Take the stress out of moving house by running through this checklist.
Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in life. The problem is that there's so much to do, and it's easy to become overwhelmed with address changes, packing, and general paperwork. This checklist will help you to get organised, making sure that you're not running around like a headless chicken at the last minute and ensure that nothing gets left behind.
One month before
1. Stockpile packing material: hoarding when you're about to move house is a bad idea, apart from when it comes to packing materials! Start picking up boxes from your local supermarket, take home free newspapers from the bus (newspaper is great for wrapping up valuables), and buy some sticky labels and marker pens.
2. Pre-write your ‘change of address' cards: you won't have time to do this during the stressful moving period, so sit down and write cards to friends and family as soon as you know the address of your new home. This way you can pop them into the postbox on moving day.
3. Contact your utility companies: arrange a disconnection and reconnection date with your TV and broadband provider, and let any other utility companies know that you will be moving house and won't be responsible for the bills anymore.
Two Weeks Before
1. Pack non-essential items: ornaments, photographs, books, DVDs, and kitchen utensils; items that aren't used on a daily basis can go into their boxes early. This will save a lot of stress on moving day.
2. Contact the Royal Mail: it may take a few weeks for your bank, place of employment, and gym to process your change of details so arrange a mail redirection for any letters that might slip through the net.
The Day Before
1. Finish packing: use your permanent marker to write the name of the room the box is going to on it. Leave your toiletry box open in the bathroom so that you can put in all of the morning essentials like shampoo and toothpaste in there once everyone's ready.
2. Pack a bag of essentials: you'll be thankful to have teabags, milk, tissues, and your phone charger to hand once you arrive in the new house and are surrounded by boxes!
3. Take some cash out: you don't need to empty your savings account, but make sure you have a couple of hundred quid in your purse to pay or tip the removal men and buy a takeaway for dinner. If you have pets or children, you might also need some cash to pay baby sitters and pet sitters.
On the Day
There are a number of key things to remember on the day that will make the entire experience easier and less stressful on all involved.
When your removal company arrives ensure that before you get all caught up in the work of moving you check with the driver that he has the correct address he is delivering to and directions on how to find it, moreover by taking a mobile number from one of the men on the job you will be able to easily keep track of how the move is going without having to go through the company office which is often time consuming and can be unreliable.
1. Take a photo of the final meter readings: this will come in handy later if you get an unexpected bill that you have to dispute.
2. Do a final check of the house: make sure no boxes are left behind. If you're leaving furniture behind, check the drawers.
Have you moved home recently, what are your top tips for reducing stress on moving day?
I work as a mover for a London man and van company and I’d like to share some of my tricks to a smoother move.
When I’m disassembling furniture I always put the screws and bolts in a small sandwich bag. After that I tape the bag to one of the furniture pieces and load everything into the moving van.
I always advice people to keep their most precious possessions such as documents and jewellery in their personal car. It’s always better this way. Both movers and clients are more relaxed knowing the most important items are safe. It might sound like common sense, but I’m mentioning it for a reason. I once did a man and van job for an old couple who had packed their jewels along with their dishes. I guess their dishes we just as important to them.
Arranging parking space is one of the simplest things one can do to make their house move smoother. Unfortunately for some reason people often times think it’s the movers responsibility. Well, it’s not and never was, sorry to brake it to ya 🙂
Having extra money always comes in handy, but you’ve already mentioned that along with a great deal of other tips I use on a regular basis. Anyway, keep up the good work and don’t let relocation get the best of you.