Moving to a new house means new opportunities: new furniture, meeting new neighbours, etc. Everything sounds perfect until you have to start packing boxes. To start your new life off on the right foot, we have prepared a list of 10 tips for the perfect move.
- Get ready!
Moving is the ideal opportunity to clean up and get rid of all those things that you do not use or do not need. If you have a lot of things, but in your new house there isn’t enough space, you can rent a storage space. It will be great for storing those old beach chairs, rarely used sports equipment, even summer clothes.
- Survival kit
Think about the day of the move and the first night. If you do not want to sleep on a mattress without sheets and bedding, make sure to pack bedding, towels, pyjamas and a bathroom bag that can are easy to unpack when you arrive. The next day, you need to start rested … and clean!
- Do it yourself or get help?
It depends on your budget. And, how many friends might help you. It’s a good idea to get a few quotes from removal companies, or even simply a man with a van in Cheltenham if you live in Gloucestershire, and don’t have many things to move.
- I work, I eat!
If you do it to yourself, you’ll need help from family and friends willing to sacrifice a Saturday or Sunday. Get everything packed, hire a van, and get their help with loading and unloading. Be prepared to ‘feed and water’ them during the day and reward them for their effort when it’s all over, maybe a nice cold beer or something similar.
- Making boxes
To have everything ready, you need to start about three weeks before the move-in day. Start by collecting boxes from supermarkets or stores in the area. If you need more, buy them from a moving company. Start by packing everything you do not need for your day-to-day activities: books, clothes out of season, etc.
Tip: even if a box is large (or very large) do not load it to the top because you will not be able to move it.
- How to package an entire house
Follow an order. Pack each room separately. Mark each box with the name of the room to which it corresponds. Do not forget to take an inventory. And if you do not want anything to break along the way, get yourself a roll of bubble wrap or old sheets, to wrap the most fragile objects.
- Time to disassemble the furniture
First of all, do not lose any pieces. Put any screws and small pieces in plastic zip-lock bags, and tape them to the furniture. And if things get complicated, make a sketch or take a photo. It will be easier to reassemble it again.
- Loading the van
Make good use of the space. First, load the bulkiest furniture, then the heaviest boxes so that they secure the furniture, and the then the lighter and smaller ones between the bulkier items. Fill any spaces with old blankets and secure items with ropes, so that nothing falls.
Tip: put on comfortable and loose clothing, which allows you freedom of movement and do not carry very heavy things if you do not want your body to suffer. It’s better to do more trips with less weight.
- The “new house”
When you arrive at your new home, there might be so much stuff that you do not know where to start. Don’t panic! First, assemble the furniture, then unpack the boxes. Try to break them down or fold them once empty, so they occupy less space. Before you use the fridge, remember to leave it standing for at least 24 hours before switching it on.
- Organising everything
To avoid spending days and days with the house upside down, start by placing the things in the kitchen and bathroom. Then, the bedrooms, and end with the living room, which is normally the room where there are more items to arrange. From here, you will finally be able to relax and enjoy your new space!