Moving House Guide: A Collection of Moving House Tips to Make Relocation Easy and Stress-Free
Relocating to a new home is often perceived as a daunting task. However, it’s an inevitable part of life that we encounter at different stages. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach it with the right mindset and strategies.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a wealth of tips and advice to make your moving experience not just bearable, but enjoyable, eco-friendly, and safe. We’ll also address common questions and misconceptions about moving. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of leaving your old home behind, fear not! This guide might just turn your moving experience into an exciting adventure. Additionally, having a house moving checklist can alleviate stress and ensure a smooth move.
Most Common Stresses of Moving House
It is vital that you understand why moving house can be so stressful and what you can do to address these issues. This way, you won’t have to deal with too much stress and are better equipped to handle the stress of moving and make the process a lot smoother for yourself.
Budgetary Concerns
Budgetary concerns are probably the most common stress people experience when moving houses. How much you can afford to spend on renting, purchasing, or planning on renovating a new house is likely to be at the forefront of your mind during this time.
Additionally, make sure to obtain your final council tax statement from your local authority to potentially receive a refund.
Lack Of Time
Another common cause of excessive stress when moving is lack of time. This can occur when you have a tight deadline to move out and have not yet found the perfect home for your needs. Furthermore, it is also possible that you cannot find the time needed for packing, cleaning, or other pre-move tasks due to work commitments or family responsibilities.
Pressure To Have A Successful Move
Another cause of mental and physical stress when moving is the mindset that a house move should be perfect. This can make you feel anxious if something goes wrong or doesn’t turn out as planned during the move.
Additionally, it is also possible that this pressure has been created by people around you who expect a successful move from their family members or friends in order to avoid any embarrassment.
Dealing With Too Many Changes At Once
As we all know, the most stressful life events are the ones that involve a lot of change. A house move is no exception – it’s one of the biggest changes you’ll ever face in your everyday life. After all, most of the time, it combines a lot of changes in your life: new friends, a new job, a new location.
This can be overwhelming and cause emotional stress for some people, as they may not know how to deal with so many different things at once. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this stress and ensure everything goes smoothly during this transition period.
Pre-Move Planning
Pre-move planning is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience. It’s essential to start planning at least 8 weeks before your moving date to avoid any last-minute chaos. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your move:
Top Tips To Address The Stress of Moving House
Here are some comprehensive tips on how to make your house-moving experience less stressful, more fulfilling and enjoyable:
Make The Necessary Preparations For The Move
One thing you must never do is relocate to a new house without a solid plan. Notify your utility providers about the move and share specific dates for a seamless transition. This can easily lead to chaos and added stress on an already stressful day. Make sure you have a timeline of what needs to be done and when and a list of everyone who will be helping you out on moving day. Additionally, consider assessing the condition of your new home’s fencing. Installing durable and attractive options, such as Colorbond fencing, can enhance both security and aesthetic appeal. Addressing these improvements before moving in can save time and reduce stress during the transition.
Consider using a moving house checklist to ensure you do not forget anything. A comprehensive moving house checklist will often include a list of items to pack, items to leave behind (if you are downsizing), and an extensive list of things that need to be done in the weeks leading up to your move. This will include having a garage sale or donating unwanted furniture; cleaning out all cupboards; getting rid of old papers, files and other records; sorting through clothes, shoes and linens; and cleaning the home from top to bottom.
Above all else, it is crucial that you set aside a proper budget, otherwise, the move might end up being more costly than you expected. After setting a budget, it’s a great idea to get moving boxes carefully and thoughtfully so that your items are packed securely. Moreover, make sure that you save money by getting rid of unwanted items or selling them online before moving. You can also reduce your moving costs by packing and loading/unloading the van yourself.
Here are some tips for How To Save Money For Moving.
Do Not Plan A House Move Without Getting Proper Insurance Coverage
It is crucial to take out insurance coverage before moving house as this will protect your belongings against any damages that may occur during the move. After all, the last thing you want is for your belongings to get damaged without any financial protection.
