Moving house is exciting, but it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of stress. To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, it’s essential to plan ahead and tackle key tasks well in advance. By staying organized and proactive, you’ll avoid unnecessary headaches on moving day. Here are the most important things you should organize in advance when moving house.
Create a Moving Timeline
A well-structured timeline is the foundation of any stress-free move. Begin planning at least six to eight weeks before the big day. Break down tasks week by week, such as decluttering, packing, and setting up utilities at your new home. This timeline will help you to stay on track and avoid last-minute panic.
Declutter and Downsize
Before you start packing, go through your belongings and decide what you truly need to bring with you. Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer use or love. Donate, recycle, or sell items in good condition. Fewer possessions mean less packing and potentially lower moving costs.
Research and Book Shipping Services
One of the most critical aspects of moving is ensuring your belongings are transported safely to your new home. Research and book reliable shipping services with shiply.com, a platform that connects you with trusted and affordable transport providers. Shiply allows you to compare quotes from various movers, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs. Booking transportation well in advance ensures availability, especially during peak moving seasons.
Notify Utility Providers
Contact your current utility providers—electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone—to inform them of your moving date. Arrange for final meter readings and disconnections at your old address while scheduling connections at your new home. It’s also a good idea to update your address with subscription services, banks, and insurance providers.
Prepare a Moving Budget
Moving costs can add up fast, so having a budget is essential. Consider expenses like packing materials, professional movers, transportation, and potential storage fees. If you’re hiring movers or shipping services, compare quotes and choose options that suit your budget without compromising quality.
Organize Packing Supplies
Start gathering packing materials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers early. Many people underestimate how much they’ll need, so stock up generously. Label each box clearly with what’s inside and the room it belongs to—this will make unpacking much easier.
Pack Non-Essentials Early
Start packing items you won’t need until after the move, such as out-of-season clothes, books, and decorative items. Leave daily essentials—like toiletries, kitchen items, and important documents—until last. This staggered approach will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed as moving day approaches.
Plan for Pets and Kids
If you have children or pets, make arrangements for their care during the move. It can be helpful to have a trusted friend or family member look after them on moving day so you can focus on logistics.
Prepare an Essentials Box
Pack a box with everything you’ll need immediately after arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, basic kitchen items, a change of clothes, and important documents. This will save you from going through boxes for necessities on your first night.
By planning and organizing these tasks in advance, you’ll make your moving experience far less stressful. With the help of trusted shipping services like Shiply, decluttering, and sticking to a timeline, you’ll be well on your way to settling into your new home with ease.
