Shifting Your House in 9 Easy Steps

There’s a lot to do in a new house, and it can be hard to know where to begin. But it need not be chaotic. With a bit of advance thought, you can keep things organized, simple, and (more or less) stress-free. 

Here are nine tips to help you move into your new place with your sanity intact

1. Start Early

Preparation is the key to a successful move. You’re going to need at least a month to set everything up. Begin by establishing a moving day and writing it down on your calendar. Then, you divide your tasks into smaller ones. The more time you have, the less painful it will be when the moment arrives.

2. Sort Through Your Belongings

Start decluttering as you are moving. Sort through each room, closet, and drawer and determine what to keep, what to sell, what to donate, and what to toss. The less you have to pack, the simpler the process. If you haven’t gotten around to something in months, it’s probably time to save someone else the trouble of thinking about it. Consider enlisting the help of professional decluttering services to assist you in sorting through your possessions and determining what to keep, donate, or discard.

3. Create a Packing Plan

If you don’t have a strategy, packing can quickly spiral out of control. A packing strategy keeps you organised. To begin, with the things you get the least use out of,  heavy seasonal clothing and extra kitchen gadgets, and work your way toward things you use every day. Be sure to label your boxes clearly (what’s inside and what room they should be in). This will also speed up the process when it’s time to unpack.

4. Gather the Right Packing Supplies

You don’t want to be running around at the last minute searching for packing materials. Buy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap , and packing paper well in advance. If you are doing this on the cheap, see if local stores have boxes to spare, or consider wrapping any fragile items in used newspapers.

5. Take Care of Important Documents

It’s not just about clothes and furniture when you move — there are important documents you’d rather not lose. Keep things like birth certificates, passports, and medical records in a folder or a small box that goes wherever you do. These are not things you want to risk or hide away.

6. Arrange for Utility Transfers

Utilities are among the biggest headaches when moving. You don’t want to be without electricity or water on your first night in your new place. Reach out to your utility companies in advance and schedule transfer dates. Be sure to plan any internet and cable installations, too.

7. Hire Professional Movers (or Get Help)

Some people love to do it all themselves, but it often makes sense to pay for pros, particularly if you have a great deal of furniture or delicate items. If hiring movers isn’t in your budget, enlist a team of friends or family. And don’t forget to reciprocate, with pizza, drinks, or just a hearty thank you.

8. Pack an Essentials Box

On moving day, you’ll need a few things right away—so pack an essentials box. This should include items like toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, and any important documents you may need. You don’t want to have to dig through 20 boxes just to find your toothbrush.

9. Do a Final Walkthrough

Take one last walk-through before you leave the old house and get one more chance to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Inspect the drawers, cabinets, and crawl spaces to find unwanted items that may have been left behind. Verify again that all windows and doors are locked, and photograph the place (if you’re renting) in case of disputes with the landlord later.

Conclusion

Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By staying organised, planning ahead, and asking for help when needed, you can make the whole process much easier. Follow these nine simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home with much less stress.