We all know that moving house is one of the most stressful things that you can do. No matter how well organized you think you are, there is always some last minute drama. Even the best laid plans can come unstuck.
While there is no one strategy that can make relocation totally hassle-free, here are five tips that will definitely make this monumental task a little less like climbing Mount Everest:
1. Consider getting a rental storage unit
Before you start packing, why not think about storage? This is a great option for things you only use once a year – for example Christmas decorations or seasonal sports equipment. And all those other things that you don’t use right now but will need in the future, things that would be expensive to replace. Hey, your storage unit could even be a place to hide Christmas presents from your inquisitive little ones!
Storage units are a surprisingly affordable. If you pay for time in advance you may even receive a sizable discount. And a great advantage is that your stuff will be altogether in one, clean, secure place with easy access.
2. Get rid of stuff you know that you won’t ever use again
The opportunity to cull is one of the benefits of moving house. Be honest, will you really wear those high ride, stone washed jeans ever again? Your local thrift shop will thank you.
Make some extra cash by taking unwanted books to a second-hand book dealer. What about all those books you’ve had forever but never actually look at—why not take them to your local second hand book dealer?
Or have some fun and set up a stall at your local market and sell your ‘pre-loved’ stuff.
3. Invest in large storage boxes
Order many more boxes than you think you will need. There is nothing worse than discovering at the eleventh hour that you don’t have enough boxes; you can always return any that are surplus to requirements. Or you may wish to keep them in your rental storage unit.
4. Double wrap precious items
When packing, an added measure to avoid breakages is to wrap your linen— towels, table clothes, sheets, bed coverings — around precious items; they have to be packed anyway might as well act as a buffer.
5. Label your items
Of course you will put your name and address on everything, but also add the name of the room that they are meant to end up in. This way your movers can do most of the work for you and you won’t be pushing things around and risking a back injury. It will also cut down the time it takes to unpack.
Moving house is a bit like climbing a mountain. Planning and preparation will avoid disasters and lessen the stress to ensure you settle into your new home in the most hassle-free way possible.
