Moving house is incredibly stressful but there are a handful of things you can do to make the process easier, both beforehand and on moving day.
Give yourself time
Whether moving house or going on holiday, last-minute packing causes unnecessary arguments and stress. So, all you need to do start earlier.
When you begin browsing properties in view of moving, start clearing out the clutter in your current home – it’ll make a better impression on prospective buyers, too. Donate those jumpers and dresses that no longer fit and book a space at a local car boot sale, where you can sell unwanted clutter of value.
If you de-clutter sooner rather than later, in the weeks before moving, you only need to worry about packing up the things you want to take to your new home, rather than doing two things at once. Also, removal companies charge by volume, so the less you have, the less it’ll cost to move. It’s a win-win!
Create a moving file
Moving house is like juggling with a ball too many. Sometimes, you’ll forget something, stumble and wondering whether it’s all worth it. That’s normal. To keep track of everything there is to do during a move, you need to create a moving file. Again, this should be done at the start of the process.
Your moving file can be a literal folder, or it can be a spreadsheet – whichever’s easier. It should include a checklistof everything that needs to be done, with details of the various tasks, deadlines and, if applicable, contact information. Then, when you have a question or concern about something relating to your move, it’s just a matter of picking up the phone.
Heard the sheep
Not literally. But get your friends and family involved.
At a weekend, invite your nearest and dearest over and – in exchange for a cooked breakfast and regular cups of tea, of course – give them each a task to do. They might not be able to sort through your belongings, but they can run a few boxes to the charity shop for you or tidy up the spare room in preparation for a stream of viewings. Or shred a boxload of paperwork.
Find simple but helpful tasks for your loved ones to assist with and you’ll be ready to move in no time at all.
Make time for yourself
It might feel like it is, but moving house isn’t the be all and end all of your life. You still need to look after yourself.
Think of moving as a working day, starting at 9am and working through to 5pm. Take an hour for lunch and take regular coffee breaks, too. Then, come the evening, forget about it. Or at least try to. After a long day, put your feet up. Go for dinner with a friend. Go and see that film you ‘liked’ the trailer on Facebook the other day. Continue to live your life – it’ll all come together in the end.
At Hayward Moon, we might not be able to help with the packing, but we can answer any conveyancing questions you have about your new property. Contact us to speak to an expert – we’re happy to help.