Are you going to move home in the next few months?
On the one hand, this is the start of a new beginning, in a new home, with new neighbors and (hopefully) a nicer overall area. However, in between you moving to this new home and settling in, there is the hassle and stress of the big M. The move.
If you are lucky enough to have never moved home before, you may think that it is as simple as packing some boxes and hiring a van. This is, sadly, a somewhat Hollywood image of the process, and, relocating to a new home is likely to be more stressful than most people think.
With that in mind, there are some things that you can do to reduce the stress of the move, and here, you will be walked through them, with an emphasis on before and on the day. So, read on!
Before The Moving Day
Before you move, there are more steps that you can take to reduce stress on the day than you may realize.
Plan!
Firstly, and obviously, try to plan as much as you can. This will help to minimize pressure and stress on the big day and will help you to feel more in control of the situation.
Planning a move usually involves packing up furniture in areas of the home that you don’t often use. So, if you have a home office, you can start by packing up your books, as well as photos or desks that aren’t being used. When it comes to protecting furniture during a move, if you have a flat pack options, try to break them down in advance, and tape screws to each piece, to prevent them from becoming lost.
If you have any plants in your garden, try to move them to the new property early, to prevent them from wilting.
Call Professionals
Next, you will need to book a moving van and a moving team.
Planning in advance will help you to price the options available, and will help you to determine which is the best cost for service. You can then book the movers but, be aware, that for large moves, they may require a deposit. If you are renting a property, try to book the main move a few days before you are required to leave, as this will give you the flexibility to go back and clean, rather than having to do this on the main day.
Ask Friends and Family For Help
If you don’t have a car, you will likely need to ask a friend or family member to help you move some of the smaller items across before the main move. Remember earlier when books and flat-pack furniture were mentioned? Moving these by car will make the main move much easier and quicker, which is ideal if you are paying for the moving services by the hour.
Oh, and be sure to offer your friend or family member money or a dinner out to say thank you!
Prep Pets
OK, so many people have pets, and generally speaking, it is wise to move them on the main day or just before to prevent them from becoming stressed. For dogs, you can put them in a car to move them, and cats can usually go into a carrier and be driven across to the new home. If you have small pets like rabbits, rats, or guinea pigs, you will need to place them into a suitable moving carrier and break down their housing to transport them.
If you have to relocate fish and an aquarium, you will need to invest in some large, sterile containers to transport the water and some sterile, clear bags to move the fish. If you aren’t sure how to safely move fish, there are online guides to help you, or, you can ask at your local pet store. Try to move them beforehand and set up the new tank at the new home, to prevent them from becoming stressed in the bags.
During Moving Day
Moving day is tough, but there are some things you can do to mitigate it.
Try And Sleep Well The Night Before
The night before a move is stressful and full of anxiety. If you can, try and get 7-9 hours of sleep as come moving day, you are going to be doing a lot and you will get tired.
Eat Properly
There will be lots of moving of boxes and furniture, so it’s unlikely that you will be able to cook a full meal with your kitchen packed up. Instead, invest in some trail mix of fruit to eat on the day, and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Unpack Essentials
When you get to the new home, make sure that your mattress and some cutlery are unpacked so you can eat and sleep in your new home.
Well done! You’ve moved home without breaking down, and hopefully, it’s the last move you will have for a few years!
