Moving home is often considered one of life’s most stressful experiences. Packing up the home, switching utility providers, and arranging movers are just some of the things that can add to the stress of moving home. Whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, moving to a new home can be a breeze with the right approach. From creating a well-organised plan to decluttering and packing efficiently, these five practical tips will help simplify the process and make your transition smoother.

1. Write a strategic plan

Allocate time to systematically tackle the tasks that need to be done by moving day. Setting aside this time will allow you to stay ahead of the game and avoid any last-minute surprises.

• Create a master list of moving tasks - from packing boxes to arranging utilities to redirecting mail
• Fill in the details as you decide on your timeline
• Make an inventory of what you're moving for insurance purposes and to send to your mover for a price estimate
• Decide on your moving budget and factor in moving costs like packaging material and moving fees
• Create a moving folder and use it to store everything related to your move, such as moving estimates, receipts and an inventory of the items you’re moving

2. Declutter and prioritise

Take this opportunity to declutter your home before you start packing. Not only will decluttering lighten your load, but it also helps streamline the packing process.

• Start with the rooms and things you use least
• Assess each item and decide whether to keep, donate, sell, or discard it
• For everything you intend to keep, make sure it has a place in your new home
• Rehome or donate the items you no longer need at local charity shops or food banks
• Use up any opened items, such as pantry items, toiletries, and cleaning products
• Tackle the smaller areas of your home one at a time, to make the decluttering process less overwhelming
• Prioritise packing room by room, keeping similar items together

3. Efficient packing and labelling

Make unpacking in your new home a breeze with an organised approach that ensures a smoother transition and helps minimise lost items.

• Start your packing early
• Use quality packing materials
• First pack items you don’t use often so you don’t have to repack unnecessarily
• Pack similar items together based on room or use
• Keep essentials packed separately for quick access
• Label each box by its contents and room
• Mark boxes with breakable items as fragile
• Take pictures of box contents to keep track of what’s inside

4. Choose reliable movers

To ensure a smooth and stress-free move, choose a reliable mover. Whether you enlist the help of family or friends, or book a professional removal company, good movers can help with the heavy lifting and ensure your things stay safe during the move.

• Research movers by reading reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family
• Get price estimates and compare moving costs
• Check that the mover is insured or that your home and contents insurance covers items while in transit
• Be packed up the day before moving day as last-minute packing can slow things down
• Pack a handy cooler with easy-to-grab items like water bottles and quick snacks
• Have a plan for little kids and pets to keep them safe from busy movers

5. Notify and update details

Finally, remember to update your address with the postal service, banks, insurance providers, and any subscription services to prevent any disruptions to your essential services.

Happy moving!

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