What are the three most stressful things in life? Divorce, death of a loved one and, finally, moving.
It is easy to see why this task has such a formidable reputation. The concept of packing up your entire life into boxes and transporting them to an entirely new place is daunting. No wonder people feel like they want to tear out their hair!
Fortunately, we have plenty of tips and tricks to help make the process more manageable and less overwhelming! Here are our top hacks, tricks and tips for a stress free house move. They will have you relaxing and enjoying your new home in no time!
Our 15 Best Tips For A Stress Free House Move
Tip 1: Organising The Essentials.
Before the move, it is crucial to have the essentials in order, such as enrolling in school or landing a new job if you are undergoing a major relocation. These details need to be sorted out and settled well in advance of your move so that everything else will run smoothly. The last thing you want is a last-minute hiccup which threatens to throw your plans into jeopardy.
Tip 2: Preparation For The Move.
Preparation is critical when it comes to planning a move. Lists should become your new best friend. Start with a master list that includes big tasks such as packing, hiring movers, finding schools, etc. Make sure to keep your list broad; this is a general overview that you can add to as you go.
Tip 3: Narrow Things Down.
Now is the time to take your general list and divide it into headings such as ‘Packing,’ ‘Paperwork,’ ‘Practicalities,’ ‘Family/Kids/School,’ and ‘Misc.’ Under each heading, be more specific about what you need to achieve. For example, the ‘Packing’ heading could contain a breakdown of key things to remember, such as collecting packing materials, organising by room, and purchasing essentials such as tape, boxes, and markers.
Tip 4: Declutter, Declutter, Declutter.
Moving homes is the perfect time to declutter and downsize. It is an excellent time to be ruthless in getting rid of things you do not need. The last thing you want to do is fill your new home with unnecessary or unwanted items, so take this time to have a thorough and complete clean-out. You can either tackle items room by room or by category. Either way, make three piles: keep, donate, throw away. With the last two collections, ensure you move them out of the house as soon as possible. You don’t want to be rushing around disposing of things close to moving day. And… decluttering can have these amazing benefits.
Tip 5: Start Packing Early.
No matter how much time you think you have to get organised, life has a way of sneaking up on you. Start packing whatever you can as soon as possible. For example, if you know you are moving in the middle of the summer, you can start packing up your winter clothes as soon as the season ends. Other items you know will not be essential between now and your big move can be packed away as well. Doing as much as you can now will save you stress later!
Tip 6: Choosing The Right Removalists.
This is the most important part of the move. Picking the right removalists requires clear communication of your moving requirements and expectations. Start your search early, and make sure you know you are looking for in a Gold Coast removalist company. Do you need a company to pack, move, and unpack your belongings? Or are you just looking for someone to transfer boxes? Do you need people to move items from room to room, or are you loading up your belongings yourself? Be explicit and clear about your requirements, and make sure you shop around to get the best possible deal.
Tip 7: Prep The New House As Much As Possible.
If you are fortunate enough to have access to your new property before you leave your current one, take advantage of this luxury! This is a significant benefit because it allows you to take care of essential tasks without the extra stress of unpacking at the same time. For example, schedule major renovations for before move-in when the property is empty. Deep cleaning carpets and doors are much easier when you do not have to work around boxes and furniture — preparing the house before move-in makes things easier and stress-free.
Tip 8: Clothes/Kitchen.
Clothing and kitchen items are often considered the three most important categories, so make sure you have a system that allows you to identify these items quickly. Even if these items are correctly and efficiently identified, it may be helpful to keep some of them on hand. For example, make sure you have a change of clothes for moving day, as well as nightwear and a clean outfit for the following day. This strategy also applies for kitchen items; make sure any essentials such as the coffee maker are easily accessible, rather than hidden behind layers of other things. If you know you will be craving a hot drink, a piece of toast or even microwave popcorn, do yourself a favor and make sure you can access the equipment at the end of a long moving day. Having these items on hand will save you the stress of looking for them later.
Tip 9: Jewellery Should Travel With Its Owner.
Moving with your jewellery in a personal bag or carryon stops the risk of it disappearing in a separate box or, more seriously, being lifted by wandering hands. While the majority of moving professionals are honest and reliable, there is always the risk of working with a dishonest company. Put your mind at ease by packing jewellery and valuables in your handbag or overnight bag. You should lay necklaces between two sheets of plastic wrap to prevent tangling; meanwhile, pill boxes or egg cartons are perfect for rings and earrings.
Hacks for packing boxes.
Tip 10: The 40/60 rule.
Don’t fill a box with heavy items such as books or cooking equipment; instead, aim for a 40/60 split. 40% of the box is the heavy item, and light items such as clothing occupy 60% of the box. This hack has the potential to revolutionize your packing and save your life – or at least your back!
Tip 11: Rolling clothes.
When it comes to clothes, rolling is the way to go. Rolling clothes, instead of folding clothes, can save you substantial amounts of space in a case or a box. As mentioned above, be careful not to overfill boxes. Another convenient option is to slide clothes, hangers and all, straight into a garbage bag. Aim for five to six items per garbage bag to keep things manageable. Then place the clothes into your new closet! This trick also removes the problem of packing hangers – the most awkward of all moving challenges!
Tip 12: Use Shoes For Storing Small Items.
Stuff smaller items such as socks and underwear in shoes, and pack them in a shower cap or plastic bag to keep pairs together and prevent them from marking or damaging other clothes.
Tip 13: Professional Packing And Moving.
Hiring professional packers and movers saves time, money, and stress.
It may seem like the more expensive option, but combining services can offer you the best value for money. Create an itinerary or moving plan, and give your movers a clear outline of what things are, where they are and where they need to go. Hiring professionals removes the stress of packing and gives you time to focus on other priorities, such as organising a new workplace or arranging for decorating and refurbishment.
Tip 14: Prepare An Overnight Bag.
When your life is in boxes, it can be hard to find what you need. Before you finish packing, prepare a backpack with essentials such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, toilet paper, a few changes of clothes, any medications, makeup and face wash, and essential documents. You will have everything you need on hand the first day, which takes significant stress away from the situation.
Tip 15: Prioritise Pets.
When moving your family, don’t forget that this includes your pets!
You may have to make arrangements in advance such as booking a kennel or daycare, or you may decide to move your animals yourself. If you choose the latter, find ways to keep your pet as calm and familiarised as possible. Clear one room in the new house, so your pet has somewhere to go immediately. Make sure they have access to a litter box (for cats), food, water and familiar trinkets, such as toys or an item of your clothing.
We Hope You Have Enjoyed Our Tips For A Stress Free House Move!
Move-in day is a stressful experience, no matter how sharp your organisational skills are.
If you manage to achieve several tasks in advance, such as packing early, you will significantly decrease your stress levels!
The best way to handle moving day is to have a plan and stick to it.
Try to stay calm and make sure you have essentials on hand.
Then pour a glass of wine, and leave the mess until tomorrow!