Are there ways to reduce the stress involved in home removals? While it may not be possible to remove all of the stress involved, there are things that can be done that should reduce it significantly, and the keyword is preparation.
WHEN TO START MAKING PREPARATIONS
This should be as soon as a decision to find a new home is made. The process of moving can be simplified by taking simple steps even before starting to view prospective properties.
• take measurements of larger items of furniture that will need to be moved
• assess whether a prospective new home will have room for everything in the existing one
• don't forget to consider existing garden sheds, garages, outhouses and greenhouses, as well as garden furniture and objects
Doing the above will help assess whether everything can be removed to a new home, or whether larger items need to be replaced, or possessions thinned down.
CHOOSING A REMOVAL FIRM
Removal firms are usually happy to give quotes. Obtaining several and negotiating the price as soon as possible will save stress later on and could result in a financial saving.
Selecting a removal firm with a good reputation is vital. Word of mouth recommendations may be available, and the British Association of Removers is another source. There should be no doubt that the firm booked is competent.
PACKING
The process of packing can be started as soon as a sale is agreed. There are several main elements:
• obtaining packing materials - many removal firms provide some, and boxes can be obtained from supermarkets and wine merchants
• starting to pack
• downsizing possessions if necessary
• labelling packed items
Wherever possible, smaller boxes should be used, as it is easier to move and handle a larger number of smaller boxes than a smaller number of larger ones. There is also less chance of a box being damaged and spilling its contents.
Boxes should be labelled, detailing what they contain. This will make finding the essentials quickly immediately after the move a lot easier.
Furniture should be labelled, clearly indicating which room it should be placed in. This will reduce the need to rearrange after removal day.
Packing can be started as soon as the move is confirmed. The best places to start are with spare rooms and items that are non-essential.
If things have to be disposed of, the sooner the process is started the better. The more time that is available to downsize possessions, the more likely that they can be sold, or distributed to charity.
Indispensable items to help with packing:
• bin liners for clothes, shoes and linen
• cling film to put over drawers and protect the contents, meaning they do not have to be packed and unpacked; the same can be done with CD racks
• permanent marker to detail contents of boxes
• larger, removals cling film to protect furniture, mattresses and other larger items
Essential items for daily routine should be kept readily available and gathered together last so that they are immediately available; this will include:
• toothbrushes and toothpaste
• tea, coffee, milk sugar and kettle
• toilet tissue
• tea towels
• spare light bulbs
• night clothes
• washing up bowel
The most important thing is to think ahead and reduce the risk of not being able to find essential items after moving.
UTILITIES
All suppliers of utilities and services, including banks, insurance agencies and anyone who needs to know the new address should be advised as soon as possible.
PETS
Pets can either be personally transported or left with someone they know or at a suitable kennels or other facility. If there is any doubt a vet should be consulted.
ON THE DAY
To make the day of moving easier, the route between old and new homes should be worked out in advance.
Refreshments should be kept to hand. Sandwiches, biscuits, and the ingredients for hot drinks should be immediately accessible in the new home.
A list of important information about the property should be left for the new owners.
If possible, it helps to get to know new neighbours and let them know you have arrived.
Relevant Huffington Post Article: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/09/10/tops-tips-for-moving-house-packing_n_5698930.html
Photo credit: Fotolia