Nathan Lloyd
November 07, 2024
Are you moving house? The best and biggest tip to share to make anyone’s house move easier, is quite simply planning! Giving yourself time will make the process as easy and smooth as possible.
1. Get rid of some stuff
Packing all your possessions into boxes, bags, and more can be overwhelming. Make it a little bit easier on yourself by cutting back on clutter as much as possible. Before you pack a single box, do a merciless purge of unused or unnecessary items. You'll have less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack—and you'll start life in your new space with a clean slate.
2. Make a moving folder
Start collecting new address info, rental or purchase papers, moving contracts, and more in one folder. (Consider a hard copy, rather than a digital one, in case computer or phone batteries die during the move.) If any questions come up during the planning process or the move itself, you'll have the answer (and records of agreements, payments, and more) on hand.
3. Pack as far in advance as possible
Ideally, you'll know about a move (even if you're not sure of the final destination) weeks or even months in advance. Start by packing off-season items and the items you won't miss. If you're moving in summer, you can pack winter coats in advance—and likely books and other once-in-a-while items. When it's finally time to move, many items will already be ready to go, giving you less to stress about.
4. Book early
If you're hiring moving services, renting supplies, or hiring professionals such as painters or cleaners to work on the house, book early. Waiting to do so could mean paying a higher price, or not being able to get a truck or movers at all, particularly if it's peak moving season.
5. Schedule utilities for your new place
Once the dates are finalized, contact your utility providers to schedule service at your new home. You don't want to arrive there, tired from the move, only to find that the electricity, water, or heat is off. Schedule it ahead of time, and keep records of your requests in your moving folder. At the same time, request service stops for your move-out date at your current home.
6. Keep the essentials with you
On the night before the move, tuck everyday essentials—a change of clothes, a toothbrush, must-have stuffed animals or toys for the kids, medications, paperwork, etc.—into a suitcase or bag you'll keep with you in the car, the truck cab, or on the plane. If catastrophe strikes and the moving truck gets lost, at least you'll have some essentials with you.
7. Invest in equipment
A few days before the big move, stock up on supplies. The last thing you want is to have to make a run to the store while you're packing moving boxes or making sure everything is out of the house. Order or purchase box cutters, adhesive bandages, permanent markers, packing tape, paper towels, and garbage bags. (If they aren't all used during the move, they'll still be useful afterward!)
For larger moving equipment, considering renting moving tools from a moving company. (If you hire a moving service, they'll likely have their own.) If you move very frequently, you may be better off purchasing these tools. Either by buying, renting, or borrowing, make sure you have a furniture dolly, furniture pads or covers, and tie-down straps or rope at your disposal during the move.
8. Get a van
If you're a DIY mover, you absolutely need a van. Luton vans are very popular with house moves and transit vans. These are available to hire through Brookhire, Day rental or weekend rental are available.
9. Measure, measure, measure
We can't say this enough! Take measurements! Ahead of time! Because if that sofa isn't going to fit through the doorway, it's better to know before the sofa gets there.
10. Snap lots of pics
No, not of your sweaty face—of your old and new place. If there's a security deposit involved, you're going to want photos to prove how you left things and what things were like when you moved in. And sure, you can use them for reminiscing too, if you'd like!
11. Unpack on a deadline
This will not be a process with instant gratification, but consider giving yourself a timeline. Maybe you can do five boxes a day? Or two rooms in a day? Or all the essentials right away? Decide what's realistic and do your best to stick to it.
12. Deal with all those packing supplies
As you unpack, you're going to find yourself with lots of empty boxes and bubble wrap and paper and whatnot. You could look to donate your boxes you can take to social media (Facebook Marketplace for example) to see if anyone near you has a move coming up. Chances are, someone will be happy to take these things out of your hands—and out of your way.
