If you’ve ever had to move, then you know how stressful and tiring the whole process is. Sure, a new beginning is always great, but to get there takes a lot of organising, packing, and, let’s not forget – physical strength.
However, if you are new to it, remember – you’re not the first person to go through this, nor would you be the last one. And there is just so much information on the topic out there. But there is more to it than just getting your belongings into boxes.
With that in mind, in this article, we’ve combined everything you need to know to prevent the huge disaster that a move can easily turn into. Have a closer look at things to do when moving house so the process of moving goes smoother. We promise you that it may turn into a somewhat exciting experience!
Table of Contents
What to do when you move home
Normally, people put extra effort into planning the layout of the new property and buying new furniture that would create their perfect home. Although those are exciting tasks to think about, you shouldn’t forget to spend some good time organising the move itself. Something to keep in mind is that packing and moving can take weeks, if not months, of planning.
No matter how many things you own or the size of your old place, it’s best to start packing as early as possible. This way, everything will be ready and organised for the big day.
The most difficult part is starting. All you need are small steps, and they will all fall into place later on. It will make the whole process a lot easier when you’ve got everything planned out and thought of. We recommend starting planning the move 6 weeks beforehand and packing 3 weeks before the move date.
What happens on a moving day
As you can already imagine, moving to a new house can be extremely time-consuming. And if you are employed full-time, you most likely don’t get enough free time to yourself anyway. This being said it will be a real struggle to combine both work and the move in the same week, not to mention the same day. Take a day off and make a list of things to do when moving house.
Is moving house so stressful?
No matter whether you consider yourself an anxious person or quite laid back, we can assure you that the stress around moving houses is real. Not everyone is honest, and once done, many forget about their complex moving experience. It’s normal to get anxious the second the decision on this big life change is made. And we won’t sugar coat it – it will likely last all the way through, up until you get the last piece of clothing through the entrance of your new property.
What’s worse is that most of the discomfort feeling often comes from the fact that you pretty much depend on others as much as you depend on yourself and your abilities. Hence why you should choose your professional packing and relocation services wisely.
Downsize before you move homes
You will be shocked by the number of items you own. We all forget about the existence of some. Items that we once thought were important and had a high value but then ended up finding years later in the most bizarre places. And this always happens when either spring-cleaning or relocating homes.
Although it can be challenging, you should sort all the items you’ve collected over the years into two piles – one for items to keep and one to clear.
Declutter before moving houses
Yes, we all keep hold of dozens of unnecessary things, such as old clothes. Or those green and purple glass vases that we all seem to get from our aunties for Christmas. Giving those to charity or holding a garage sale are great ways to declutter your home. Offering them to neighbours or listing them on websites, such as eBay or Facebook, are also good alternatives.
Create a moving house checklist
There is not much you can do to prevent it. The whole process of moving is extremely exhausting and mentally challenging, so it’s almost certain that something will be left behind.
This is where checklists come in. If you don’t lose them as well, of course. Making a checklist for moving house is a quick and easy way to take control of your move. They shouldn’t be too complicated – a simple piece of paper and a pen will do the job, so close the Excel file. Now, sit down, make yourself a cup of tea and take a few hours to write down everything that comes to mind.
And we are not talking about listing items alone – you should write down all important tasks and plan Bs in case something goes wrong with the move.
Tips for moving house with pets
If moving is stressful for you, imagine how nerve-racking it is for the furry family members. No matter the scale of the move, simple changes can significantly impact your pet, and you should plan accordingly.
Moving is particularly stressful for cats and dogs. You’re their best friend and will be the first point of contact in case they feel overwhelmed. You, on the other hand, will be occupied with packing, cleaning, and planning the move. This being said, it’s best to ask someone to look after your pet, as you won’t be able to spare the needed time and attention at that very moment.
Tips for moving house with children
People imagine the way their happy kids react once they go through the doors of their new home. But jumping around in excitement to see their rooms and playing on their own will take no more than half an hour.
So, for your ease and even their safety, you should ideally leave them with someone they are familiar with. Try asking family or friends to look after them for the day of the move. If possible, having the kids taken care of for two or three days would give you the perfect opportunity to set up their new bedroom. This will speed up the process of the little ones getting used to the new place.
Takeaways
Remember – there is not one house move that has gone perfectly. If you do your best to organise it well, the process will go smoother than expected. And yes, you will have boxes lying around for some time until you get the energy and you feel strong enough to take care of them. And that’s fine. The good news is that at this point, it will all be coming into place and start feeling like home.
Moving houses is incredibly exhausting and time-consuming. And why should you do it all on your own? Go ahead and give us a call. Trust Fantastic Removals and let the team of professionals give you a hand with your relocation.