5 tips for a smoother house move

Tip 1: Choose a removals company early

It may be difficult to schedule a move date depending on when you are moving. People tend to move on weekends, during bank holidays or school holidays. This gives them more time. Plan ahead and don't be caught off guard.
Although it might seem simple compared to the many other options you have made, it is important to choose professionals when selecting a removals company. The company you choose will affect the value of your items. To avoid any damage or extra charges, do your research.

Review previous customers and check out what the removals quote includes. Ask if they are willing to conduct a valuation. This means that someone will visit your home and assess your stuff.

Tip 2 - Make a list

Sometimes it can seem like you have too many things to do in the lead up to your move. But, life goes on and so does your move.

Avoid stress by making a list of all the things you need to do and putting together a timeline. Even though your offer was accepted, it may still be months away from completion. You don't have to wait for the move to be complete before you start planning.

Tip 3 - Declutter in advance

It can help you save time, stress, and money by clearing out your home of unwanted or unneeded items prior to your move.

You can reduce the number of items you have to move by donating, recycling, or throwing away what you don't use. You will save time and money by reducing the amount of stuff you have.

It's easy to save money when moving. You don't need to pay for transport of things you won’t use once you get to your new home.

Tip 4 - Make a packing list - and get started early

Getting your boxes ready to pack can really help!

It takes longer to pack than you might think. This is why it's important to get started as soon as possible. Once you have cleared out everything, it's best to begin packing the rooms that you use most often.

You can make your life easier by packing up the rooms and using them as storage for boxes of stuff.

It's easy to summarize the contents of boxes when labelling them, such as 'kitchen stuff'. But that might not be helpful when you have to prioritize unpacking.

You can label the box with the area you want it to go in in your new house and then bullet point some of the items inside so you are aware what they contain. We'll be grateful that you didn't have to open 15 boxes marked "kitchen" to find the one with plates!

Don't overpack your boxes! Although it's tempting to stuff them full, try not to overpack your boxes. You run the risk of your box breaking apart, causing injury to anyone who is carrying it and possibly damaging your stuff.

Tip 5: Be aware of what you cannot move

Some things are not allowed to be transported by removal teams. These items include hazardous materials, plants with soil, paint tins, and chemicals. Don't feel that everything must go. Pots of paint are often donated to charities.

If you are unable to bear to leave your plants behind you might want to remove most of the soil, place the plant in a plastic pot, and then transport it in your car.

Safety is important for both your removals crew and you. This goes beyond the weight of the boxes, but also the items that you are moving. Make sure you clean and pack garden equipment properly before packing it. Before you can transport large gardening equipment such as lawnmowers and petrol-powered tools, it needs to be empty and cleaned. Wrap knives carefully before packing them and make sure to note the contents of the boxes.

Ask your removals staff if you aren't sure what you can transport. You may be able to get an additional service that will allow them to package more complicated items.