NICK COWDY / Residential Sales Consultant, Principal Agent
Moving house can often feel stressful, time-consuming, and daunting. However, with the right approach and a positive attitude, you can turn this challenge into a smooth transition. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new city, these tried-and-true tips will help make your move as stress-free as possible.
Plan Ahead and Stay Organised
- Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Before you start packing, go through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This not only reduces the number of items you need to move but also helps you start fresh in your new home. - Create a Moving Folder
Keep all your important documents, such as new address information, rental or purchase papers, and moving contracts, in a dedicated folder. A physical copy is handy to have, just in case your digital devices run out of battery during the move. - Pack Early and Strategically
Start packing non-essential items well in advance. Seasonal clothes, books, and decor can be packed early, reducing last-minute stress. Remember to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making unpacking much easier. - Book Services Early
If you’re hiring movers, renting a truck, or needing other services like cleaning or painting, book them as early as possible to secure your preferred date and avoid peak season price hikes. - Prepare for Utility Transfers
Schedule utility services for your new home ahead of your move-in date to ensure everything is set up upon your arrival. Simultaneously, arrange to stop services at your current residence on your move-out date.
Packing Tips for a Smooth Move
- Use the Right Size Boxes
Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and lighter items like linens in larger ones. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to carry and reduces the risk of items breaking. - Optimise Suitcase Space
Use suitcases for packing heavier items, as their wheels make them easier to transport. Laundry baskets can also be utilised for soft items like clothes and linens. - Pack with Care
Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top. Fill any gaps with clothing or packing paper to prevent items from shifting during the move. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box for more efficient unpacking. - Special Care for Valuables and Fragile Items
If you have valuable art or fragile items, consider special packing techniques or professional crating services. For example, wrap paintings in paper or bubble wrap and place them in sturdy frame boxes. - Kitchen Packing Essentials
When packing dishes, wrap each one individually and bundle them together. Use plenty of padding and pack dishes vertically. Glasses should be wrapped and placed in boxes with dividers.
Final Preparations and Moving Day
- Organise Your Essentials
Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few days in your new home, including clothes, toiletries, medications, and important documents. This ensures you have what you need without digging through boxes. - Final Home Preparations
A week before your move, confirm all arrangements with your moving company and ensure you’ve made any necessary changes to your moving plan. Defrost your refrigerator, fill any prescriptions, and prepare your home for its new occupants. - Moving Day Tips
On the day of the move, consider laying rugs and placing floor and doorframe protectors throughout your home. If you’re using a moving company, provide movers with a layout of your new home, and ensure all items are packed securely. Before leaving, do a final walkthrough to check that nothing is left behind, and provide any necessary information for the new occupants. - Settling into Your New Home
Upon arrival, clean your new space before unpacking. Keep all receipts and documents in your moving folder for easy access. Finally, take a moment to relax and enjoy your new home!
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, staying organised, and following these tips, you can make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