Declutter
When moving house, it is vital to declutter your belongings in order to transport everything easily and for free. This means getting rid of anything that you don’t want or use anymore so you can keep only the necessary items. This process will make packing up much easier and allow movers working on your behalf to move everything more quickly and efficiently.
To make the decluttering process easier, try sorting your belongings into five categories: keep, donate, sell, recycle, or trash. This will help you to make decisions quicker and easier!
Have A Proper Packing System In Place
Another thing you want to avoid when moving house is not having a proper packing system in place. This can lead you to waste time searching through all of your belongings and even cause confusion on moving day because everything will be packed together instead of being arranged by room or category.
To avoid this, make sure to pack each room separately and use different types of packing materials for fragile and non-fragile items. You can also use colour coding to help keep track of everything.
Avoid Packing Too Much Or Too Little
You should avoid packing too much or too little. If you pack too much, you will undoubtedly end up with a lot of excess baggage that will cost extra money to move and could slow you down on moving day. On the other hand, if you don’t pack enough, you may find yourself without some of your essentials on a moving day.
To ensure you pack the right amount, try packing a box or two per room and then reviewing your list of belongings to see what else you will need. Remember that you can always get more boxes if needed, but it is much harder to get rid of them once they are packed!
Starting The Packing Process Too Late
Be sure to start packing at least a few days before moving day. This way, you will have time to get rid of anything that is no longer needed and prepare things for your move in a timely manner.
This will also prevent you from stressing about having too little time to pack everything up. Additionally, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and notify your mobile phone providers about the change of address.
Plan A Packing Party
Having a packing party is a great way to make moving house fun and will also make the move much quicker and easier. To do this, invite friends and the entire family around on the day of the move and get them to bring some drinks and snacks with them. This will create a relaxed environment for everyone and create some memories that will make moving as enjoyable as possible.
This is a good idea because it makes the whole move much more of a social event, rather than simply something you have to do. This makes the packing process less of a chore and will make things go faster.
Make An Open First Box
When you’re moving house, packing is just a daunting task as hiring a reliable man and van to help transport your stuff. Not only do you have to make sure that all your most treasured possessions are carefully wrapped and packed, but you also have to deal with the fact that you won’t have access to your belongings for a while.
This is where the open-first box comes in. This type of box ensures that you can access your essentials first and ensure that they get to your new home safely before going back and continuing with the rest of the boxes. It’s a clever way of saving time, money and effort when moving house!
Have A Moving Playlist
Creating a playlist for moving can make things much more fun and will also help to keep you motivated. This will provide everyone with terrific music to sing along to as they work.
In addition to selecting songs, you should also make sure that the music is at an acceptable volume. This will help prevent people from getting annoyed and stressed because of the noise.
Above all else, make sure that you take some time to carefully plan out what songs will be on your playlist. You don’t want it to be too short or too long.
Decorate Your Boxes
When packing up your belongings for the move, it is a great idea to decorate every box. This will add a personal touch and some fantastic memories from your old home.
There are many ways to decorate the boxes for moving. For example, you could cover them in paper and paint them with colourful patterns. You could also use materials such as stickers or even glitter glue to make things fun and stand out more.
Arrange For Games Throughout The Moving Process
Having games throughout the moving process can make things a lot more fun and help pass the time. This is great because it will keep people motivated and working hard.
For example, you and your household members can race each other to see who can fill up a moving box fastest. This is not only a great way to make moving enjoyable but also an excellent way to get people talking and working together.
In addition to this, there are many other games you can play that involve either the whole family or just some members of the household. For example, you could play a fun challenge where the last person to put something in a box has to forfeit an item of clothing.
This will make moving a great time for everyone and also help everyone get along better. Moreover, do not forget to prepare prizes for the winners of each game. This will add a competitive edge to moving and will also give someone a reason to work harder in their attempt to win.
Always Have Snacks Handy
Keeping snacks on hand throughout the moving process is a great idea and will help make everything more enjoyable. This is because it will provide everyone with some high energy food to keep them going.
