Buying or selling a house is known to be one of the most stressful things you can do in your adult life, and moving day is usually when it reaches its crescendo. Is everything packed? Where did we put the keys for the new place? What are we going to do with any pets whilst we move?

As simple as it may sound, but planning ahead really does go a long way to help reduce stress from the event. Frustratingly, even the smallest inconvenience can feel so much larger when you are in the middle of moving so never worry about over-preparing. Follow these steps and your day (and the following days in your new home) will flow smoothly. We are going to assume you have the basics covered such as booking a removal firm and you have boxed up your worldly possessions and we’ll concentrate on the day itself.

Have a Moving Day box

“Aren’t all the boxes moving day boxes?” Well, yes they are but what we are referring to is a box of the essentials you will need for the day. The last thing you want to be doing is rooting through all your boxes trying to find things once you have spent all day moving house. Some of the things you may want to include are:
Food & Drink for the day: Sandwiches, crisps, snacks. Food and drink that is quick and easy for both you and the removal team. Consider if it is a hot or cold day as well and pack additional fluids accordingly.

Toilet paper and wipes: You will be surprised how often these are forgotten and so important when it comes to it! Wipes double up as a handy way to clean anything that needs a wipe down (work surfaces etc) or mucky hands at the end of a gruelling day.

Toiletries & any medication: Having these separate and to hand at the end of the day will really be appreciate by all – toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, contact lens solution, any specific or general medication..it all helps.

Phone/Laptop chargers: When you’ve crashed out in bed after moving day you may want to relax and check up on things or hastily order things you have forgotten, and you don’t want to be hamstrung by the lack of power!

Bed linen & Change of clothing: Make your first night as comfortable as possible and change those sheets!

A Notepad + any important paperwork: Keep these in a folder for when you need to refer to something or if you need to note down things to chase up later or in the coming days.

A bottle of wine: You’ve earned it!

Once More Into The Breach…

Moving day can feel like going into battle, but it doesnt have to be and can be smooth and rewarding. Begin by setting yourself realistic and achievable targets. If all you want to do is move everything in and making sure you haven’t left the pet behind then set that goal – everything else can be done in the following days.
Prepare yourself too – give yourself enough time to prepare in the morning; wake up in good time and make sure to have a good breakfast, as you may not have much time to sit down during the day so your body will need fuel to burn! If you haven’t already, this is when you consider taking any pets or children to friends or relatives (or a pet hotel for the animals in our lives).

Know your new home
This may sound odd, but it’s important to know which room in your new home is for what purpose – you’ll be asked several times by people helping you so know where you want those boxes! We also suggest finding a space (for example, somewhere in the garden if the weather is appropriate) that you can have as a ‘sanctuary’, to take a breather, have some food/drink and generally escape from the hustle and bustle. It makes a real difference.

Close down your old home
You will have different processes based on the place you are moving from, but when all your items are out of your old place then ensure all external doors and windows are locked, meter readings are checked and noted (for the final bills) and give the place a quick clean and vacuum; especially for rented accommodation where you may not receive any deposits back if the space is left in a poor condition. Additionally, take any photos of noticeable areas or damage, in case you are stung for any additional costs you are not aware of that you are not to blame for!

The Morning After…

The next day you will (probably) wake up to a mountain of boxes and general disarray; you aren’t alone in this so don’t worry! Just like moving day, make a plan: What are the essential things to get done? Are you expecting any deliveries (white goods, furniture, items from storage)? Factor these in and tackle one room at a time to de-clutter. Generally the kitchen and the sitting rooms are the first two that are targeted first, but give consideration to any bedrooms as well – you can have those as a welcome escape from the rest of the disorder.

Moving day, and the days surrounding are hectic and stressful but by following the above you can really ease the stress. If you have any other tips you have found to work then we would love to hear them.

Good luck!