Moving house can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new county, a successful move requires careful planning and organisation. As professionals in the moving industry, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. So here are our tips and tricks gathered over a decade to help you navigate your move smoothly.
Begin your planning process at least two months before your move date. This allows ample time to handle all the necessary tasks without feeling rushed. Move dates and timings hardly ever go to plan in the UK moving market, but if you know you are in the process of buying, selling, renting or leaving a property then it is never to early to get planning!
A moving checklist is an essential tool to keep track of all the tasks you need to complete. Break down your list by weeks to ensure you stay on schedule. Key items to include:
Before you start packing, go through your belongings and decide what you really need. Donate or sell items that you no longer use or need. This not only reduces the amount of stuff you have to move but also helps others. There are so many charities who will help you with the declutter and will also collect items from your home. Don't forget, just because you no longer need something, this doesn't mean it has no use for someone else as long as it is in useable condition.
Ensure you have all the necessary packing materials such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Having the right supplies will make packing more efficient and help protect your belongings during the move.
Tape is probably the item that people run out of the most just at the wrong moment! Gather more than you need and also look out for the eco-friendly options which are paper based rather than plastic based.
As there are so many moves in the UK on a daily basis, websites such as Freecycle, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace also often have users offering materials from their house move free of charge.
Places like supermarkets and retail stores usually have an excess of cardboard boxes so if you have the time, why not get some of your supplies free of charge?
Start packing non-essential items first. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. This will make unpacking much easier. Use bubble wrap for fragile items and don’t overload boxes to prevent damage and heavy weight.
Picking the right size box for your items is important. Try not to leave big gaps in a box as when they are inevitably stacked, boxes with gaps tend to collapse!
As you get towards the end of packing your labelling may start to drift. Keep focussed - make your life so much easier at your new home and if anything, over-label! You think you will remember what is in every box... you wont - trust us!
It's also very important to keep separately items you will need on your first / second days eg a kettle and towels! Even if you are using a removal company, keep your very important boxes in your car or know where they are at all times - this saves stress and hassle when you are tired and ready to relax in your new pad.
Make a list of all the people and organisations that need to be informed of your move. This includes:
Create a moving day itinerary to ensure everything runs smoothly. Confirm details with your moving company, arrange for childcare or pet care if needed. Whilst children and pets can be really well behaved, this will be a very strange and sometimes unsettling time for them watching their beloved home being boxed up and taken away.
Before leaving your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all wardrobes, cabinets, and storage areas.
Don't forget to do your meter readings and take photos of them too - just incase you lose that piece of paper!
Once you arrive at your new home, start by unpacking the essentials. Take your time to arrange your new space to your liking. Remember, it’s a process—there is no need to rush.
You may find that your new home needs a deep clean before you can unpack - this is something to consider ahead of time. Everyone has different expectations / cleaning standards etc so it is better to be prepared and if you want to book a cleaner in advance you can have this organised.
Moving is a significant life event, so take some time to relax and enjoy your new surroundings. Try not to plan to do much on the first evening except to relax and process arriving in your new home. Then it's time to meet your neighbours, explore the area, and make new memories.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother and less stressful move. Planning ahead and staying organised are definitely key to a successful relocation. Happy moving!
For more tips and professional moving services, feel free to connect with us at Your Man With A Van. Our team is here to help make your move as seamless as possible.
