Do you have a checklist for moving house?
We all know moving house is stressful. The best way to make it go as smoothly as possible is to have a checklist and follow it. Sounds easy enough, but moving house comes with many tangents to each task. Here are the five most common tasks that get left off the checklist for moving house.
1. Getting good packing supplies
There’s an art to packing well and it starts with quality packing supplies. Using good materials and knowing how to pack boxes according to their shape and size is the difference between breakages and causing injuries when lifting. You can supplement some packing materials with old blankets and towels, but don’t take shortcuts using any inferior materials, like old newspapers. Packing boxes are specialised containers for moving house and will beat a standard cardboard box every time.
Tip: We provide professional packing services which removes this task from your checklist entirely.
2. Parking for the moving truck
If you live in a built-up area or share a driveway with other people, you’re going to need to plan ahead for the moving truck. Inform your neighbours when the truck is due to arrive if it will block the driveway. You’ll also need to organise a parking space as close as possible to your house, so work this out ahead of time to avoid delays on moving day.
Tip: We can walk you through this step. Give us a call and we’ll determine the best vehicle and parking location for your move.
3. Labelling boxes
Labelling boxes is the single most important part of the packing and unpacking process. Labelling boxes helps movers determine how they stack boxes in the truck. You don’t want your precious breakables stacked at the bottom of a heavy pile.
At the other end, having labels on boxes helps you to find what you need straight away. Imagine the frustration if you want a refreshing cup of tea and you have no idea which box contains the hot water jug.
Tip: Professional packers label boxes by room and contents, meaning the box with the hot water jug will already be in your new kitchen. Better still, we offer an unpacking service too.
4. Children and pets
We often overlook some of the most obvious tasks in the chaos of moving house. You’ll need to remember to arrange care for small children and pets on moving day. This can be quite stressful for both, not to mention dangerous with trucks, furniture being moved and other hazards. So, if you have friends or family that can take care of your kids and pets, ask them to step in and provide safe care while you move.
Tip: We offer specialist services to make your move easier. Talk to us if you need us to help.
5. Updating your new address before you move
Many people leave this task until after they move and it’s a recipe for a headache. Take time, well ahead of moving day, to update your bank, utilities such as water and power, internet provider, key contacts and so forth with your new address.
Tip: This is best done as much as 30 days out from your move. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
If you need a comprehensive checklist for moving house, take a look at our detailed timeline and moving planner.
