Moving house stress hacks

Moving House Stress-Free

Are you about to move house and already feeling stressed about packing and moving? Moving is undoubtedly a challenging task to do, but things will seem a lot easier if you work smartly. Therefore, this article will provide you with a few fantastic life hacks to help you have a stress-free moving day. Therefore, to ensure a stress-free move, let's start discussing some life-changing yet simple hacks that you can apply. Read on!

How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?

Deciding how many boxes you may need to pack everything is not very tough. Just take ten boxes for each room and three or four extra in total; you will be good to go. This is an approximate figure that works almost every time. So do not panic about the number of boxes. However, if you have a vast collection of books to pack or any other kind of extensive collection, then that's a unique situation.

You have to figure out how many extra boxes you might need for them. The primary number is {(10×number of rooms)+3}. Add some extra for your unique collection if needed. That's it. Hopefully, now you feel a little less stressed about the number of boxes, right? The key is not to overfill boxes.

Where Can You Get Moving Boxes?

The first answer to this question that comes to anyone’s mind is - buying from a shop. Yes, this is an obvious way to get enough boxes. But if you are smart, you can do things in a cheaper manner. You must have relatives or friends who have extra boxes at their home, which they will not use in the near future.

You can easily get those boxes from them. In addition, many shops have empty packages they need to throw out. You can make a point of requesting the owners for such boxes. Now, you might be thinking; those boxes may not have holders. Don't worry; you can easily make a holder on any box just by using an anti-cutter.

Simply take an anti-cutter, make triangular or rectangular small holes on both sides of each box, and that's it. See, you can get free boxes from friends, relatives or even shops. Cutting down small costs like these is always a good idea to save on your moving costs.

Hacks To Guarantee A Stress-Free Move

Get Rid of Any Unnecessary Items

You might have that outdated sweater in your wardrobe, which you do not plan on wearing anymore (getting rid of clothes is very therapeutic). Or maybe you have a dress that no longer fits you or that academic book from 5th grade that feels unwanted now and more items like that. Mark out all those things and then get rid of them. You don’t need these, right?

So, carrying unnecessary stuff to your new place is not a very smart thing to do. You can either donate some of them if they seem helpful for others or just throw them out; the idea is to get rid of all the unnecessary stuff. This simple task will reduce a good amount of excessive luggage from your packages. Hauling a heavy item unnecessarily can add to the stress, so make sure you declutter your home well in advance. 

Start Packing Early Enough

Early packing is relaxing. Do not rush while packing. As soon as you get to know your moving date, begin packing all your belongings. You will have a lot more time if you start early. As a result, packing boxes will be more organised.

Therefore, you will be able to make a checklist and use it to pack your items in time. Creating a neat checklist and then packing slowly with enough time on hand is an excellent choice to stay relaxed and stress-free. With this packing guide, you should be able to minimise the stress if moving day.

Use Disposable Plates to Save Other Plates from Breaking

You probably have a lot of one-time plates available at home, stored for upcoming home parties, right? Well, these come in very handy while packing your breakable plates. In the event that you do not have any one-time plates, you can always get some from your friends or relatives.

Even if you cannot get some for free, then buy some. You can save your ceramic or glass-made plates by using them. Are you wondering how? It is easy. Keep a one-time plate between every two ceramic or glass-made plates. This will provide a soft surface between those fragile plates.

Doing this will reduce the chance of breaking any plates, and you will feel less worried while they are being moved. Also, if you have many stored one-time plates, you will not need extra space to pack them. As such, you get to kill two birds with one stone.

Use Bubble-Wrap while Packing Fragile Items

You now have a hack to help you pack fragile plates. But, what can you do about other fragile things? You must have glass bottles, mugs, jars, photo frames, and many other delicate stuff at home. In this case, you should always use bubble wrap while packing them.

You have probably received shipped goods from Amazon before, and you must have noticed how they bubble wrap fragile items. Pack fragile things in the same manner.  First, use a bubble wrap around each item, then put a few of them together in a box.

This way, all your fragile items will stay safe, and you will not have to keep thinking about them during the move. You can also use rags or old clothes to wrap your items and save some money.

Use Fragile Tape on Every Fragile Items Box

You can easily find scotch tapes written 'fragile' on top. Use those tapes on your fragile items boxes. This straightforward hack will help you keep your fragile items safe during transportation to your new house. Additionally, you will be able to recognise which box is filled with fragile things easily.

As a result, it will become much easier to keep such boxes in a safer place in the shipping vehicle. If you cannot find such tapes, you can also write 'fragile' on top of the boxes using a marker pen. The point is to mark the fragile boxes to point them out and easily keep them in safer places. By doing this, there will be less chance of breaking as well as worrying.

Use an Air Vacuum Sealer to Have More Space in Your Boxes

While packing your items in polythene bags, always remember to make them air-free. Doing so saves a lot of space. You may pack clothes and other stuff in polythene bags or bags made of fabric. If you use an air vacuum sealer machine, all the air stuck in the bag will move out.

All the bags will get considerably thinner and smaller by doing this simple act. After that, when you put them in the boxes, you will have much more space to pack more items. The simple yet clever idea of using a vacuum sealer while packing is fantastic as it allows you to make more room for other things.

Use Pots to Hold Small Items

If you have small or large pots in your home, you can use them to carry small items like toiletries, spoons, and other stuff like that. In this way, you save more space as pots will definitely take up their own space. If you keep small items in them, you will be able to pack both small things and pots in the same amount of space.

