Moving is both exciting and stressful. There’s the anticipation of your new home and neighbourhood but also the management of the packing and preparing for moving day. You can reduce the stress and enhance the excitement about your new home if you follow our rules.

Preparation is the key to an easy move

Find your mover early, particularly if you’re moving during popular months of the year. You may find they’re booked up for the date you want if you leave it too late, and you’ll either have to change your plans or scramble to find an alternative removals firm.

It isn’t too early to begin packing. Even a couple of months before your move, you can begin to pack things which you won’t be needing until you’re in your new home such as books, family mementos, etc. This also gives you a chance to declutter, so you don’t move things you really don’t want to your new home. How many times have you moved – and found boxes you packed in your last home that years later you still haven’t opened? Preparation and an early start can help avoid moving things you really didn’t want.  Sell, donate or take to the recycling centre what you no longer want. Put into storage what you really don’t want to part with, but don’t have room for in your new home.

Don’t forget your utilities

You’ll need to cancel or arrange for your accounts to be moved for your electric, gas, telephone, internet, pay TV, etc. Frequently, you’ll need to give a month’s notice of the move, especially with internet and pay TV services. Don’t forget you’ll need to take meter readings at both your old and new properties. If your moving dates change, don’t forget to let your utility providers know of the new dates, otherwise you could be without heating in your new home!

Change your address

In the shuffle of moving to a new home, informing everybody of your new address often is overlooked. You don’t want your bills, credit cards, and correspondence from your doctor to be sent to your old address so ensure you inform everyone who has your address that you’re moving, and on what date.

Moving day preparation

If you’re loading up the car with things to be taken by you, don’t load it the night before as your contents insurance may not cover it. You can either load your car first thing in the morning, or create a space in the house (such as the bathtub) with everything not to be moved. This should include what you need for your existing home as you’re leaving, as well as what you’ll need for the new house, including keys.

Don’t forget to tell the removals crew; otherwise they’ll put them in the van.

If you have pets or your children are young, it is frequently best to have them stay with a relative or friend, to allow you to focus on the move.

Make sure you’ve either prepared food ahead and can take it with you, or have the menu for a takeaway handy. You won’t want to unpack the kitchen first, just so you can have dinner in your new home.

Plan well, and your move will go smoothly. Your professional removals company can give you additional advice when you contact them to book your move.

This article was written by Shelley Slater, who works for Britannia Bradshaw International Removals & Storage