Moving house is renowned to be one of the most stressful life events but with the right planning and advice it can also become an opportunity to enjoy the excitment of moving into a new space and making it yours.
It is unlikely that you will be able to unpack all of your belongings in the first day (or maybe even first week) which means you could spend a few days constantly routing through boxes every time you need something. To make this easier pack everything room by room and make sure to clearly label boxes with their contents. It is also a good idea to pack a box of essentials for the first night: pyjamas, toothbrush, toiletries and maybe coffee and tea for the next morning. This will mean that after an exhausting day you won’t have to search through everything before bed.
In terms of packing up your belongings it might be a good idea to look into getting it done professionally. This will cut down on the stress of the move and allows you piece of mind that everything is safe. “Contrary to popular belief, it’s not expensive and there’s a chance insurance won’t cover what you pack yourself,” says a spokesperson for the British Association of Removers.
It is also a good idea to declutter your house as you pack; if you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably won’t need it in your new home. This can cut down on the amount you take with you saving you time when you unpack.
When booking a removal company try and get as many recommendations from family and friends as possible. Also both the British Association of Removers and the National Guild of Removers and Storers have a list of recommended companies on their websites. Make sure when booking a removal company to get quotes from at least 3 different places before you make your decision.
Statistics show that you’re almost twice as likely to be burgled in the 12 months after moving house; 4.6% compared with 2.5%. So it might be worth arranging a security assessment in the week following your move. You should also change the locks on your new home as you never know who has a spare pair of keys.