Moving home is an exciting time – a fresh start in a new space, the thrill of new surroundings, and the opportunity to declutter. However, the actual moving process can be stressful and overwhelming.
With proper planning and organisation, though, you can reduce the chaos and enjoy a smoother, more efficient move. Whether you’re staying local or relocating to a new city, these ten essential tips will help reduce the stress of your home move.
1. Start planning early
One of the most crucial steps to a successful move is giving yourself plenty of time to plan, otherwise, as the old saying goes ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. Start organising your move as early as possible—at least six to eight weeks in advance.
Create a checklist that outlines everything that needs to be done, including booking a moving company, packing your belongings, notifying utility providers, and updating your address.
Starting early will give you the opportunity to handle unexpected challenges without feeling rushed. It also ensures that you don’t leave important tasks until the last minute, reducing the chances of stress piling up.
2. Declutter before you pack
Moving is the perfect time to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need. Before you begin packing, go through each room and sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard.
- Keep: Items you use regularly or have sentimental value.
- Donate: Things in good condition that can benefit others.
- Sell: Valuable items you no longer need.
- Discard: Broken or unusable items.
This step not only reduces the amount of stuff you have to move but also ensures your new home is free from clutter, thus reducing your mental load.
Selling items online or at a garage sale can also help you earn a little extra cash for your move, and donating to charity is a great way to get rid of unwanted items while helping those in need.
3. Create a packing strategy
Packing can seem like an overwhelming task, but with a well-thought-out strategy, it becomes much more manageable. Start by packing the items you use the least—seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, or rarely used kitchen gadgets.
Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For added efficiency, colour-code boxes based on rooms to make unpacking easier when you arrive at your new home.
Set small goals, such as packing one room per day, to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to stay organised throughout the process.
4. Pack an essentials box
On moving day, it’s easy to misplace everyday items like toiletries, chargers, and important documents. To avoid unnecessary stress, pack a separate essentials box that includes items you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home.
Include toiletries, medication and/or first aid box, some clothes, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents (i.e. your lease or mortgage papers).
Having easy access to these essentials will allow you to relax and settle in quickly without having to panic and rummage through multiple boxes.
5. Hire a reliable moving company
Choosing a trustworthy moving company is critical to ensuring a stress-free move. Do your research – ask for recommendations, read online reviews, and use comparison sites to request quotes from multiple companies. If you prefer to handle the move yourself, consider renting a van, but make sure you have the proper help lined up for loading and unloading heavy items.
Removals insurance
It’s really important to make sure your belongings are covered for home removals. This ensures that any belongings damaged in transit can be replaced, providing extra peace of mind.
If you have contents insurance, check that this covers home removals. If not, you may want to consider switching your contents insurance to a policy that covers removals. Otherwise, check if the movers offer insurance to protect your belongings in case of damage during transit.
6. Consider self-storage options
If you’re downsizing or have items you aren’t ready to move into your new home just yet, renting a self-storage unit is an excellent option. Self-storage can give you the extra space you need to keep your belongings safe and secure while you figure out what to do with them.
Benefits of using self-storage:
- Flexibility: Store items for as long as you need, whether short-term or long-term.
- Space-saving: Ideal for bulky items like furniture that you don’t need right away.
- Security: Many facilities offer 24/7 surveillance, ensuring your belongings are protected.
Before moving, decide which items to take to your new home and which to store. This will help you avoid clutter and make the transition into your new space more seamless. Plus, self-storage units can help with long-term organisation if you’re planning to gradually furnish or decorate your new home. Use our storage space calculator to gauge what size storage unit you require.
7. Notify important parties of your move
Don’t forget to notify relevant parties about your change of address before moving day. This includes utility companies, banks, your employer, insurance providers, and any subscription services you use. Set up mail forwarding with the postal service to ensure you don’t miss any important letters or packages.
Who to notify of your new address:
- Utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet)
- Banks and credit card companies
- Government agencies (tax offices, electoral rolls)
- Subscription services (i.e. Spotify, Netflix, magazines etc.)
- Insurance providers (home, car, health insurance)
Transferring utilities like electricity, gas, and internet should also be a top priority. Aim to have these services up and running by the time you arrive at your new home, so you’re not stuck without basic amenities on your first night.
8. Use high-quality packing supplies
Investing in high-quality packing supplies is absolutely worth it to protect your belongings. Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and furniture covers are essential to keeping everything safe during transit. The last thing you want when you arrive in your new home is the stress of having to replace your treasured belongings.
Fragile items like glassware, electronics, and artwork require extra attention, so make sure to use padding and label boxes as “fragile” to ensure proper handling. Avoid overloading boxes, especially with heavy items like books or kitchenware, as they can break or be difficult to carry.
9. Enlist help early
Moving can be a big job, and whether you’re a small or large household, you’ll likely need help – whether from friends, family, or professional movers. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance, and make sure to schedule your helpers well in advance.
Who to ask for help:
- Friends or family for packing, moving, or babysitting kids/pets. Having loved ones help you move can create some core memories!
- Professional movers for heavy lifting and transport.
- A cleaner for tidying up your old place after the move.
- A sitter for keeping young children and/or pets safe on the moving day.
Want to hire movers? Book them early to avoid disappointment, especially during peak moving seasons.
10. Stay positive and flexible
Moving can be unpredictable, and not everything will go according to plan. Perhaps there’s traffic on the day of the move, a box gets misplaced, or unexpected repairs need to be made in your new home. The key to a stress-free move is staying positive and flexible.
Accept that hiccups may occur and try to approach challenges with a calm mindset. Having a backup plan for unforeseen issues, such as bad weather or delays will help you navigate obstacles without feeling overwhelmed.
Good luck on your new adventure!
A home move doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful planning, organisation, and a positive attitude, you can reduce the challenges that often come with moving. By following these ten essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a smooth, stress-free transition into your new home. Happy moving!