After all, you don’t want anyone in your household getting tired or hungry when they are working hard to get everything done in time. Therefore, make sure to prepare plenty of snacks and drinks and place them all around the house so that no one has to go too far.
Make Sure That You Get A Good Removal Company
Packing up your belongings yourself can be great, not only because it saves money but also because it is a great way to make moving a fun adventure. Unfortunately, the task of packing everything can be very time-consuming and tiring, too.
This is where hiring a mover comes into play. This will not only help make the move go much quicker but also allow people in your household to relax for once.
A house removal company or a man with a van can always come in and do the packing for you. This way, everyone will be working together to get the job done instead of having people do it on their own.
It also makes moving much less time-consuming because there is no need for anyone in your household to spend hours upon hours packing everything up. While hiring movers will make the whole move go by much quicker and easier, you must do your research first. You want to ensure that you are hiring a reliable moving company or man and van that won’t end up scamming you or showing up late to work (or, worse yet, not at all).
To avoid being scammed when hiring a mover, always ask for recommendations from friends and family. If they have hired movers in the past, they will be able to give you referrals that can help you out in a huge way. Also, check out reviews online before hiring one so that you know what to expect. If possible, ensure the mover is insured and always contact them in advance to ask about their availability.
Meanwhile, if you are planning an eco-friendly move, here are some things you can look for:
- Do they use energy-efficient vehicles or enhanced environmentally friendly vehicles?
- Do they recycle or reuse packing materials?
- Do they offer carbon offsetting services?
Some of these man and van or removal companies also offer a wide range of moving van size options, so be sure to choose the one most appropriate for your needs. This will help reduce the number of trips your movers will have to take and, therefore, minimise the amount of fuel used, resulting in lower emissions.
Bonus Tip: Do Not Hire The First Mover You Find
Whether you are hiring a removal company or a man with a van, it is essential to do your research before selecting a mover. This way, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible service for your money.
Moreover, hiring a reputable and reliable mover will give you one less thing to worry about on moving day. So, take the time to read reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations.
Special Tips For Moving House With Seniors
Regardless of the reason, moving house as an older adult will be much more complex than how it already is. After all, the challenges of moving are made worse by the physical limitations that come with ageing. Moreover, it can be challenging to let go of the home and belongings that you worked hard for and have grown attached to over the years. Here are some moving tips for seniors that you might just find helpful when you are planning on relocating:
Determine The Feasibility Of Your Move
Before anything else, you must figure out if moving house is something you truly want or if you’re just planning a house move for the sake of it. You must also look into your physical capability to relocate. Would an existing medical condition or any mobility issues prevent you from conducting such a move, or would the entire moving and packing process take its toll on your health?
It is also essential to determine these things as early as possible. You have no choice but to move houses. That way, you and your family members can make the necessary adjustments and arrangements to make the move as easy as possible for you.
Gather Your Medical Records and Take Care Of Your Medical Needs
One of the most important steps for anyone before moving is to ensure their medical needs are taken care of as well as possible. To do this, it is best to speak with a doctor about any new prescriptions, any medical issues that have arisen, or a change in the dosage of current medications.
This will allow you to make sure all those needs are met before moving and provide some peace of mind for everyone involved with this critical life transition.
Seek Out The Support Of Your Family Members
Because moving can truly be an emotional endeavour, it will be beneficial to have the support and guidance of at least one family member throughout the moving process. They will be able to provide you with emotional support and help and any physical assistance that is required.
Remember that you must be upfront and communicative with your family members about the reasons for moving. This way, they will help you better prepare emotionally for such a significant change in life.
Do remember, though, that they are not there to make any decisions for you. Instead, they will be there to provide you with support and guidance and help you make the right decisions for yourself.
Prepare Yourself Emotionally For The Reality Of Moving
As already mentioned, moving house, even when it’s for the best possible reasons, can be an emotional transition for seniors because they are likely attached to their homes and everything about them, like their neighbours, the neighbourhood and more.
Therefore, you must prepare yourself emotionally for relocating so there are no surprises down the line. This includes getting your affairs in order before moving to ensure everything will be taken care of when you finally move out of your old home and into a new one.
