Moving house is often cited as one of life's most stressful events, but with careful planning and organisation, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're relocating for the first time or the tenth, this guide, drawing on expert advice and personal experiences, will walk you through the most effective strategies for a smooth transition. With these tips for moving house, packing tips for moving, and a comprehensive moving day checklist, you'll be well on your way to a hassle-free move.
Start Planning Early
Create a Timeline
The key to a stress-free move is starting early. Create a personalised timeline several months in advance, marking crucial tasks and deadlines. This proactive approach allows for unforeseen delays and ensures nothing is left until the last minute.
Research and Hire Movers
Investigate moving companies with a reputation for reliability and excellent service. The American Moving and Storage Association recommends booking movers at least four to six weeks before your move. Early booking can also secure better rates and availability. Consider using our Just Move In service to streamline the process of setting up your new home.
What is the average cost of hiring movers?
Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs of hiring someone to help you move house:
|
Size of Property |
Average Cost of Removal |
Packing Costs |
Average Total Cost |
|
1 Bedroom House |
£450 |
£250 |
£750 |
|
2 Bedroom House |
£600 |
£325 |
£925 |
|
3 Bedroom House |
£900 |
£400 |
£1,300 |
|
4 Bedroom House |
£1,200 |
£600 |
£1,800 |
Source: HomeOwners Alliance
For moves from the UK mainland to Northern Ireland:
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The cost for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from £1,000 to £2,500 using ferry transport.
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Costs significantly increase for larger apartments and single-family homes, reaching up to £9,000 for ferry transport and £10,000 for container shipping for a single-family home.
Additional factors affecting moving costs include the distance of the move, volume of items, ease of access to the property, and any special care needed for valuable items. Extra services such as disassembly, storage, packing services, and cleaning can also add to the overall cost of moving.
Remember, these are average costs and may vary based on your specific requirements, including the moving company you choose and any additional services you require. Consider using our removals partner Doree Bonner International services to help you move your belongings into your new home.
Declutter Before You Pack
Sort Your Belongings
Decluttering before a move not only saves time and money but also simplifies the unpacking process in your new home. Here are some tips to help you declutter effectively:
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Start Early and Plan: Begin decluttering at least a month prior to your move. Tackling one room, closet, or drawer daily makes the process less overwhelming
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Purge Room by Room: Approach decluttering on a room-by-room basis, focusing on reducing items you no longer need or use. This includes evaluating items like old media, game consoles, kids' toys, and outdated electronics. Each room offers unique decluttering opportunities, from the kitchen's duplicate gadgets to the bedroom's unused clothes and shoes.
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Utilise the Power of Piles: Separate items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, recycle, or trash. The 20/20 rule can be handy here: if an item costs less than £20 and can be replaced within 20 minutes, consider letting it go.
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Involve Family Members: When it comes to kids' items, involve them in the decision-making process to decide what to keep and what to give away. This helps them understand the value of decluttering and generosity.
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Consider the Size of Your New Home: Downsizing effectively requires considering the space available in your new home and prioritising items that fit both physically and aesthetically. This might mean letting go of excess furniture, decor, and unused items.
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Schedule Decluttering Sessions: Set aside dedicated time for decluttering to make it part of your routine. This can help manage the task more efficiently and make it less daunting.
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Use Moving and Storage Containers: For items you're unsure about, consider using portable moving and storage containers. This can be a flexible solution, allowing you to store items temporarily until you decide what to do with them.
Remember, decluttering is not just about getting rid of things; it's about making your move easier and setting up your new home to be a place filled with items that matter to you. Starting early, being systematic, and making thoughtful decisions can turn decluttering from a chore into an opportunity for a fresh start. If you're moving to a smaller living space and feel overwhelmed by the need to declutter, we encourage you to explore our blog post on the benefits of downsizing. Ease your worries and remind yourself that your move marks the beginning of an exciting new journey.
Organise a Car Boot Sale or Donate Items
A car boot sale or donating items to charity are excellent ways to declutter. These actions not only benefit you but also help others, either through direct donations or by providing them with affordable goods. With Hamptons Move & Give, you can donate to charity effortlessly during your move, turning your unwanted items into much-needed funds for those in need.
Master Packing Tips for Moving
Gather Quality Packing Supplies
When gathering quality packing supplies for a move, it's crucial to choose materials that will adequately protect your items. High-quality boxes should be sturdy and capable of holding the weight of the contents without collapsing. Packing tape should be strong and durable, ensuring boxes remain securely sealed. Bubble wrap is essential for wrapping fragile items to prevent damage, while markers are needed to label boxes for easy identification.
Reliable sources, like the Royal Mail, offer guidelines on how much and what types of materials you may need for all kinds of personal items, ensuring your belongings are well-protected during the move.
Pack Room-by-Room
Tackle one room at a time, labelling each box with its contents and destination room. This method keeps you organised and greatly simplifies the unpacking process.
Protect Valuables and Fragile Items
Wrapping fragile items with care and securing special insurance for high-value belongings are critical steps in moving. Use quality packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes specifically designed for fragile items. Document the condition of your valuables before the move with photos or videos, as this can be crucial for insurance claims. Many moving companies offer valuation coverage options, but for items of significant value, consider a separate insurance policy from a company specialising in such coverage, providing peace of mind throughout the moving process.
Prepare a Moving Day Checklist
Essential Items to Keep Handy
Create an essentials box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes. Also, pack an overnight bag with personal necessities.
Final Home Walkthrough
Before leaving, conduct a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is forgotten. Check all closets, drawers, and storage areas one last time.
Take Care of Utilities and Address Changes
Transfer Services Early
Arrange to have your utilities and services transferred to your new address at least two weeks before your move. This includes internet, electricity, gas, and water.
Update Your Address
Notify the post office, your banks, and other important institutions of your address change. This ensures a smooth transition and that you won't miss any critical communications.
Keep Important Documents and Medications Accessible
Pack a folder with important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and insurance papers, and keep it easily accessible. Similarly, ensure medications are on hand and not packed away in the moving truck.
Plan for Pets and Children
Moving can be especially challenging for pets and young children. Prepare a kit with their essentials and favourite toys to keep them comfortable and entertained. Consider arranging for a pet sitter or childcare during the most hectic parts of the move.
Are you planning to relocate to a rental home with your furry friend? Read our guide into renting with pets to discover all the essential information you need.
Stay Organised and Flexible on Moving Day
Follow Your Checklist
Stick closely to your moving day checklist, but be prepared for unexpected issues. Flexibility and a calm demeanour can help navigate the day's inevitable hiccups. Moving into a newbuild property? Consider looking over our six benefits of moving into a new build and remind yourself why all that stress of moving was worth it.
Post-Move Tips: Unpacking and Settling In
Prioritise Unpacking
Begin with the essentials, like the kitchen and bathrooms. Gradually unpack other rooms, using the opportunity to further declutter and organise your new space.
Begin Your New Adventure
Once settled, explore your new community. Meet neighbours, locate nearby stores, and discover local attractions. This can be an exciting time of discovery and new beginnings.
Final Thoughts
Moving house is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. By following these expert-backed tips, you're setting yourself up for a successful move. Remember, every move is a chance to start afresh, so embrace the journey and look forward to the opportunities awaiting you in your new home. Don't forget, we at Hamptons are here to help, so make sure to use our services like Just Move In and Move & Give to ease the process and contribute positively to your new community.
