Tips For a Stress-Free House Move

Moving house is an exciting adventure. On the day you move into your new home, you can't wait to get unpacked. You will have spent weeks or even months getting ready for your new life – here are some tips on how to make sure it’s as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Set a budget


Moving house can get expensive fast. So before you start packing all your worldly possessions, sit down and work out a budget for the move. Make sure you include costs like removal fees, estate agent fees and stamp duty.

Get the right boxes


One of the most common moving mistakes is forgetting about the importance of good quality boxes and packaging materials. Strong, double-walled cardboard boxes should be your first choice, especially if you are using a removal company as they will be more likely to stack them securely without damaging their contents.

Pack early and correctly


You'll be glad you started packing early as the moving date draws closer. You can divide your belongings into categories and pack them in labeled boxes (make sure to label fragile items!).

It is tempting just to throw everything into boxes without any thought but this is a huge mistake. You need to organise what you are doing so that when it comes time to unpack at the other end, moving day will be less stressful. Start off by labeling each box with its contents and which room they need to go in. Then make sure that all breakable items are wrapped in bubble wrap or newspaper so they won’t get damaged while they are being moved.

Pack a separate ‘first night’ box


Make sure you have a box or suitcase filled with everything you'll need for your first night in your new home – including a change of clothes and some necessities for your bathroom. It also helps to put together a simple meal for when you get in so that you don't have to go straight out shopping after a long day of moving!

Get rid of unwanted items before you move


Moving is a great time to get rid of items that you no longer need. This makes both the packing much easier and it will save on the cost of moving items that you don’t want or need any more. You can sell items on eBay or Gumtree, donate them to charity shops or give them away on Freecycle.

Ask for help


Packing up an entire house can be very stressful, especially if there are lots of items in your home. If you start to feel overwhelmed by it all, ask family or friends to help - this can really take the pressure off and make the whole experience less stressful.

Consider pets and children


Moving can be stressful for pets and children, too. They don’t always understand what’s going on and might feel anxious or scared about the big changes happening around them. Try to keep their normal routines as much as possible during this time – feed them at their usual meal times, spend some quality time with them before bedtime and set up their sleeping areas early so that they can settle in quickly.

Moving house, especially for the first time, can be a daunting task – but don't let this fear stop you from moving. With a little careful planning, you can make sure your move is as easy as possible and leave the stress behind! Take inspiration from the tips above and apply some of them to your own move. As well as helping you get moving, these practical tips will help you make good use of your new home in the months to come.

If you are looking for an agent in Colchester, Clacton, Ipswich or Sudbury to help sell your home, find your local estate agent office and contact us today.