In addition to finding a moving company, it is important that you also consider hiring professional services for other aspects of your move. For example, a professional cleaning service may be hired to do all of the cleaning needed in your new space before moving and after moving day is over. This will ensure no worries about any dust or dirt being left behind on surfaces such as furniture, carpets or other items around the entire house during the process.
Another service may also include rubbish removal so that any old or unwanted items left behind can be disposed of properly.
In addition, you may hire a professional gardening service to help with exterior property maintenance and ensure everything is looking nice when the time comes to move out. This will allow you to focus on other aspects of your life without worrying about taking care of them yourself.
Be Patient With Yourself While Settling Into Your New Home
Lastly, while settling into your new home, be patient with yourself. It will most likely take you some time to adjust to living in a space that may not seem as comfortable or familiar as what you are used to at this stage in life. It can also feel like there’s an adjustment period for caregivers.
However, it is essential to remind yourself that this will pass eventually, and you’ll soon find a new routine in your daily life. This can be helped by setting small goals for yourself about the things you’d like to do each day or by taking some time out for yourself.
Tips on How to Conduct A DIY Move Safely
Getting injured makes Here are a few tips for moving house without the risk of injury:
Have A Moving Plan In Place And Make Sure To Follow It
You’ll need to have a plan to complete your DIY move without getting injured. This must be more than “get everything out of the old place and into the new one,” as is often the case with moving house. You need to know what’s going where and which room it will go in.
Knowing how heavy everything is and what items may need two people to move them is also essential.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques When Moving Heavier Items
If you want to lift or carry something large, such as a piece of furniture, it’s easy for the strain on your back muscles and neck muscles to become too much. You’ll be putting a lot of pressure on these muscles while you lift, and this may cause personal injuries such as hernias. If possible, always try to figure out how to get the item lifted and carried in more than one way.
You may need to use equipment like a furniture mover or winch, particularly heavy or bulky. This is why it’s so important to figure out how heavy everything is, as well as work out the best way to get each item moved.
Make Sure You Wear The Right Clothing And Footwear
You should always wear appropriate clothing during a DIY house move. To begin with, this means comfortable garments that won’t cause you any discomfort or get in the way. You will be doing a lot of walking and some kneeling, so it’s essential to move easily.
When you’re moving items from your old house to your new one, try not to wear anything that has laces or complicated fastenings where they could get caught on something and cause an injury such as a torn ligament.
You’ll also need to wear your right footwear, as you could easily injure your feet if you go about the move in unsuitable shoes or slippers. Having some sturdy gardening boots specifically for a DIY house move is a good idea.
Protect Yourself And Others From Injuries With The Right Tools
You should carry out your DIY house move with the right tools. These tools should be suitable for the job and not too heavy to carry around. By having these handy, you’ll make the job a whole lot easier and will be less likely to put yourself at risk of injury while you’re moving house.
- Use a Ladder: One of the top tips on moving is to utilize a ladder. This tool can be incredibly useful for moving items through windows or onto roofs, making the process easier and less strenuous.
- Employ a Wooden Plank: When planning a house move, consider using a wooden plank as a makeshift ramp. This can be particularly helpful for moving larger and heavier objects, such as furniture. If you’re dealing with an uneven surface, like gravel, the plank will ensure a smooth transition.
- Rope or Webbing Sling: A rope or webbing sling is a must-have in your home moving tips list. These tools are perfect for lifting large objects onto roofs, out of windows, and up stairs. They can also be used to secure items during transit, ensuring they don’t move around and get damaged.
- Protective Gloves: One of the most important tips when moving house is to prioritize safety. Protective gloves are essential for handling items with sharp edges or heavy items that need to be held for extended periods.
By following these moving house tips and tricks, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more efficient move. Remember, the key to a successful move is preparation and having the right tools at your disposal.
Always Have A First Aid Kit Handy
It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit close by when you’re moving house. This means that if somebody gets injured, they can be treated immediately. You may also want to consider training in certain aspects of first aid, such as CPR and the recovery position.
