Moving house can be a stressful and time-consuming experience, but with a little organisation and a comprehensive checklist, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable process. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate through the essential stages of planning and executing a successful move, ensuring you don’t miss any critical details. So, if you are stressed about an upcoming move, then you have come to the right place! Follow along to find out more.
Table of Contents
Planning and Preparation
Begin your moving journey by getting organised early. Start by creating a moving folder to keep all your essential documents, such as quotes, contracts, and receipts. Research potential removal companies and request quotes from at least three reputable firms. It would be a good idea to read customer reviews online and compare services before you part with any money. Alternatively, if you know someone who has moved recently, then you can ask them for a recommendation on which removal company to use.
Declutter Your Home Before the Move
Decluttering your home before a move can have several benefits. First, it can help reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack, which can save you time, money, and energy during the move. Second, it can help you start fresh in your new home and create a clutter-free environment. Finally, decluttering can be a great opportunity to donate or sell unwanted items and help others in need.
To start decluttering, begin by going through your belongings room by room and separating items into piles of keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use, and try to let go of items that are broken, outdated, or no longer serve a purpose in your life.
Once you have identified the items you want to get rid of, there are several options for disposing of them. For items that are still in good condition, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. You can also sell them online through websites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. For items that are no longer usable or in poor condition, dispose of them responsibly by recycling or taking them to a local landfill.
If you’re not sure where to start with decluttering, there are several resources available to help you. The KonMari method, made popular by Marie Kondo, is a popular approach to decluttering that involves keeping only items that “spark joy.” There are also professional organisers who can help you declutter and organise your home before the move.
Organising Your Paperwork
When it comes to organising your paperwork during a move, it’s important to have a system in place that works for you. Consider creating a filing system with categories such as “Contracts,” “Bills,” and “Receipts” to keep everything organised and easy to find. You can also create digital copies of important documents by scanning them and storing them on a cloud-based service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This way, you can access them from anywhere and won’t have to worry about losing the physical copies during the move. Ensure you have stored your paperwork provided by the online conveyancing solicitors in a safe place.
It’s also important to keep your important documents safe during the move. Make sure to pack them separately and label the box clearly so that it’s easy to identify. If possible, keep them with you during the move rather than packing them in the moving truck. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make a list of all the important documents you’re bringing with you, so that you can double-check that everything is accounted for once you arrive at your new home. By taking the time to organise your paperwork before the move, you can save yourself time and stress down the line.
Getting Down to Details
One important thing to remember before you start packing is to notify relevant parties about your move. Utility companies, subscription services and your bank should all be aware of your upcoming move so that your address can be updated. Once you have done that, you should start the packing process. Buy some boxes online or even visit your local supermarket and see if they have any spare boxes that you can use for your move. Most supermarkets and retail shops get huge numbers of cardboard boxes every week during their deliveries, so they should have no problem giving you a couple to use. If you want to save a bit of money with your move, then this is the best option!
Spend Time Finalising Arrangements
Choose a reputable removal company and confirm your booking, making sure all the details are correct. If you need additional services such as packing or storage, now is the time to finalise those arrangements. Ask the company to provide everything in writing, including arrival times, costs, and what is included in the service. If you have children or pets who may find moving day disruptive, it is also a good idea to arrange care for them in advance. This could mean asking a friend or family member to help out, or booking a trusted sitter. We recommend organising these details a few months ahead to help ensure a smoother and less stressful move.
Label Boxes Accordingly
One of the best ways to stay organised when moving house is to label your boxes. After a long day of lifting and moving boxes, it is likely that you will want to relax with a cup of tea. If you haven’t labelled your boxes, then it is going to take you ages to find what you need and you will be more stressed than when you started. Accurately labelling your boxes as you go along will just make your life that bit easier, and it means when you finally arrive in your new place, you will have a stress-free unpacking experience.
Packing Fragile and Valuable Items
When packing fragile and valuable items, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure that they arrive at your new home in one piece. Start by using plenty of bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect the item from any bumps or jostles during the move. If you’re packing glassware, consider using dividers or cardboard inserts to separate each piece and prevent them from hitting each other. For electronics, be sure to wrap each item individually and secure any loose cables or cords to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.
It’s also important to choose the right type of box for each item. Sturdy boxes with double-walled construction are best for heavy or delicate items, as they offer added protection and durability. Avoid using boxes that are too large, as this can increase the risk of items shifting or breaking during transport. If you’re unsure about how to pack a particular item, don’t hesitate to ask your moving company for advice or assistance.
Moving Day Checklist
Moving day can be chaotic, so having a checklist can help ensure that everything goes smoothly. In this section, you’ll find a detailed checklist of everything that needs to be done on moving day, from loading the truck to turning off utilities in your old home.
Before the movers arrive:
- Double-check that all items are packed and labelled properly.
- Disassemble any large furniture that needs to be moved.
- Disconnect and unplug any appliances that are being moved.
- Remove any fragile or valuable items from the home and transport them yourself.
- Check the condition of your items as they are being loaded onto the moving truck, and make a note of any damages or missing items.
- Inform the post office of your change of address and set up mail forwarding
- Make sure all paths are clear for the movers to carry boxes and furniture.
- Reserve a parking space for the moving truck as close to your home as possible.
- Secure any loose items, such as drawers, doors, or shelves, to prevent them from swinging or sliding during transport.
