Here are some top tips for moving that can help make the process smoother and less stressful:

1. Start Early

Begin preparing well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Create a moving checklist and start sorting, packing, and organising as soon as possible. Ideally, start at least 4-6 weeks before the move.

2. Declutter Before Packing

Take this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Sort through clothes, furniture, electronics, and paperwork. Donate, sell, or recycle items that you won’t be using in your new space.

3. Get Organised with a Packing System

Label your boxes by room and contents to make unpacking easier. Use colour-coded tape or markers for different rooms (e.g., red for kitchen, blue for bedroom). This will help both you and the movers.

4. Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a box or bag with all the things you’ll need on the first night in your new home. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, chargers, snacks, and important documents.

5. Use Quality Packing Materials

Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape. Don’t use old, flimsy boxes. Wrapping delicate items carefully and labelling fragile boxes can help prevent damage.

6. Disassemble Large Furniture

Before the moving day, disassemble larger furniture pieces like bed frames, desks, and tables. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labelled bags so you can easily reassemble them later.

7. Protect Your Valuables

For your most valuable or fragile items, such as electronics, artwork, and heirlooms, consider packing them separately and transporting them yourself, if possible. This adds an extra layer of security.

8. Measure Your New Space

If you have large furniture or specific items, measure your new space to ensure everything will fit. This can save you time and frustration on moving day when you realise certain items may not fit through doors or into rooms.

9. Notify Important Parties of Your Move

Change your address well in advance with your postal service, utilities, and any subscription services (bank, insurance, etc.). Don’t forget to update your address on your driver’s license and with your employer.

10. Hire Professional Movers or Rent a Truck in Advance

If you’re hiring movers, book them early to ensure availability, especially during busy seasons. If you’re renting a truck, reserve it ahead of time to avoid last-minute surprises. Be clear about what services you’ll need (packing, loading, unloading, etc.).

11. Pack Room by Room

Tackle one room at a time to stay organised. Start with the rooms you use least (e.g., guest room, storage areas) and finish with your most-used spaces (like the kitchen or bedroom).

12. Take Photos of Electronics Setup

Before unplugging electronics (like your TV, computer, and gaming consoles), take pictures of how they’re connected. This can make it easier to set them up at your new home without confusion.

13. Use Towels, Blankets, and Clothing for Padding

Instead of buying a ton of packing materials, use what you already have. Towels, blankets, and clothes can be used to wrap fragile items, saving money and reducing waste.

14. Plan for the Moving Day

Prepare meals ahead of time or order a take away so you don’t have to worry about cooking. Make sure your moving company knows exactly where your items need to be placed in the new home to minimise unnecessary handling.

15. Stay Positive

Moving can be stressful, but try to stay flexible and maintain a positive attitude. Be prepared for some unexpected bumps along the way, but remember that this is an exciting time as you start a new chapter in your new home.

By following these tips, you can reduce the stress of moving and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Let me know if you’d like additional advice on any specific moving aspects!