Ensure you take extra precautions against injuries like strains and sprains by following the tips above. This can help ensure that you carry out a DIY house move without getting yourself injured.
In addition, if you suffer from hay fever or dust allergies, then it’s a good idea to have some medication with you in case your symptoms start acting up.
Stay Hydrated And Fed
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of moving house, but you should always make sure to eat and drink. If you don’t, your body will go into fight or flight mode, making it harder for you to carry out any strenuous tasks.
Have some water on hand throughout the move, especially if you’re in a hot or humid environment. Some snacks work well, too, such as energy bars which can give you the nutrients and sugars you need to stay focused on the job at hand.
The Right Attitude
It’s essential to have the right attitude to conduct a house move without getting injured. You should remain calm at all times and be aware of your boundaries. In addition, make sure you don’t try to lift anything that is too heavy for you. This can be disastrous and lead to an injury, especially if the item slips through your hands.
Always Take Preexisting Medical Conditions Into Consideration
If you suffer from any preexisting medical conditions, then you must let your doctor know before your DIY house move. This will ensure that they’re aware of what’s going on and may mean you need to carry out some extra preparation if they’re particularly severe.
You will also want to make sure that you are fit and healthy enough for the task at hand. If you haven’t been exercising much recently, ask your doctor if there are any exercises you can do to make sure your body is ready for the big day.
It’s also a good idea to get in touch with your doctor before you start moving house just to be on the safe side. They may recommend taking some medication that can help reduce your chances of getting injured and ensure that you conduct a DIY house move without getting hurt.
Don’t Hesitate To Get Help
Smiling young delivery men carrying cardboard boxes while walking outside truck
If you’re struggling with an item or find that it’s too heavy for your level of fitness, then don’t hesitate to ask someone else for help. This is especially relevant if you have a bad back and need to lift items without injuring yourself.
Moving to London? Here Are More Tips On How To Make The Move Fun!
London is one of the most popular places to relocate to in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The city is full of life, with a huge range of things to see and do. However, moving to a new city can be daunting, even if you’re excited about it.
So, to make the move fun, why not do a scavenger hunt on the first day? Get a map and tick off all the landmarks as you find them. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, set yourself a challenge to do something new every day for the first month. This could be anything from going to a different park each day to trying a different type of food.
Whatever you decide to do, just remember to enjoy yourself – you’re in one of the most vibrant cities in the world!
Some Questions About Moving House Answered
Questions about the moving process are common and normal. Here are some that we have taken the liberty of answering for you:
How Many Days Should I Allot For My Move?
Ideally, you should set aside at least two weeks for a house move. This will give you enough time to plan for your move and stay on top of all the tasks that need completing. However, if this timeline is not feasible for one reason or another, it’s essential to allocate enough days to complete everything as efficiently as possible.
What Is The Best Time To Move House?
Moving is a time-consuming process, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the calendar! Depending on when your lease expires or if any other deadlines must be met before moving day arrives. Determining the best time to move out is as simple as looking at your calendar and finding a window of time when you will be able to pack, prepare for moving day, and then unpack all in one go.
You must remember, though, that some conditions could make any move more difficult or expensive. Some of which include weekends, major holidays, the winter season, and many more.
Do I Need A Lot Of Money Before Moving House?
Relocating can be expensive, so having a decent budget for one will almost always be more than ideal. This is because the process of moving often includes several expenses, and some are more costly than others. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of moving house.
For example, the first expense to consider when planning a house move will be the cost of hiring movers. This can vary depending on what type of home you have and how much stuff there is to move from your old place to your new one.
You will also have to set aside some money for packing materials, boxes, and any other items you might need to buy. For example, it’s always ideal to have some bubble wrap handy if there are fragile things inside your home or if you’re looking for ways to pack furniture more effectively.
The next thing on the list is gas money! You’ll want to ensure you have a little bit of money for the gas needed to get you from one home to another.
Another major expense that is often forgotten about is storage fees. This can be a costly addition to your budget if you don’t plan ahead, so always remember to take this into consideration before moving day arrives!
