Before the dream of moving into your new home becomes a reality, there’s a few things to get through first. From hiring professional removalists to developing an in-depth timeline of your move, here’s the moving guide every busy girl needs.
You’ve found your dream home and are counting down the days until you’re sipping coffee in your open-plan kitchen, adoring your new surroundings. However, with busy lives and a lot to consider, it can feel overwhelming even trying to make headway with the actual moving process.
Whilst organising, prepping and packing are not the most exciting parts of moving house, they are some of the most important. So, rather than ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away, it’s better to proactively manage the process, (with the help of professionals of course!).
Here are some simple steps to make moving easier.
#1 – Book in with professionals
Moving house unavoidably takes up a lot of time, especially if you want to do it well. For many with an already hectic lifestyle, whether that be work commitments or a busy home life, one of the smartest choices you can make to save time moving is to hire full-service removalists. With ample experience and efficiency, a moving company can take the weight off your shoulders and help to make the whole process much more enjoyable.
Make sure to look for all-in-one removalists that provide services such as packing and waste removal, to save you the time of liaising between multiple companies for different parts of the move. Not only does this save you time but it also ensures the safety of your belongings, as removalists often have the best moving practices and understand the correct methods of packing to minimise breakages.
#2 – Create a thorough timeline
As you probably already know, the key to success for most things in life is a good plan; and when it comes to moving house you need one almighty plan. This is because deciding what to do next can take as long as the physical task itself.
Creating a thorough structure and timeline gives you clear guidance on the daily tasks that need to be done and avoids time-wasting on a project that should only take a few hours. Although creating a plan takes a little more time upfront, a good moving timeline will inevitably save you many hours in the long run. Your moving timeline should consist of the following:
- All of the logistical steps that need to be taken e.g. packing, cleaning, booking in removalists, changing over utilities etc.
- Clear dates and times that each task needs to be completed by
- A tickable list of weekly to-do’s, so that you can visually see the progress
- Contact details for certain tasks to be completed e.g. your utility suppliers and removalists team
- A colour-coded system for top priorities
- Bonus points: A vision board or inspirational picture that reminds you of the end goal (this is particularly helpful for keeping momentum)
Your timeline will be your moving bible for the next few months, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it. Tailor your timeline to suit what works for you but remember that the more thorough your timeline is, the easier and more efficient your move will be.
#3 – Be methodical with decluttering
When it comes to the decluttering part of moving, it can be easy to get caught up in the sentimentality of it all. To avoid spending too much time deciding what to do with the red jumper you wore once on that great ski trip you took in 2018, try to take a more systematic approach to decluttering.
As a rule of thumb try and separate things into 4 piles – ‘Keep’, ‘Sell’, ‘Donate’ and ‘Store’. For any item that hasn’t been used or worn in over 5 years (and doesn’t hold significant sentimental value) it’s time to say goodbye. For items that haven’t been in use for over a year then it’s time to put them in storage.
This structured and methodical process stops you from taking too long to decide the fate of each of your belongings and helps to create a streamlined approach to decluttering. If you don’t already have access to external storage then when you’re choosing which removalists to work with, make sure to look for a moving company with combined storage facilities. Their combined services will help to minimise the risk of damaging items by avoiding double handling.
Whilst this systematic approach to decluttering may seem ruthless, it sets clear boundaries for what to do with each item and also gives space for those things that you may not be able to part with just yet by including reliable and flexible storage solutions.
#4 – Create an essential ‘first day box’
With so much to think about before moving, many often forget to consider what happens next. Once the rush of moving is over and you are plonked in your home surrounded by moving boxes, the last thing you’ll want to do is start tackling the unpacking of boxes. That’s where a “first-day box” comes into play.
Filled with all the essentials that you’re going to need for the first 24-48 hours of moving in, your first-day box gives you the time to settle before you start pulling apart packing paper and bubble wrap. Some items to consider including in your first-day box:
- Hygiene products: toothbrush, body wash, a towel, toilet paper etc.
- Work supplies and important paperwork
- A change of clothes
- Bedding
- A coffee mug
- Pet supplies
- A bin bag
- Kitchen utensils or paper cutlery
- Any medication you’ll need
Make sure to keep this box close to hand and even consider keeping it with you during the move, to save the time of hunting it out from the piles of boxes. This way you have everything you need at close reach and all the other belongings can be unpacked at your own pace.
#5 – Make moving easy!
Finding a moving process that works with your busy schedule rather than against it is essential for a positive start in your new home. Making strategic choices that help keep your move organised and efficient can save you time and energy, giving you the space to focus on what matters most to you. By planning thoroughly, creating a systematic approach to decluttering and booking in with professional movers, your vision of enjoying coffee in your spacious new kitchen can become reality with remarkable ease.
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