When we last moved house in 2015, I was heavily pregnant and also had a toddler to look after too so it was vital that we tried to be as organised with everything as we could possibly be. Here are some top tips to help you get ready to move to your new home.
Declutter
A good declutter makes house moving a lot simpler. Out with the old and in with the new! Keep a few boxes to one side; one for the charity shop, one for throwing out and even one with items to sell at a later date. You can start this process as soon as a house move is on the cards so you'll have less to pack when the time arrives. When you get to the new house you will only be taking the things you actually want and need. If you're buying new furniture for your new home, you will need to consider how to dispose of your old furniture. For example, if you need to dispose of your mattress, find a professional company that offers the mattress disposal service.
A good declutter makes house moving a lot simpler. Out with the old and in with the new! Keep a few boxes to one side; one for the charity shop, one for throwing out and even one with items to sell at a later date. You can start this process as soon as a house move is on the cards so you'll have less to pack when the time arrives. When you get to the new house you will only be taking the things you actually want and need. If you're buying new furniture for your new home, you will need to consider how to dispose of your old furniture. For example, if you need to dispose of your mattress, find a professional company that offers the mattress disposal service.
Accept offers of help
You'll probably have a few people offer to lend a hand either on the day or in the days prior to or following the move. It is definitely worth taking them up on the idea. You could make it into a social occasion, everyone helps to pack one box in exchange for a cuppa and a slice of cake! If anyone is willing to offer free childcare for an hour this can be a godsend. My toddler loved nothing more than unpacking all the items we had packed! With a bit of help, you'll soon have the boxes filled.
Pack a starter kit
When you get to your new home, the last thing you will want to do is to have to rummage through boxes to find some essentials. Get prepared by packing a starter kit containing some useful must-haves that you're likely to need when you arrive. Items can include toilet rolls, hand soap, tea bags and snacks, for example. Keep this in your car so it doesn't end up getting lost among the sea of boxes.
Hire a removal company
By hiring a local removal service, you will really take the stress out of moving all your items to your new home. Removal companies can load, transport and unload your belongings and can also assist in the packing and unpacking process. To find one in your area you can conduct a quick internet search, for example by searching for "cheap removal service in London".
Colour code the boxes
For each room, decide upon a different coloured or themed sticker and make sure they are placed on the relevant boxes. It will save a lot of time the other end as you will know exactly which boxes are for which room and can place them in the correct rooms right away. This is a great activity for your children to get involved with too. My toddler had animal stickers to stick on his own boxes.
You'll probably have a few people offer to lend a hand either on the day or in the days prior to or following the move. It is definitely worth taking them up on the idea. You could make it into a social occasion, everyone helps to pack one box in exchange for a cuppa and a slice of cake! If anyone is willing to offer free childcare for an hour this can be a godsend. My toddler loved nothing more than unpacking all the items we had packed! With a bit of help, you'll soon have the boxes filled.
Pack a starter kit
When you get to your new home, the last thing you will want to do is to have to rummage through boxes to find some essentials. Get prepared by packing a starter kit containing some useful must-haves that you're likely to need when you arrive. Items can include toilet rolls, hand soap, tea bags and snacks, for example. Keep this in your car so it doesn't end up getting lost among the sea of boxes.
Hire a removal company
By hiring a local removal service, you will really take the stress out of moving all your items to your new home. Removal companies can load, transport and unload your belongings and can also assist in the packing and unpacking process. To find one in your area you can conduct a quick internet search, for example by searching for "cheap removal service in London".
Colour code the boxes
For each room, decide upon a different coloured or themed sticker and make sure they are placed on the relevant boxes. It will save a lot of time the other end as you will know exactly which boxes are for which room and can place them in the correct rooms right away. This is a great activity for your children to get involved with too. My toddler had animal stickers to stick on his own boxes.
Make up your beds
When you arrive at the new home, make one of the first tasks you do to make the beds. The absolute last thing you will want to be doing after a hard day is to have to put bed sheets and duvet covers on. When you're ready to call it a night you will have beds ready to climb into.
Keep children entertained
Bored children may result in tears, mischief or little protests from them, which you'll likely have little patience for with everything going on. It can be a long, overwhelming and tiring day for little ones. Pack them a mini goody bag with items such as crayons, sticker books, colouring books, a magazine and a notepad to keep them occupied.
Relax
You don't have to unpack everything all at once. That's the beauty of the days and weeks to come as you can take time to get to know your new home, arranging it in a way that suits you and your family. These things don't need to be rushed. On the first night, you only really need your beds made up and order a takeaway!
Do you have any tips for moving home? I'd love to hear more!
*Collaborative post
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