling them with special instructions such as ‘this side up’ or ‘fragile’ to ensure the boxes are handled particularly carefully and are stacked in the moving van accordingly.
Lacking Space?
Moving boxes are surprisingly spacious, and whilst this makes the packing process much more efficient, living with boxes for weeks on end isn’t always feasible with your lifestyle, and clutter has been proven to contribute to stress and anxiety – which is the last thing you need during this already stressful time. Fortunately, self-storage units act as a great intermittent option on the run up to the move and is somewhere you can house boxes without them getting in the way. And, if you choose to store your items, this will give you more time to slowly move your items in and decide where they will live in your new home!
But what if you need access to your things? Opt for a storage facility, such as The Place, that offers access 7 days a week, so you can get to what matters at your convenience. For peace of mind, choose a storage provider with CCTV, fire alarms and secure storage units, so you can rest assured that your memories are in safe hands. You should also consider storing the things you use less frequently, such as seasonal decorations or collectables.
Organising Utilities, Insurance Providers & Bills
Final Meter Readings
There’s a lot of paperwork that goes into a move, so it can be easy to forget to take those all-important final gas and electricity meter readings. However, doing so will make your life a lot easier on the other side of the move.
TV & Broadband
You should also think about TV and broadband. Are you planning to stay with the same providers? If you work from home, prioritise WiFi installation so that normal working isn’t disrupted. Getting ahead and organising your utilities will make moving in that much more seamless.
Council Tax
If you’re leaving the borough, you will need to identify your local council by using the UK Government website to find out which council you fall under. Registering as a new resident is straightforward, and upon identifying your local council, you can visit their website and use an online form or phone number to register for council tax.
Change of Address
Your utility companies aren’t the only people you will need to inform about your change of address. Other considerations include DVLA for your driver’s license, your bank, subscriptions, employers, schools and the electoral register. You should also consider setting up mail redirection to ensure all post reaches you directly at your new address. The Royal Mail provides a simplified service that redirects your mail for 3, 6 or 12 months after moving.
Saying Goodbye
It’s moving day! Once your estate agent has given you the go-ahead to collect the keys and you’ve loaded your belongings, before you rush out of the door, do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure that nothing is left behind. Take the opportunity to say goodbye to your old space, before you commence your new venture.
A Stress-Free Move
With the right planning, packing and prep, you can ensure your move is as stress-free (and even enjoyable!) as possible. Enjoy the process as you enter an exciting new chapter and feel in control as you turn your new house into a home.
Moving House Made Easier
Moving can be tough, but your storage doesn’t have to be. Accessible 7 days a week with secure Bluetooth access control, whatever your storage requirement, we have an option for you. Discover storage units for moving house across the South East and making the whole process that little bit easier.
