Moving day made easy

Moving house is something that ranks high on most people's list of least favourite things to do. However, by following a few hacks and pointers, you'll quickly be able to put the stress of moving day behind you and focus on getting settled into your new home.

Start by getting prepared

Once you have signed your new lease, you'll usually have a month or so before moving day arrives. Use this time to declutter and throw away or donate anything that you don't need anymore. This includes toys and clothing that your children have outgrown, clothing that you no longer wear and furniture that will not work in your new home. Doing a good cleanout before you start packing means there is less to pack and less stress.

Pack smartly

Packing smartly is about more than labelling and colour-coding your boxes - although that is a great place to start. The first step to packing smartly is to give yourself enough time to pack - we recommend getting started at least three weeks before moving day. Start by packing the things you use least, such as books and memorabilia.

Everything you will need on day one in your new home needs to be packed into its own box. Items in this box should include coffee, the kettle, bedding, towels and some clothing. If possible this box should be transported in your car rather than in the moving van so that you know where it is the whole time, and it can't inadvertently end up stacked in your new lounge with four other boxes on top of it.

Choosing the right moving company

Word of mouth is one of the most reliable ways to find a great moving company. Simply ask your friends which companies have done a good job for them recently. Once you have a company in mind, check out what online reviewers have had to say about the company. There are also some great online services such as Moving24 and Pricenet which allow you to enter your details once and get quotes from an assortment of moving companies. Make sure you get at least three quotations before you choose the company that you'll be using for your move, and start looking for your mover as soon as you know when Moving Day will be.

Think about the logistics

Having small children at home on moving day can add to stress levels. If possible, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to look after them for the day. If you have pets, particularly dogs or cats, make sure you have made the necessary arrangements for their move in advance. Having some cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks prepared for moving day can make a world of difference,

Three quick tips for simple, stress-free moves

1. If you're dismantling pieces of furniture or electronic goods, take a photo before you start. You'd be surprised how much this can help when putting the item back together in your new home.
2. If you've got some space in the car, there's no need to pack the contents of drawers. Simply wrap the entire drawer - contents and all - in bubble wrap and unwrap it again on the other side.
3. Have a basket full of packing supplies for every member of the family who's involved in packing. This should contain a marking pen, scissors and packaging tape.

The first part of any move is finding your next home. The CSi Property Group offers an array of properties for sale and to rent in many areas and in every price bracket. Contact us for assistance in finding and securing your next home.