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Stress-free house move

It can herald the start of a blissful new life, but moving house rarely comes without its stresses and strains. In fact, it is often said to be one of the most chaotic and stressful situations one has to face in life.	By carefully planning ahead though, you can stave off most of the worry – and concentrate on enjoying the transition from old life to new.

Using a moving checklist (there are numerous versions to be found on the internet) can help you prepare. Don’t rely on it entirely though – there will always be tasks specific to your circumstances that won’t be covered by a generic checklist.

Here are some more house moving tips to help your relocation go without a hitch:

De-clutter

Use the removal process as an opportunity to ‘de-clutter’. It’s a waste of time and money to relocate items you’re unlikely ever to use – so throw them out, give them to charity or help pay your removal costs by selling them on auction sites.

Pack early

Packing the entire contents of your home into removal boxes can be a daunting prospect – so it’s advisable to get a head-start. Once you have a moving-date confirmed, start packing one box per evening - beginning with items you're less likely to need day to day.

You’ll find that by the time your removal date comes round, you’ve got most of the packing done already.

Boxes in bulk

It may sound strange advice – but buy more boxes than you think you will need. An abundance of storage boxes will help you avoid packing more than you can carry in one box.

Once boxes are packed, take the time to mark each one with instructions so that you know exactly where they need to go in your new home. You could also devise a priority system, marking the boxes A, B or C to remind yourself what you’ll need to unpack immediately, and what can remain boxed up for a few days.

One room at a time

Try to get one area of your new home furnished and liveable before you start any more unpacking. When you need a break, this room will give you somewhere to relax with a cup of tea – away from the towers of cardboard boxes.

Pack essentials separately

In one clearly marked, easily accessible box, pack all the items that you won’t want to be without on your first day in your new home. Even if you can’t unpack everything before it’s time for bed, you won’t have to go without food, drink, toilet paper, toothpaste and other small essentials.

A good night’s sleep

As soon as your bed is in place, make it up. It may seem like an unwelcome distraction at the time, but after a strenuous day of moving, lifting and carrying, you’ll be delighted to have your bed ready-made for a good night’s sleep.