Moving house can be a daunting task, filled with a mix of excitement and stress. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new city, the process involves a multitude of steps and careful planning. Our Best London Removals experts prepared this guide to provide you with comprehensive tips to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Plan and prepare your house move.
Start early
One of the most crucial steps in moving is to start planning early. Begin the process at least two months before your move date, especially if you have a large household. Early planning allows you to tackle tasks gradually, reducing last-minute stress.
Create a moving checklist
Develop a detailed moving checklist to keep track of tasks and timelines. Your checklist should include everything from contacting utility companies to packing and hiring a moving company. This ensures you don’t forget important steps and helps you stay organized.
Set a budget
Moving can be expensive, so it’s essential to set a budget. Include costs such as moving supplies, hiring movers, transportation, insurance, and any unexpected expenses. Sticking to a budget can help you manage your finances and avoid overspending.
You can use our moving cost calculator to catch an idea of the costs of hiring man with a van for a period of time.
Notify relevant parties
Inform relevant parties about your move. This includes updating your address with the postal service, banks, insurance companies, and any subscriptions or memberships. Don’t forget to notify friends and family as well.
Decluttering and sorting before the move
Declutter
Before you start packing, take the opportunity to declutter your home. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. This reduces the number of items you need to move and can make unpacking easier.
Sort items by category
Sort your belongings into categories such as clothes, books, kitchen items, and so on. This makes packing more efficient and helps you identify items you may not need anymore.
For example, a piano move requires specific equipment and movers skills, so inform your moving company in advance if such items are part of the moving process.
Hold a garage sale
Consider holding a garage sale to sell items you no longer need. This can help you earn extra cash and reduce the number of items you have to pack and move.
Prepare for the packing process
Essential packing materials:
- Boxes: Get a variety of box sizes (small, medium, large, wardrobe boxes, and heavy-duty boxes).
- Bubble Wrap: For protecting fragile items.
- Packing Tape: High-quality tape to secure boxes.
- Markers and Labels: For labelling boxes.
- Packing Paper or Newspaper: To wrap delicate items.
- Furniture Covers and Moving Blankets: To protect larger items during the move.
You can purchase packing supplies from us as your moving company, but you can also buy these from office supply stores or online retailers. Some grocery or liquor stores may also give away free boxes.
The right way to pack before moving
Room-by-Room packing
Pack one room at a time to stay organized. Start with rooms you use the least, such as guest rooms or storage areas. This minimizes disruption to your daily life.
Label everything
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This makes unpacking easier and helps movers know where to place each box in your new home.
Use a color-coding system
Consider using a color-coding system for different rooms. For example, use blue labels for the kitchen, red for the living room, etc. This adds an extra layer of organization and simplifies the unpacking process.
Pack heavy items in small boxes
Avoid overpacking large boxes with heavy items. Instead, pack heavy items like books in small boxes to make them easier to carry.
Use larger boxes for lighter items such as linens and pillows.
Protect fragile items
Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or newspaper to wrap fragile items. Place them in boxes with plenty of cushioning to prevent breakage. Label these boxes as “Fragile” and indicate which side should be up.
Specific items like chandeliers or expensive vases need special care – do not hesitate to inform the moving company of your dearest fragile belongings.
Hiring professional movers vs. DIY move
Hiring professional movers can save time and reduce physical strain. Research and get quotes from several moving companies to find the best deal. Check reviews and ensure the company is licensed and insured.
If you prefer to move yourself, rent a moving van or book a man and van service. Enlist friends and family to help with packing and loading. This option can be more affordable but requires more effort and planning.
Moving day tips
Stay organized
Keep important documents, valuables, and essentials in a separate, clearly marked box or bag. Carry this with you to ensure you have immediate access to necessities like medications, toiletries, and important papers.
Supervise the move
Be present on moving day to supervise the process. Ensure movers handle items carefully and follow any specific instructions you have.
Perform a final walkthrough
Before leaving your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, closets, cabinets, and outdoor areas.
Tip your movers
If you’ve hired professional movers, consider tipping them for their hard work. The amount can vary, but a general guideline is £10-£20 per mover for a half-day move, and £20-£50 per mover for a full-day move.
Settling into your new home
Start by unpacking essentials such as kitchen items, bathroom supplies, and bedding. This allows you to settle in comfortably before tackling less critical items.
Ensure all utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are set up and functioning in your new home. Contact utility providers if there are any issues.
Arrange your furniture in a way that makes your new space functional and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts until you find what works best.
Take some time to explore your new neighbourhood. Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services. Introduce yourself to neighbours and get familiar with your surroundings.
Post-move checklist
Many people think the moving checklist is the most important thing in organizing a house move, and they are probably right. But in order to be on the safe side and really enjoy a stress-free move do not forget there are a few thinks that you should take care of at your new place – so prepare your post-move checklist in advance.
Update your address
Ensure your new address is updated with all relevant parties, including the postal service, banks, insurance companies, and any subscriptions or memberships.
Check home security
Change the locks on your new home for added security. Consider installing a home security system if one is not already in place.
Review insurance policies
Update your home insurance policy to reflect your new address and any changes in coverage needed for your new home.
Inspect your belongings
Check all your belongings for any damage that may have occurred during the move. If you used professional movers, file any necessary claims promptly.
Moving house is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and organization, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable process. By starting early, decluttering, packing efficiently, and staying organized, you can ensure a successful move.
Whether you choose to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself, these tips will help you navigate each step with confidence.
Remember, the effort you put into preparing for your move will pay off when you’re comfortably settled into your new home. Happy moving!