By doing this, you will get everything packed nicely. Also, those small items will stay more organised. So, keeping small items inside pots is undoubtedly an intelligent move.

Keep a Separate Box for The First-Day in New Home

It is highly advisable to keep a separate box to pack the items you will need immediately after arriving at your new home. Pack one box as you would for a one-day trip. This is necessary to avoid the hassle of unpacking multiple boxes to find essential items like a towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, or sleeping gown. Also, ensure that you do not forget to mark that box as 'open first. If you have a family, then pack the whole family's everyday essentials and common medications in that box. It will help you to stay relaxed on your first day in your new house and try to settle in.

Set Up Utilities First

Start by setting up utilities like home insurance, council tax, gas, and others at your new home before you arrive. Organising utilities beforehand will save you from stress and provide you with enough time to relax and settle into your new home without having any undue hassle.

Keeping Kids Entertained on Moving Day

It will be better to ask a friend or relative to babysit your kids on the moving day. But as this is not always an option, you need to figure out a way to keep them busy during the move so that they do not interfere with the process or cause additional stress. You can provide them with a set of crayons or felt tip markers. They love such things.

You can allow them to build cardboard castles using the extra boxes you have to keep them occupied. In addition, do not forget to make them wear the oldest dress of their wardrobe; otherwise, the tension of dress ruining will give you extra pressure.

So, if you have family or friends to look after your kids, then that's great. However, if you do not have anyone to do so, then you can do the above mentioned to keep them busy or find other creative ways depending on your kids' interests. Alternatively, you can always hire a sitter to watch them until you are done.

Take Photographs of Your Items

You should take pictures of your furniture and electrical items before you pack them to remember how they fit or how to set them up. This will help you to determine what goes where. When you arrive at your new home, you will have to set up all the furniture, electric items, and everything again.

Since most people do not have a photographic memory, you may have to figure everything out without having any clue if you do not have photographs. Having photographs will make your setting up process much easier. As you know what to do and how to do it exactly, everything will feel simpler.

Visit the New Place Beforehand

You might have visited the place you are going to move to. But you should also check out the neighbourhood properly before shifting. Before your moving day, go there and have a look to figure out where the shops, restaurants, and pubs are located. You will have seamless moving if you know the neighbourhood area.

Moving House Doesn't Have To Be Stressful

That's all about moving home with less stress. Hopefully, now you know how to stay relaxed while moving from one place to another. All the smart moving hacks to remember are described briefly to simplify everything if you are thinking about moving. The motto is - work smart and have hassle-free moving.

Moving home is already a very stressful task. Doing everything by yourself is even more stressful. So it is better to let most of the work be done by professionals. There are removalist companies available everywhere, who are experienced in moving furniture and other items.

If you let them move your stuff, then you will have a less stressful moving day. Therefore, to enjoy a hassle-free moving day experience, hiring professional movers is always the best option.

Your Ultimate Moving Checklist

Pro Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Move

Moving house can be a daunting and stressful experience, but with the right planning and preparation, it doesn't have to be. In this article, we've put together the ultimate moving checklist to help you stay organised and on top of things before, during, and after your move.

Weeks before Moving

• Contact your estate agent or landlord to confirm your move-out date and details.
• Research and book a reputable moving company to assist with your move. Consider using a local removalist or removal company who has an overview of your area and provides competitive rates.
• Start collecting moving boxes and packing supplies such as bubble wrap, tape, and packing paper.
• Create a house checklist of everything you need to do before moving day, including sorting and decluttering your belongings.
• Arrange for car transport and pet transport if necessary, and research local council requirements if you're moving interstate or overseas.

Weeks to Moving Day

• Notify all relevant parties of your change of address, including your bank, utility providers, and any subscriptions or memberships you may have.
• Start packing non-essential items and label boxes clearly. Consider using professional packing services for fragile items or large appliances like washing machines.
• Take metre readings and arrange for final bills to be paid online or via direct debit.
• Speak to an expert about removals insurance and consider taking out a policy for added peace of mind.

Week before Moving Day

• Confirm all arrangements with your removal company and make any necessary changes to your packing plan.
• Prepare a moving day checklist of everything you need to do on the day itself, including packing essential items (a moving day survival kit) and ensuring everything is loaded onto the moving truck.
• Pack a separate box of essential items you'll need on the day before and after your move, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
• Forward your mail to your new address and arrange for any outstanding deliveries to be redirected.

Day before Moving Day

• Ensure all boxes are packed and labelled correctly, with fragile items secured and protected.
• Clean your old home thoroughly and do a final sweep to ensure you haven't left anything behind.
• Prepare a bag of snacks and refreshments for the journey ahead.
• Double-check your removals quote and make sure everything is in order.
• Create the best moving day playlist!

Moving Day

• Be ready for the moving company to arrive and load your belongings onto the truck.
• Keep a copy of your moving checklist handy to ensure nothing is forgotten or left behind.
• Take a final metre reading and ensure all utilities are turned off before you leave.
• Say goodbye to your old home and set off to your new one!

After Your Move

• Unpack your belongings and follow your ultimate moving house checklist to ensure everything is in order.
• Update your address details with any remaining parties, such as your driver's licence or passport office.
• Settle into your new home and explore your new surroundings.
• Celebrate your successful and stress-free move!

Moving homes can be a challenge, but with our moving tips and the help of your removal partners or a reputable moving company, you can enjoy a stress-free move and start your new chapter on the right foot.