- Double-check that all windows and doors are locked, and that all lights and appliances are turned off.
- Have a cleaning kit ready to do a final sweep of the house once all items have been loaded onto the moving truck.
- Make sure you have all keys to your old home ready to hand over to the estate agent or new owner, if applicable.
- Check the inventory list with the movers to ensure everything is accounted for before they leave.
On moving day:
- Provide clear instructions to the movers and answer any questions they may have.
- Ensure that the movers have access to your new home, and provide any necessary parking permits or other permissions.
- Keep track of your personal belongings, such as your phone, wallet, and keys.
- Take a final walk-through of your old home to make sure that everything has been loaded onto the moving truck.
- Double-check that all items have been packed and loaded onto the moving truck
- Clean the house, including sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces
- Turn off all lights and appliances
- Lock all windows and doors
- Return any keys to the estate agents or new owner, if applicable
- Leave a forwarding address and contact information for the new occupants of the home
- Take a final walkthrough of the house to ensure that nothing has been left behind
- Dispose of any unwanted items that were not taken by the movers
- Cancel any utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water
Upon arrival:
- Direct the movers as to where each item should be placed in your new home.
- Check the condition of your items as they are being unloaded from the moving truck, and make a note of any damages or missing items.
- Reassemble any furniture that was disassembled for the move.
- Test any appliances that were moved to ensure they are working properly.
- Check that all items have been unloaded from the moving truck.
- Provide payment to the movers and tip them if desired.
- Unpack essential items first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials.
- Inspect the new home for any damages or issues.
- Change the locks on all exterior doors for added security.
- Set up utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, if they have not already been arranged.
- Check that all electronics and appliances are properly connected and working.
- Dispose of any packing materials or boxes that are no longer needed.
- Begin unpacking and organising items in your new home.
- Update your address with any necessary parties, such as banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers.
- Explore the neighbourhood and locate nearby amenities, such as grocery stores, hospitals, and schools.
After the move:
- Set up any necessary utilities such as internet, cable, and electricity.
- Change the locks on your new home for added security.
- Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and other important contacts.
- Dispose of any boxes, packing materials, and other waste responsibly and in accordance with local regulations.
- Take photos of your new home and document any damages or issues for future reference.
- Make a plan for any remaining tasks, such as hiring a handyman for any repairs or installations.
- Remember to update your address with everyone else.
Consider updating your address with:
- Post office
- Utility companies (electricity, gas, water, etc.)
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- DVLA (DMV) and vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- Healthcare providers
- Employer
- Subscription services (magazines, newspapers, etc.)
- Online shopping accounts
- Friends and family
- IRS, Social Security Administration, etc.
- Schools and educational institutions
- Professional organisations and associations.
Storage Requirements
Sometimes, a straightforward move from one home to another isn’t possible, and you may need to temporarily store your items. Storage facilities can provide a solution for this. These facilities offer various sizes of units to accommodate your needs, and can be rented on a monthly basis. When choosing a storage facility, consider factors such as location, security, climate control, and access hours. It’s important to properly pack and label your items before placing them in storage, and to take an inventory of what you have stored. When you’re ready to retrieve your items, contact the storage facility to schedule a pickup or to access your unit.
Conclusion
Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful experience. Proper planning and preparation can make the process much smoother and more manageable. By following the tips and checklists outlined in this post, you can stay organised and on top of things before, during, and after the move. Remember to start early, declutter, pack carefully, and label everything clearly to make unpacking easier. Also, don’t forget to take care of important tasks such as changing your address, notifying utilities and service providers, and cleaning up your old home. With a little bit of effort and foresight, you can ensure that your move is a success and that you feel settled and comfortable in your new home in no time.
FAQs
Q: How far in advance should I start planning my move?
A: Ideally, you should start planning your move at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to research and book a reputable removal company, declutter your home, gather packing supplies, and notify all relevant parties of your address change. Starting early also allows you to tackle tasks in manageable stages, which can significantly reduce stress as moving day approaches. If you’re working to a tighter deadline, focus on the essentials first—like securing movers, packing non-essentials early, and organising important documents.
Q: What should I pack in my essentials box for the first night?
A: An essentials box should include all the items you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home without having to unpack everything. Consider including toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, snacks, important documents, medication, and basic kitchenware like a kettle, mugs, tea bags, or coffee. If you have kids or pets, include their essentials too, such as favourite toys, nappies, or pet food. Clearly label this box and keep it with you during the move for easy access.
Q: How can I make moving day easier with young children or pets?
A: Moving day can be overwhelming for kids and pets, so it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to watch them while you focus on the logistics. If that’s not possible, set up a quiet, safe room with their favourite toys, snacks, and bedding to keep them calm. Keep routines as consistent as possible, and explain the process to young children to help them feel involved and reassured. For pets, consider using pheromone sprays or calming products if they’re anxious travellers, and always transport them safely in a carrier.
Q: How do I budget effectively for a house move?
A: Start by listing all potential moving-related costs—this may include removal services, packing supplies, cleaning services, temporary storage, and utility setup fees. Get multiple quotes from movers and compare services carefully. Try to build in a buffer of around 10–15% for unexpected expenses. You can cut costs by decluttering beforehand, sourcing free boxes, and handling some tasks yourself, like packing or deep cleaning. Planning ahead will help you avoid last-minute costs and stay in control of your spending.
