10 Tips For Moving House

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Like most people I find moving house stressful. However, I have found being organised and looking at the positive aspects of the move help reduce the level of stress I experience.

Here are some tips for reducing stress when moving.

1. Plan ahead.

As soon as you become aware that you will be moving, start making lists or a spreadsheet of tasks to be done. Write down the date you need to have each task completed. Mark off the tasks as you complete them.

 

2. Declutter, declutter, declutter

Perhaps you have already parted with items you no longer need. This will make moving easier. If you haven't decluttered, get started now. The more you declutter, the less there will be to move. I have found picturing having to pack up all my possessions is a great incentive to really think about which items are important to me right now. I have been surprised how many things don't matter to me any more. 

 

Giving things to family and friends (but only if they really want them), donating to charity, garage sales and Gumtree are just some of the ways to find new homes for things you no longer want.

When you are settled in your new home you may find you need things you didn't previously. Enjoy choosing some new items for your new space. You may also want to buy or create some decorative items that suit your new abode.

3. Collect empty boxes

Boxes can be obtained from the removalist or you can pick up free ones from some stores. If you tell people you want boxes you may discover friends have some in their shed or someone knows a great place to get them.

4. As soon as practical pack boxes of items you won’t need

Some things don't get used very often and can be packed well in advance. It may be Christmas decorations and other festive season paraphernalia. Do label your boxes carefully in case it turns out you do need something you didn't think you would.

5.Label, label, label

Trust me, you won't remember which box specific things are in. Label in a way that suits you. Some people use a spreadsheet with a numbering system. They match the spreadsheet item to the number on the box. Although this wouldn’t work for me it would be fine for some.

I have found it useful to put coloured dots on the boxes to show which ones would go in the lounge room, bedroom 1, bedroom 2, the kitchen etc. I then put a couple of matching coloured dots on each door so everyone knew which room to put the boxes in. I also used coloured dots on furniture with some sticky tape over the top to help keep them attached.

Keep things needed on arrival in clearly labelled boxes which you can access easily. Rather than sending these boxes with the removalist, perhaps transport them in the car boot.

Where relevant, label boxes with words such as Fragile and This end up in big clear letters.

Label boxes in a way that suits you              Image courtesy of Pixabay

6. Get three removalist quotes

I was amazed at how much variation there was in the price of moving my belongings the last time I moved with the highest quote being twice the price of the lowest. However, price is not be the only consideration. You need to feel confident your possessions will not be damaged due to careless handling. Check your belongings are covered by insurance whilst in transit.

7. Arrange for snail mail redirection

Snail mail isn't used as much these days but you probably still get some things through the postal service. Arrange for the post office to redirect your mail so you don't miss out on that subscription to your favourite magazine. In Australia those on certain Centrelink benefits are eligible for a discounted rate.

8. Check how much notice your utility companies need of a change of address

It's going to be inconvenient if you are without electricity when you move in so don't leave making arrangements to the last minute. Check that discounts you were getting previously apply to your new address. Don't assume this will happen automatically.

9. When you move in

Remember to maintain your sense of humour. Accept that life will be chaotic for a while. You will manage to get through it. 

 

Drop your standards. Don’t feel the least bit guilty about relying on takeaway more than usual. Stock up on frozen meals and eat baked beans on toast. Once you have settled in you can return to your usual standard of feeding the family. Take other short cuts too.

10. Stress relievers

Moving house is one of life's most stressful events. Accept that and treat yourself with kindness. Cut yourself some slack and listen to music or do whatever helps you deal with stress.