Moving house can feel overwhelming. However, with the right plan in place and a positive mindset, you can easily make it a smoother experience. Whether you’re relocating to a new city or just a couple of streets over, these practical strategies will help keep stress at bay.
1. Start Early and Declutter Intentionally
One of the most effective ways to manage stress during a move is to get ahead on your packing and create a schedule. Creating a detailed timeline dated roughly 8 weeks before moving day allows you to tackle tasks gradually, instead of facing a last-minute scramble. Sort through your belongings thoroughly and decide what to throw, keep, or donate. A room-by-room approach is best.
After, if you find that you still have lots of items you don’t want to chuck, but don’t have space for, consider renting a short-term unit of self-storage in Leeds, or any other major city. This prevents your current home from becoming cluttered with packed boxes whilst making sure your new space remains uncluttered from day one.
2. Choose the Right Moving Day and Professionals
Whilst your choice of moving day may not seem important, it is. Your day of choice can affect both cost and stress levels. Enlisting and organising help is essential, whether that means booking professional movers or coordinating with friends and family. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the last Friday of August is typically the busiest day to move house in the UK. Consider scheduling your move for a day mid-week to minimise costs, as Fridays and Mondays, especially during the summer months, are busiest. A mid-week completion will also reduce the risk of fund transfer delays and means that solicitors are still on hand should any issues arise.
3. Pack Smart – Rooms, Boxes, Essentials
Strategic packing can make things ten times easier. First, you should begin with rooms that aren’t used frequently, like spare bedrooms or loft spaces. Gradually move through the house, progressing towards everyday spaces as moving day approaches. Creating a ‘survival kit’ with all the essentials you’ll need within the first 24 hours of moving is a good idea. Include things like phone chargers, bed sheets, and basic kitchen supplies so you don’t have to route around boxes immediately. Additionally, you could use colour-coded labels or a numbering system to identify which box belongs to which room to make unpacking that little bit easier.
4. Settle In and Manage Admin
Once you have moved in, do not forget about the administrative tasks. Whilst they can be boring to complete, they need to be done pretty quickly to avoid complications. Prioritise notifying the essential services within the first few days, including things like your gas and energy supplier, and the local council for council tax purposes. Set reminders for other things like driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.
With proper preparations and a good methodical approach, moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare experience. Start early, take it one step at a time, and you’ll be settled in the new place before you know it.