Brits moving to a new home this autumn are told easy hacks that could fast-track the move, after a survey revealed moving is considered one of the most stressful life events.
Home experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have provided their advice on how to make moving house as smooth and stress-free as possible.
A survey has revealed 57% of Brits consider moving house to be the most stressful life event with many of them experiencing increased stress levels, anxiety, sleep deprivation and arguments with a partner during their move.
Moving is always a challenge as there’s a lot to think about, and often homeowners underestimate just how many belongings they’ve accumulated over the years.
A stress-free moving process starts with early preparations. Getting organised well ahead of the move-in date will help prevent last-minute chaos and give movers time to handle unexpected challenges.
Among experts’ moving hacks are gathering plenty of packing supplies, decluttering, creating a clear labelling system and booking removal services as early as possible.
Nic Shacklock, expert at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is leaving things until the last minute.
“To ensure a smooth move, it’s crucial to get organised early because many of us don’t realise how much time it takes to sort through years of accumulated belongings.
“Decluttering beforehand is key – there’s no point moving things you no longer need or use. Make sure to do a wardrobe purge and go through your belongings room by room to determine what can go.
“Never underestimate the importance of having a clear labelling system for your boxes. Trying to locate items in a sea of unmarked boxes can make the unpacking process chaotic.
“If you need to book a removal service or hire a van make sure to do it as soon as possible because they tend to get booked up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons.”
Here are Online-Bedrooms.co.uk’s hacks for moving like a pro:
- Get packing supplies
First off, gather all necessary packing materials, including boxes, tape, scissors, packing paper, bubble wrap and markers. Having the right supplies on hand makes the packing process smoother and keeps your belongings safe throughout the move.
- Declutter
Before you start packing, go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. This reduces the volume of items you have to move and helps create a fresh start in your new space.
- Do a wardrobe purge
Our wardrobes are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to accumulating unnecessary items. Over time, clothes we no longer wear or that no longer fit take up valuable space. Sort through your clothing, keeping only what you actually wear or need and donate, sell or recycle the rest.
- Label or colour-code boxes
Organise your boxes by labelling or using a colour-coded system for each room. This makes unpacking much more efficient and helps movers know where everything should go.
- Use sturdy bin bags for clothes
Save space and make moving clothes easier by using large, sturdy bin bags. They’re perfect for bulky items like coats, jackets and sweaters. Unlike boxes, bin bags can be squeezed into tight spaces in your moving van or car.
- Make use of all the space you can
Maximise packing efficiency by filling up every available space. You can use suitcases, drawers, sports bags and large kitchen pots for extra storage to avoid wasted space.
- Use soft items as padding
Wrap fragile items in towels, blankets, bedding or soft clothing to protect them. This saves on bubble wrap and makes efficient use of your existing household items.
- Pack an essentials bag
Pack a bag with your daily essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents and phone chargers. Packing these necessities ensures you have easy access to everything you need on the first day in your new home.
- Be packed the day before moving day
To reduce stress on the moving day, make sure everything is packed and ready to go the night before. This gives you time to focus on the move and handle any unexpected challenges.
- Book removal service early
Make sure to book a removal service or a moving van well in advance. Ideally, you should book a removal company as early as four to six weeks before the moving date.
