Planning Your Move Will Save You Time, Money And Reduce Stress

So, you’ve sold your house? Or maybe you’ve purchased a home. Now is the time to start thinking about the moving process.

While it can be daunting to think about the mammoth task of moving your entire house, especially if you’ve been in the one spot for a while it pays to break it down into stages.

The benefits of planning and thinking about the move ahead of time will help you save money, time, and make the entire process much easier.

Step one: Take stock of what you currently own
Walk through your home from front to back. Take note of the larger furniture items and the amount of smaller items like books, kitchen appliances, devices, paintings, pictures and ornaments.

Think about what you can get rid of. This might be furniture that isn’t used or won’t suit the new home. It could also include smaller items like kitchen appliances, devices, books and other smaller items you simply don’t use.

These items can either be sold (and funds used to help with the move or saved up) or given away. At the end of the day the less you have to take the cheaper the move will be.

A thorough declutter will help ensure you’re only taking what you actually use and also reduce the amount of things you actually have to move.

Once you’ve done this process write a list of everything that will need to be taken to the new home. While doing this also think about what could go with a mover or into a trailer and what you would want to move yourself or in a more careful manner like paintings or precious items.

Step two: DIY or hiring a mover
Now you’ve got your list and can picture clearly how much there is to move, it's time to decide if you’re going to DIY it or hire professional movers.

Get multiple quotes to help with this decision. At least three different quotes is a good rule of thumb.

If you’re going to DIY this will include a trailer or truck hire unless you own something suitable already.

If you want to use a professional then obtain at least three quotes from professionals. Be mindful of the different levels of service they offer. Some might come in and pack everything, others might come to collect pre-packed boxes and furniture. Also ask about gas bottles, cleaning supplies and chemicals, sometimes these won’t be handled by movers.

Don’t forget to consider things like bubble wrap, cloths and other protective material that will be needed to ensure everything arrives at its new location scratch and dent free and in good working order.

Tip: Packing boxes can often be picked up for free from people who’ve recently moved so keep an eye out on social media or ask around before purchasing.

Step three: Plan out the timing
While this can be a little difficult with settlement dates subject to change, try to lock in some dates.

Allow a few extra days either side to allow for unforeseen circumstances and for final cleans. You might also want to get into your new house before moving everything for cleaning or painting, this all depends on your situation.

If you’re doing it yourself the timing won’t matter so much aside from the trailer or truck hire but it will be more vital if you’re using professional movers so try to make sure everything is in place. If things do change, clear communication is vital, contact your movers as soon as possible and let them know what’s going on.

Step four: The day is here

Thanks to careful planning you are all ready to move with everything packed into boxes, furniture and appliances covered and precious items secured to ensure they arrive safe and sound.

Now all you need to do is start planning out how you want your new home to look.

If you’ve opted for professional movers they might place everything in one main room or the garage or they might put things straight into rooms. Make sure you know where you want everything so this process goes smoothly.

The start of a new year is always an exciting time to buy, sell or renovate so these moving tips will help save you time, money and stress during the moving process.