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Top tips for a stress-free moving day
Moving home can be a stressful time; there is a great deal of organisation, work, and cost involved. Once you’ve found your property, signed and sealed the contracts, the panic really starts to set in, as you realise just how many lamps, cushions and coffee mugs you actually own.
Recent research by energy provider E-on found that 62 percent of the 2000 people surveyed ranked moving house as the most stressful life event they had experienced.
Before the moving van arrives, what can you do to make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible?
Preparation, preparation, preparation
As soon as moving house is on the cards, you should make a list of everything you will need to do, whether this is decluttering, packing, moving your energy supplier or updating your driver’s licence. If you set a deadline for these, this will ensure you don’t run out of time to complete your tasks. Don’t forget to include reserving your slot with the removals firm … But it’s better not to make a firm booking until your lawyers have confirmed everybody in the chain has agreed the completion date and is ready to commit.
Declutter and organise
You will have items in every room of the house that really don’t need to come with you. It could be broken toys, out of date food, clothes that don’t fit, or lamps that went out of style in the 70s. Go through each room and be ruthless – think about what could go to the charity shop, what could go on eBay, and what just needs to go in the bin, then make sure it goes before you change your mind.
Use boxes and bags of different sizes
Big blue IKEA bags, laundry bags, banana boxes and wine boxes are the best friends of movers. Bags are great for bulky items, like coats, duvets, soft toys and other non-breakable items. They can also double up as packing materials, filling the gaps between big furniture items in the removal van. It’s advisable not to overfill boxes and bags with deceptively heavy items, like books, and always label your boxes clearly to help yourself when it comes to unpacking.
Measure up
When I spoke to Tim Pennington, chartered surveyor, auctioneer and RICS registered valuer from Northallerton Estate Agency, he advised that one of the biggest stresses for new homeowners came from mis-measuring mishaps. He said: “Buyers will look at the size of the room, whip out the tape measure, and make sure their sofa or fridge freezer fits in the allocated space. However, many forget about measuring doorways, or taking into account corridor spaces that this assembled furniture will have to negotiate. This can lead to super king-sized beds getting stuck in stairwells and wardrobes wedged in doorways. It’s the last thing you need when you’re trying to get moved in.”
Prioritise the essentials
Pack a box with refreshments, such as milk, tea, coffee, biscuits or snacks, so that you can unpack them and get the kettle, which should also be in said box, boiling the moment you walk through the door of your new home. The day of the move will be exhausting, and everyone will be appreciative of several beverages while they work. It is also wise to ensure your linens are easily accessible, and that you make putting your bedding on one of your first jobs while you still have energy, so it’s ready for you to roll into after a long, tiring day.
Please note: This article is intended as guidance only. No responsibility for loss occasioned/costs arising as a result of any act/failure to act on the basis of this article can be accepted by Latimer Hinks. In addition, no responsibility for loss occasioned/costs arising as a result of any act/failure to act on the basis of this article can be accepted by the firm.
