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7 Tips For a Smooth Home Move
September, 2024

7 Tips For a Smooth Home Move

You have secured your new dream house in Purley, Croydon & Surrey, and the only thing remaining is to wait for moving day!

It’s a thrilling time for anyone, single, couple, or family, and it’s easy to let the excitement get the better of you.

In most cases, you will have a mountain of belongings to move from one property to another, so by planning in advance, you can make that move as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible.

Not on the market yet? Generate a full report on your own property including an instant estimated valuation.

7 Tips For a Smooth House Move

1. Declutter in advance

It’s always best to start packing well in advance. In fact, it’s ideal if you can start packing up when you begin your property search in Purley, Croydon & Surrey.

This way, you can forget about the stress later on and instead begin to declutter and pack at the same time. This approach not only reduces the number of items you need to move but also makes packing more organised and less stressful.

  • Sell Unwanted Items: Consider selling valuable items you no longer need. This can help offset the costs of moving.
  • Donate to Charity: Items in good condition that aren’t worth selling can be donated to charity.
  • Recycle or Bin: Discard items that are no longer usable. This applies to everything, from old clothes to unused knick-knacks.

By streamlining what you plan to bring to your new home, you’ll have less to pack, transport, and unpack.

2. Create a packing plan

Create a packing plan by going through what you need to have available until the day of the move. Once you have that list, you can then work out how you intend to pack up your belongings.

  • Pack by Room or Theme: You can pack your belongings by room (e.g., bedroom, kitchen) or by category (e.g., towels, toiletries).
  • Keep Boxes Manageable: Ensure that your boxes are not too heavy and that fragile items are packed securely to prevent breakages.
  • Use Quality Packing Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to protect your belongings during transit.

A well-thought-out packing plan will make unpacking in your new home much easier, allowing you to find everything you need without hassle.

Read our 9 Moving Home Packing Tips here! 

3. Label each box clearly

When packing up items in boxes, it’s very important that you label each box with its contents. This way, you won’t have to open every box right away and have your new home filled with items that don’t yet have a place to go.

If you create a strategic packing plan, you should be able to unpack a few boxes and have everything you need to be comfortable whilst you unpack your belongings.

  • Use Colour-Coded Labels: Consider colour-coding your boxes by room to make identification even easier.
  • List Important Items: If a box contains essential items, mark it as such to ensure you can find it quickly when you arrive at your new home.

Clear labelling will keep your new home from becoming cluttered with boxes and will help you stay organised during the unpacking process.

4. Disassemble furniture

Not every piece of furniture can easily be taken apart, but the chances are you will have some items such as beds or wardrobes that can be disassembled. Disassembling these items can make moving your furniture and belongings so much easier.

  • Keep Screws and Parts Organised: Store screws and small parts in labelled bags to avoid losing them during the move.
  • Use Furniture Blankets: Protect your furniture from scratches and dents by using movers' blankets or padding.

Taking the time to disassemble your furniture properly will make moving day more efficient and reduce the chance of damage.

5. Involve your children in packing

If you have kids, it can be difficult to move to a new home, especially if they are worried about the change. You can improve this situation by asking them to help you pack. 

  • Turn Packing into a Game: Create games or challenges to make packing fun for your kids.
  • Let Them Declutter: Encourage them to sort through their belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.

Involving your children in the moving process can help ease their anxiety and make the transition smoother for everyone.

6. Hire professional movers

Once everything is boxed up and labelled, you may want to hire professional movers. This takes out the heavy lifting, saves your back, and means your furniture is in good hands as it is packed up and moved into your new property in Purley, Croydon & Surrey. While it may be an added expense, it can save you a lot of time and effort.

  • Get Multiple Quotes: Shop around to find the best deal on movers in [location].
  • Check Reviews: Ensure the moving company has good reviews and a solid reputation.
  • Insure Your Belongings: Confirm that the moving company provides insurance for your items in case of damage.

Professional movers have the experience and equipment needed to safely transport your belongings, reducing the risk of injury and damage. Talk to the Shinerocks team and we'll be happy to recommend trusted removal firms.

7. Bring “First Night Boxes” with you

The last thing that you should pack are your “First Night Boxes”. These should contain all the essentials you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. These boxes should be easily accessible and travel with you rather than the movers. 

  • Pack Essentials: Include items like clothes, towels, toiletries, bed linens, and kitchen tools (e.g., kettle, mugs, tea, coffee).
  • Keep It Handy: Bring these boxes in your own vehicle to ensure they’re easy to find once you arrive at your new home in Purley, Croydon & Surrey. 

Having these essential items readily available will make your first night in your new home comfortable and stress-free.

Have you decluttered ready for viewings?

If you’re selling your current home, decluttering isn’t just helpful for packing; it’s also essential for creating a good impression during viewings. A tidy, clutter-free home is more appealing to potential buyers.

  • Start Packing Early: Use the decluttering process as an opportunity to start packing non-essential items.
  • Store Away Personal Items: Consider storing away personal items like family photos and collectibles to make your home feel more neutral and spacious.

By decluttering for viewings, you’ll not only make your home more attractive to buyers but also give yourself a head start on packing, guaranteeing a stress-free move.

A smooth house move requires careful planning and organisation. By decluttering, creating a packing plan, labelling your boxes, disassembling furniture, involving your kids, and hiring professional movers, you can significantly reduce the stress of moving day. Don’t forget to pack a "First Night Box" to make your first few nights in your new home as comfortable as possible.

What Next?

Not on the market yet? Generate a full report on your own property including an instant estimated valuation.

For expert advice and a smooth move, contact the experienced team at Shinerocks on 020 8660 2010 today.

Shinerocks are your local estate agents in Purley, Croydon & Surrey. Our friendly team of agents are here to help answer any questions you have about selling your home, and we are experts in the Purley, Croydon & Surrey area.

To arrange a valuation, give us a call today on 020 8660 2010 or send an email to enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.

In the meantime, we've answered some more of your common questions about moving house.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving House

How far in advance should I start packing for a house move?

It's ideal to start packing well in advance, especially if you have a lot of belongings. Begin decluttering and packing a few months before your moving date to avoid last-minute stress.

Should I hire professional movers?

Hiring professional movers can save you time, energy, and potential injuries. It's especially helpful for heavy furniture and large items. However, it can be an additional expense.

What essentials should I pack for my first night in the new house?

Pack a "first night box" containing essential items like toiletries, clothes, bedding, and kitchen utensils. This will make your first night in your new home more comfortable.

How can I reduce stress during the moving process?

Create a detailed packing plan, label your boxes clearly, and delegate tasks if possible. Hiring professional movers can also significantly reduce stress. Remember to take breaks and prioritise self-care during this busy time.

 

Have any questions?

Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.

You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.


 

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