Moving house is meant to be one the most stressful things you can do. I’ve moved house a few times, and I can believe it! That’s why it’s so important to have a catalogue of tried and tested hacks up your sleeve.
The Key to a stress-free move
To ensure moving runs smoothly, it’s important to plan ahead. Take into account things that art specific to you – like if you’ve got a piano to shift, or if you’re moving with small children in tow – these are the things that might need some additional research.
These are the hacks I’ve picked up along the way, read them, adapt them, remember them and pass on your wisdom to a fellow stressed-out mover!
Do your research
This is essential if you are someone with needs that go beyond the norm. As mentioned above, if you have something unusual to move, then figure out the logistics of that before anything else. Pinterest is a good place to start looking for a solution, and once you’ve got one, put that plan in place before all the others.
Book a removals company
The one thing I have learnt about moving is that you should never try to move it all on your own! The biggest thing you can do avoid stress is to pay someone to do all the heavy lifting. Literally. Book a firm like M25 Movers, who have trained professionals who will expertly and seamlessly move you from A to B.
In the past I’ve tried to move thing myself, but it always turns out I’m not as strong as I think, bad at manoeuvring big items and have absolutely no stamina. I’ve never felt such relief when I started using a proper removal company instead!
Pack much sooner than you need to
As soon as you know moving is on the cards, start packing! Anything that don’t immediately need (things like photo albums, books you’ve read and out of season clothing). Packing takes much longer than you expect and anything that’s in everyday use will needing to be packed last minute. Usually, even if you think you’ve left yourself plenty of time, it’s never quite as much as you need to organise, pack and de-clutter.
Scope out the local takeaways
That first night in your new place is not a night to cook your own food. Find a number for a takeaway near your new place and get it ordered once the movers have gone. Moving day is not a day for cooking.
Unpack as fast as you can
I’ve heard horror stories about people who only unpack the immediate essentials and then are stuck in a state of chaos month after moving day. Stop that from happening by setting yourself small unpacking goals.
Everything needs to be unboxed and in its forever home by the end of the first week in your new abode. If you’re tempted to leave it over a week, then you’ll be tempted to leave it over a month too – then it just snowballs! This can also be a great way to shed items you no longer need. If you haven’t felt the need to unpack by the end of the first week – chances are, you don’t really need whatever it is!
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