A house move is one of the most stressful things you can ever undertake. Whether you’re renting or buying, moving large quantities of personal belongings to a new home can test the most patient of people. From sorting, packing, moving and unpacking, rarely do things goes smoothly.

However, having worked with people moving home across many years (from being a stop-gap for storage needs to being an extension of the house loft) we’ve compiled a short list of tips for you to consider ahead of the big move that should help reduce stress levels just that little bit.

1. Plan well ahead

Make a list. Lots of them. From which companies to notify of your change of address, to utility readings to important items such as banks, your employer and driving licenses; make sure you don’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to letting people and firms know your new address. It may be a good idea to have a redirect from Royal Mail. Whilst this costs a little money, it can be a lifeline for a few months and make sure no important third party is left wondering where you have moved to.

2. Seriously consider your moving help

Most people either move themselves, get help, or hire a removal firm to do it for them. Irrespective of how much stuff you have, you’ll always underestimate. If you opt for moving yourself, with or without help from friends and family, please do factor in if you are able to move everything in the time frame you have. Factor in the quantity of items you have to move and the age and physical health of all those helping. It’s a tiresome job and whilst helpers may be best intentioned, they may not be able to do it without risking injury. Getting professional help, whilst a cost, can hugely destress the process and help you focus on the other things like arranging where things go, white goods plumbing and any cleaning that’s required.

3. Declutter in the build-up

Ahead of moving day, get rid of anything you don’t need. Be ruthless and bin it all. Irrespective of what it is, if you don’t use it, get rid of it before you have to move it. It’ll make your life a lot easier and you can concentrate on starting afresh in your new home with minimum clutter. Also, anything you don’t have to move is a big bonus!

Need more help with decluttering? Check out: 5 Tips to Declutter Your Home – Marie Kondo Style

4. Get boxes

A simple one. Get lots of boxes. Cardboard, preferably. A great source for these – which should save you some cash – is community Facebook groups. Plenty of people would have moved recently and will likely be happy to get rid of the boxes to a good home. They will be a lifesaver, especially if they are strengthened boxes designed for house moves. Most collapse so are space-efficient when not in use – and even better, you can gift them yourself once you’ve finished moving!

Additional posts

Next more help with moving home? You may find even more tips in these older posts:

• Top Tips For Packing Up Your House To Move
• Tips For Dealing With The Stress Of Moving
• 10 Top Tips For Moving House

Need storage because you’re moving house? If you’re based in Cardiff then why not consider Easystore? At our self storage facilities in Cardiff, we offer an easy-to-use service, plus a ton of perks including free contents insurance, free van and forklift use* and 24/7 access all year round. Contact us today or use our online quote form.

* Conditions apply.