Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful of life’s experiences, and it’s no surprise why. With so much to organize, take care of, and consider, things can easily get overwhelming. A few little tricks and hacks, however, can make a huge difference in how smoothly the move runs as well as in your state of mind!
Here are our top moving tips for staying on top of everything while keeping as calm as possible. Pick a couple that are most relevant, or deploy them all for a smooth move and a happy start to life in your new home.
Sort Out Home Warranty
An unexpected breakdown and subsequent surprise bill during your first weeks in your new home are to be avoided at all costs: you’ll have enough to sort out without the added hassle of dealing with a broken-down water heater or faulty air-con system.
Getting a home warranty in place to take effect as soon as you move in will give you peace of mind that your major home systems and appliances are protected and, if a repair or replacement is needed, this is covered. Most home warranty companies offer a range of packages offering various levels of cover. While some things are usually covered as standard by most policies (such as plumbing, heating, and air-con systems), customers are usually able to add to their policy to cover, for example, roof leaks or pool pump systems.
Book a Removal Company
While, in most cases, it’s totally possible to DIY a house move, to make things as slick as possible, consider booking a professional removal company to help you get from the old house to the new with as little hassle and stress as possible.
A removal firm means you’ll have experts on hand that know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to moving furniture, loading the van, and getting everything out at the other end. This can take the pressure off, and minimize the risk of damage to your things, too.
Pack in Stages
Rather than trying to cram all of your packing into the last day or two before the move, start as early as possible. Even a month before the move, you could begin to box up and pack books, clothes, shoes, and coats that aren’t in season, ornaments, and kitchen appliances that aren’t frequently used. Be sure to label boxes with their contents and the room in the new house that they need to be taken to upon arrival.
Start looking for free boxes and other packing materials early to save money on needing to buy these things. Ask local stores if they have any unwanted cardboard boxes, or put a general call out to your friends on social media. You can also use towels, and even clothes, to wrap breakable items or to prevent scratches.
Get Snapping!
Your phone camera can be your best friend when it comes to rewiring your various devices when you get to your new home. Before unplugging and packing up your tv, sound system, games consoles, etc., take a quick snap of the back of each so that you can quickly and easily identify which wires go where.
Capturing a picture takes seconds and yet can save you a lot of time and frustration trying to figure out how to get your essential entertainment and other equipment up and running when you arrive.
Arrange a Sitter
If you’ve got young kids, then booking a sitter for the day of the move, or arranging for them to stay with a friend or relative for a night or two, could be a great idea. This will allow you to concentrate on the things that need to be done without worrying about what the children are up to and ensuring their safety.
This option can save you stress and time, and you’ll be able to get their beds and the basics in and sorted, ready for them to use when they return. If you’ve got pets, you may want to consider hiring a sitter for these, too or arrange for your dog or cat to spend a few days in a cattery or kennel.
Pack a First Night Bag
You’ll be so glad you did this one. Pack a bag for each family member with the stuff they’ll need to get through the first night at the new house. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, any medication needed, pajamas, and the kids’ special teddies.
Make sure items like the kettle, tea bags, coffee, and mugs (and a corkscrew!) are in a box that can be easily accessed, too.
Order a Grocery Delivery
And finally- when you arrive at your new house, the last thing you’re going to want to do is hit the stores for a major grocery shop. Book an online grocery delivery, if possible, to arrive the day after you arrive. This’ll negate the need to think about a shopping list and lug everything back to the house when you’ve got so much else to do – like settling into your new home!
And talking about a shopping list -don’t forget to order a bottle of fizz to celebrate a successful move!
Infographic provided by True Friends Moving Company