11 Instant Moving Hacks For A Stress-Free Moving Day Experience

Whether or not you’ve moved countless times before, the very thought of moving house is enough to make many run for cover. With that in mind we’ve put together 11 top tips for a stress-free moving day experience.

Moving can be as stressful in some cases as other life events such as going through a divorce or starting a new job, according to research from energy company, E.ON.

Stacking up on packing supplies and hiring a reputable removals company should be your first points of call once you have a moving date.

But even before that there is much you can do.

We’ve listed the 11 moving hacks that will help a stress-free moving day experience for you and your family.

#1 Start early

his is a really obvious one but will help ensure everything goes according to plan.

You can start packing away rooms you don’t use regularly even before you have a moving date.

Create a plan of action for tackling the house/flat room by room, ensuring you don’t pack anything away you might need straight away.

This gives you more time in the build up to moving day to focus on all the other things you need to be doing (getting keys from estate agents, paying solicitors, etc).

#2 Take pictures (of everything)

This is important twofold.

First, taking pictures acts as an insurance guarantee. You will have physical proof to show to your removals company in the unlikely event something goes missing or is damaged.

Second, it helps with visualizing where furniture and items should go in your new property.

Don’t forget to take photos of gas and meter readings as well before you go. That way you can ensure you are paying the right amount based on your own usage, not someone elses.

#3 Pack a moving day survival kit

This step is essential for ensuring a stress-free moving day experience.

A moving day survival kit is a collection of must-have items you will need to have access to right away on the day.

Its contents will depend on you personally but typically includes:

• Toiletries
• Phone chargers
• Food and snacks
• Cooking utensils
• Paper plates and cutlery
• Bed linen
• First Aid kit
• Cleaning products
• Change of clothes for each family members
• Toys for any children or pets
• Bottled water
• Tea and coffee
• Kettle
• Any essentials for a baby or toddler

#4 Put Together An Important Documents File

Another list of items you will need ready access to is key documents such as passports and house deeds.

These should be placed in a folder somewhere you won’t lose them.

If you can, try and make electronic copies in case you lose anything or need to provide them to anyone such as Estate Agents or Solicitors.

Again the exact documents depends on your circumstances but generally includes the following:

• Passports for each family member
• House title deeds
• Wills
• Insurance papers
• Contracts
• Removal quotes
• Moving schedule
• Proof of address
• Utility bills
• Bank statements

#5 Label Boxes

Sticky labels are your best friends (the more colourful the better).

Label the contents of each box as accurately as possible.

Be specific: don’t just write ‘kitchen’ on the front, write something along the lines of ‘fancy chinaware’.

Include any specific instructions on how to handle as well.

For example, if a box contains glass or delicate items, make sure this is clear. That way the box will not be picked up the wrong way or mishandled by your removals team or anyone else.

#6 Pack Correctly, Don’t Stack

Following on from the last point you need to pack correctly in the first place.

Don’t overpack boxes – make sure you distribute the weight evenly.

Likewise, pack items in an orderly fashion.

If you’re packing plates or glass stack them like you would a vinyl collection, across and not on top of each other.

#7 Keep Hardware Handy

Use containers and tupperware to store hardware you need for certain items.

Nuts, crews and bolts are easily lost in the moving process.

Store them in clearly labelled boxes or better yet tape them to the item they correspond to.

For instance, if you’re dismantling flat packed furniture, tape it to the inside or keep it in the same moving box.

#8 Keep Valuables With You

To ensure a stress-free moving day experience keep all valuables with you.

This includes any personal jewellery and priceless keepsakes.

All private and confidential information should also be kept with you to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands.

#9 Offer Refreshments To Your Removals Team

A well hydrated removals team is more likely to dedicate themselves to the job.

Moving large and difficult items is thirsty work.

Brewing up a few teas and if you’re feeling generous, a few biscuits is likely to go down well with the removals team.

Who will in turn reward your hospitality with efficiency and professionalism.

#10 Familiarise Yourself With Your New Area

Depending on where you’re headed, if you get the chance before you move, visit your new home and area.

Familiarise yourself with any access issues, narrow roads, one-way streets etc and let you removals company know.

It’s also a great opportunity to source out local amenities and services you might be needing straight away, such as the laundrette, post office or simply the local takeaway.

#11 Hire White and Company to Help You Move

Looking for a stress-free moving day experience? Well look no further than White & Company.

With over a century of experience moving families across the UK and abroad, White & Company are fully insured and can help you achieve a stress-free move.

Whether you’re heading from a city apartment to a suburban house, or from the quiet countryside to the centre of London, White & Company has he knowledge and experience to assist.

How does it work?

When planning your move we know the cost of your house move is important to you.

White & Company will arrange a free no obligation home visit during which we will explain the process and provide you with an itemised quote.

Once agreed we will then together look to set a moving date and ensure all needs are accounted for.

Using a range of bespoke packing materials we pack and wrap all your belongings ready for transportation.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are accredited by the British Association of Removers and will be on hand throughout the process to answer any queries you may have.

Should you require it we also offer clean and secure storage facilities at 19 locations across the UK. Access to your storage is freely available during working hours at no additional charge.

We can also arrange for the contents of your items placed in storage to be safely re-delivered at a time convenient to you.

What are you waiting for? Give White & Company a call today or fill out a quick quote form above to see how we can get your stress-free move underway today.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.