The best way to manage a move

Moving house can be a real headache. There is so much to do, so many things to pack and so many places to notify. Follow the tips below to make moving a breeze:

Preparation

Moving is all about space. The belongings you have now need to fit into the space you are moving into. The first thing you should do is to work out what doesn’t fit anymore. If you are moving in to a smaller house or perhaps moving in with someone else odds are that you will need to get rid of some items. Assess your stuff and make sensible decisions about what you can keep.

Once you understand what you don’t need, decide what to do with it. If you have enough time, try selling it. There are a number of online sites you can use and make the selling process really simple. You could also have a garage sale which may get rid of a lot of things all at once. These are very popular and can yield good results.
If there is anything that’s left over, why not donate it to charity? There are plenty of volunteer organisations that will be pleased to have it.

Professionals or friends?

Early on you need to decide who will be moving your things. Will you do it yourself with help from friends or use a professional?
Both options have pros and cons. Doing it yourself will save you money but will require hard work and the larger items may require you to hire a van or at the very least a trailer. Make sure you organise that well in advance.

Hiring a professional will cost you money but takes all the hard work out of it. You might find that they will also do the packing for you.
It’s also a good idea to arrange early on for the electricity and gas to be connected for the day of your move. It’s no fun moving into a home with no electricity or gas.
In the weeks before you move, avoid filling up the fridge. Use only what you have so there is little chance of food spoiling during the move.

Packing up

Without a doubt, packing is the most time-consuming part of the moving experience. Everything that is going to the new home will have to be packed up in one way or another. Understand that packing your stuff will take time, so be organised and stick to a plan. If possible, start packing a few weeks before you move. Here’s some packing tips:

• You will need more cardboard boxes than you think. You can buy boxes in various sizes from moving specialists or you might know someone who has recently moved. If you use a professional moving business, they will supply everything you need.

• Clearly label all of your boxes on the top and sides showing which room they belong in.

• Pack all the items that go in the same room in one box if possible. Mixing items from different rooms in one box will create more work and simply confuse any helpers you may have.

• Finally, on the morning or night before your move, pack a box containing your last minute essential stuff. This should have your bathroom items like toothpaste, shampoo, soap and towels.

• It’s also a good idea to keep your mobile phone charger with you as well as any paperwork regarding the new home, the previous home, as well as the contract with the movers.

Moving in

Place all the labelled boxes in their respective rooms, preferably in the corner out of the way while the furniture is brought in.

• Make sure the fridge is turned on as soon as its installed.

• While your helpers are there make sure all the heavy furniture is where you want it.

• When you start unpacking, consider doing the kitchen first. While you don’t have to start cooking, having the essentials available for a coffee break is a big comfort to you and all your helpers.

After that you can set about unpacking each room at your leisure. It isn’t important to have everything done on the day you move in but you should aim to complete it as soon as possible.

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