If you are buying or selling a house, you will likely need to have money for the mortgage or property fees.
Lastly, you will want to remember to set aside to account for any miscellaneous and emergency expenses that you may encounter throughout the move. Having this on hand is crucial as you never know what might happen!
Who Should I Notify When I Move House?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and the kind of things you are used to doing. For example, if you have a car loan or lease agreement, you need to call them up to ensure that they know about your change of address! You must also make arrangements at the post office for all your incoming mail will be forwarded to your new address.
If you have a bank loan or other type of financial agreement, then it’s essential to go ahead and call them up as well in order for them to know when you’ll be vacating the property! In addition, if there is any service provider who needs to be notified of your new address, then you should call them up as well so they can update the information on their records.
You must also update any legal IDs you have before you move. For example, if you have a valid driver’s license or passport, it is important to let them know about your new address to send the documents back to you!
Additionally, you will want to notify companies where you currently have subscriptions and services so that they have your new address and provide you with the things you need.
For those who have pets that have tracking microchips or collars, then it will also be best for you to update the details in them during this time. It is crucial that they can be found and returned to you if they ever get lost in the future.
READ: Ultimate Guide To Moving House With Pets
Lastly, why not inform your friends and family when you update your address? After all, they’re the ones who will be worried about you when they don’t hear from you! Read more about changing your address here.
What Should I Do With Food Before My Move?
It’s essential to ensure that any perishables in your refrigerator are either transferred into a cooler with ice packs or put inside containers and then frozen. This is because there may be some delay before you’re able to use your refrigerator again when you arrive at the new home.
It is also a good idea for you to not bring any food with perishable ingredients during this time, such as eggs or raw meats, because they may spoil before you’ve had a chance to cook them! Lastly, it would be in your best interests if you wrapped up all food items and put them in the freezer or fridge before your move.
What Should I Wear When Moving House?
It is generally best to wear something comfortable when you are relocating because there may be a lot of heavy lifting involved. You will also want to avoid wearing any noisy clothing or shoes that can make things difficult for your helpers, so it’s important to pack them away in the bottom of your boxes.
Should I Clean Up My Old Place Before Leaving It?
When you’re moving house, it’s important to remember not to leave any mess or clutter behind. If you do so, then there is a high chance that your belongings will be lost! Therefore, make sure that everything has been cleared out and put in the appropriate boxes before vacating.
Moreover, if you are leaving a rental home, you might need to hire end of tenancy cleaning services to get your deposit back!
What Is The First Thing To Do Upon Moving To A New House?
The first thing you should do after moving to your new place is unpack and get settled in. It may seem like a lot of work, but it will be worth it when the time comes for you to settle down into home life!
It doesn’t even have to be all of your belongings! For example, you may choose to unpack your essentials and basic household needs first and then slowly unpack everything else as you get settled in. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed!
What Should I Do With My Old House After Moving Out?
You should make sure that any of your belongings left in the house will be moved to your new home. This is because you don’t want any of these things to get lost or thrown away before you have a chance to come and pick them up!
It’s also crucial for you to make sure that nobody can enter your old address, so either change the locks on all doors and windows or make sure to turn over the keys to the new owner, landlord, or even your estate agent.
What Happens When I Suddenly Need To Move in Bad Weather? Don’t Forget Final Meter Readings
If you think there is the possibility of rain or snow falling on moving day, make sure to continually check weather reports both in your point of origin and your destination. Once you have confirmed that bad weather is indeed on the horizon, then you will want to make the necessary preparations on your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
With so many people working hard to get everything done on time, it can sometimes be difficult to keep things fun during the moving house process. However, by making some small changes to the entire process, you can make the beginning of your exciting new life fun.
Whether it’s playing games or hiring movers, you will find that there are many ways to keep everything fun and exciting. Remember that no matter what you do, it is important that everyone stays motivated.If you need more tips on moving house, check out the Man and Van Advice Section. Meanwhile, if you’ve decided to hire a man and van for your upcoming relocation process, check out our partner service providers from all over the UK.