Practical Tips For Moving House
Moving house can be quite a daunting prospect, even for those of us who have done it more times than
we can remember! In fact, in terms of stress, it’s often said to be on a par with getting married,getting divorced, or changing jobs! So it pays to do a bit of planning to reduce the stress to asmanageable a level as possible. I recommend you start preparation about a month before the actualmoving date, and make four lists, one for each week beforehand. If you have any special concerns,add the planning for those to week one so that you are ready when the time comes, but the followinggeneral hints will help your move go smoothly:Week oneBook your removal van(or hire van if you plan to do the driving yourself)Ask friends/relations if they’re free onthe dates you want them to help (I suggest during weeks three or four, and just one or two a day isusually best; any more and you’ll probably be tripping over each other, and you may find them moreof a hindrance than a help!)Order all the packing materials you think you will need –this includes packing boxes, tape, bubble wrap, bin bags, and a sharp knife for unpacking boxes whenyou suddenly realize you’ve sealed in something you need right now! Make sure you have enoughpacking boxes large enough for big single items but, otherwise, try to use smaller packing boxes sothat each box is not too heavy. Week twoPack the contents of any rooms youwill not be using between now and the moving date (lofts, spare rooms, conservatories, garden shed,balcony, etc.). Pack any clothes, shoes, etc. you will not need in the next two weeks. Week threeWash and dry curtains and any other fabrics/furnishings—both thoseyou’ll be leaving behind and those you’re taking with you.Pack as many as you can ofyour kitchen things.Thoroughly clean the house, including the floors. You’ll make amess on moving day, but if you do the majority of the cleaning now all you’ll need to do at theend is go into each room, vacuuming, and cleaning any last-minute bits as you go.WeekfourSet out the clothes you’ll need for moving day itself, and another set for yourfirst day in your new home; pack these and any other items you’ll need in a small bag whichyou’ll take with you, and you’ll have everything you need when you arrive. Leave space in thebag for tea and coffee making things, which you’ll need to keep removal staff/friends going whilethey’re packing boxes into the van at your old home, and also once you arrive at the new one. Fill the last few packing boxes, seal, and give the old place a quick once-over so that it’sclean and tidy for the new arrivals!
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