Planning a move in the bustling city of London? From hunting for the perfect flat to making an offer, packing your belongings, and arranging for a man and a van, moving can be quite a hassle. We understand that navigating your way through the hustle and bustle of London while moving can be one of the most daunting tasks. Instead of finding yourself overwhelmed by piles of cardboard boxes, why not follow our ten top tips for a stress-free moving day?
Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Commence Packing Well in Advance
There's always a multitude of tasks to handle, even for the most organised individuals. Thus, it's wise to begin packing several weeks prior to your move. This approach not only saves you from the last-minute scramble for bubble wrap on a moving day but also offers an excellent opportunity for a decluttering session.
Organised and Selective Packing
Resist the urge to hoard unnecessary items. When you start packing, take a moment to consider the items you'll require immediately upon moving in. While essentials like plates and cups are a must, it's unlikely you'll need your snowboard or the entire collection of books during your initial settling-in period. Consider packing these non-essential items early or even better, place them in storage.
Vans and Hands provides convenient storage-by-the-box, including collection and return delivery to any UK address. This service is especially handy if you're vacating your current residence and won't be moving into your new home right away. Reducing the number of boxes during your move will not only alleviate stress but also grant you the time to arrange your furniture as you desire and address any minor DIY tasks at your new abode.
Create Lists and Label Your Boxes
Lists and labels, whether handwritten or digital, can prove immensely helpful in keeping track of your possessions during the move. Use a permanent marker to label boxes in detail, not just with generic terms like 'kitchen' or 'bedroom,' but with specifics such as 'cleaning products for the kitchen' and 'winter jackets.' Several handy apps for to-do lists, such as Wunderlist, are available, some of which can be shared with partners and housemates.
Rely on Vans and Hands for a Stress-Free Move
If you're gearing up for a move, Vans and Hands is here to assist! We'll pick up your boxes or furniture from your current address, store them for as long as you require, and deliver them to your new flat or house at your convenience.
On a moving day, ensure that all boxes are securely sealed, labelled, and ready for collection. Our professional drivers will then gather your items and transport them safely to our storage facility, where they'll be securely stored until you decide to have them delivered to your new residence. A hassle-free solution at your fingertips! Click here for an instant storage quote or to obtain packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
Additional tips to ensure a stress-free house move
Moving house can be incredibly challenging. In fact, the process can become so frustrating that moving consistently tops polls of the most stressful life events – beating the likes of divorce and bankruptcy.
However, the average person will move five times in their life, so we want to ensure that all of your future moves go as smoothly as possible. Here are our tips for ensuring your house move goes off without a hitch.
Give yourself time
If possible, give yourself plenty of time to get organised and create a moving schedule that you know you can stick to.
Beginning the process as early as possible will also give you the opportunity to properly declutter your home, produce an inventory of what you’ll be taking with you and pack all of your belongings away carefully. This way, there will be less chance of your things getting damaged and you’ll be less likely to tire yourself out from having to fit too many tasks into a short space of time. If you do have the luxury of time, pace yourself – don’t leave everything to the last minute.
Budget
Moving house can get very expensive and if you’re moving for the very first time, there’s likely to be some costs you’ve never considered. For example, you’ll be required to pay for the likes of conveyancing and surveying. Check out the Money Advice Service’s guide to homebuyer surveys and costs to get an idea of the charges you are likely to face.
Consider using a professional removal company
You might be tempted to do everything yourself to save money, but hiring a removal company to help will take a lot of stress out of moving day. If you do choose to go down this route, ensure you select a professional company with a good reputation. You want to be able to trust someone who is handling your belongings, so it’s important that you opt for workers who are experienced and trustworthy.
A professional moving company like Vans and Hands offers a packing service and even provides a dedicated Move Coordinator who will deal with any queries or requests you might have. Having this kind of support during your move is sure to help put your mind at rest, and you’ll have an easier experience.
Create an important documents box
At various points during your move, you will be required to produce important documents such as your passport or wage slips. You’ll also acquire paperwork like house deeds and insurance papers along the way, so you want to ensure you remain organised the entire time.
Put aside a box where you can store all of these documents and ensure it is kept in a safe place. It’s also wise to create or obtain electronic copies of all important documents, so you’ll always have backups.
Pack a moving day survival kit
It’s a good idea to put together a moving day survival kit for you and your family. This should contain all the essentials you’ll need during your move, as well as in the few days that follow. Most of your things will be packed away by this point, so keeping vital things to one side will ensure you’re never stuck without something you need. Plus, you won’t have to unpack all of your boxes as soon as you’re in your new place – you’ll have time to get organised at your own pace without having to rummage through all of your belongings to find toilet paper or bin liners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you're planning a move in the bustling city of London, Kent or any nearby locations, following these tips can help make your moving day as stress-free as possible. Starting the packing process early, being selective and organised, creating lists and labels, and enlisting the help of professional removal services like Vans and Hands are key steps to a smooth transition.
Additionally, giving yourself ample time, budgeting for unforeseen costs, and considering a professional removal company can further alleviate the stresses associated with moving. Lastly, maintaining a designated box for important documents and assembling a moving day survival kit ensures that you stay organised and prepared throughout the entire process. With careful planning and these practical tips, your house move is likely to go off without a hitch.