Moving house is a mammoth undertaking, and often proves to be more stressful than planned. Between packing your life up into boxes, finding the manpower to help you move, and unpacking efficiently – stress will rear its head.
With some careful planning, there are things you can do to make the move simpler for yourself, and everyone else involved! Here are 12 tips for moving house efficiently:
Draw up a timeline
Trust us, planning (way in advance) is your secret weapon for executing a move without burning out in the process.
Create a timeline with tasks to be completed each week leading up to the moving day. Eg: Monday – Wednesday pack up the study, Thursday – Saturday pack up the dining room, Saturday – Tuesday, pack up the bedroom, etc. This will help you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
Declutter to downsize
Before packing your things away into boxes, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or sell items you no longer need or use. Go into it with a Marie Kondo mindset: Does it spark joy? No? Then toss it into the donation pile. Downsizing will make the packing process faster and more manageable.
The right packing supplies are nb!
Invest in quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and packing paper. Ensure you have various box sizes to accommodate different items, and that you have enough of everything. There’s nothing worse than planning to pack after work, only to realise that you don’t have the boxes or the bubble wrap for it – this will set you back. Always check your supply!
Pack an essentials box
This step will save you the stress of having to rummage through boxes once you’ve arrived at your new pozzie. Pack a box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home (toiletries, clothes, important documents, etc.).
Keep this box with you or label it conspicuously for quick access.
Lighten the load with pro movers
While roping in your friends and a rental truck for the day may be a cost-savvy way to move, it does include the stress of having to lift and move furniture and boxes around. This can be especially exhausting. If your budget allows, consider hiring professional movers. They have the experience and equipment to make the process smoother. Remember to research reliable movers that have good references, and to book your moving service well in advance.
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Remember to let everyone know
To avoid the issue of your mail or packages being delivered to your old address, it’s worth notifying your utility providers, post office, and other relevant parties about your change of address in the week before you move. Update your address for subscriptions, banks, and any other important services.
Put your stock-taking hat on
As you pack up your boxes, create a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help you keep track of your items during the move and ensure nothing gets lost. This is important if you are roping in strangers to help you move – things can easily get lost when there are many hands involved.
Take note of your setup
If you”re not exactly a whizz with electronics, a neat trick to ensure that you’ll be able to set up your tech easily in your new home is to take pictures of your electronics before disconnecting them to remember how they are set up. This way, you can easily whip out your reference pic if you’re struggling to set things up.
Moving day prep
Don’t forget about all the little things you may need on moving day. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks for moving day (consider those helping you move, too). Have a toolkit handy for any last-minute disassembly or repairs, and be prepared with cash for tips or unexpected expenses.
Get a pet sitter
If you have pets, arrange for their care on moving day. It’s stressful enough for a pet to have their environment shift and change around them. Combine that with strangers moving in and out of their safe space, and they will become freaked out. Instead, ask a family member or friend to look after your beloved four-legged on the day, or find a reliable doggy or kitty daycare.
Check the weather
One factor often overlooked when moving, is checking the weather on moving day! It would work in your favour to be aware of the weather on moving day, and to plan accordingly. Have tarps or plastic sheets on hand in case of rain.
Take measurements
Before you haul your furniture across to the new place, measure your larger items and the doorways in both your current and new homes. This ensures that your furniture will fit through all the necessary spaces. You don’t want to run into problems when your couch doesn’t fit through your new front door.
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