Moving Tips

Moving home can be a stressful experience but it does not have to be. With a little forethought and simple organisation, the move can be a pleasant one. Below are some tips to help eliviate some of that stress and help your move along smoothly. Enjoy your move.

1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST
Make a head start by making a simple list of things to be done ahead of your move, during & after. Half the battle is knowing what needs to be done, once you have your checklist as a guide, you will feel happiers and more organised.

2. LEAVE IT BEHIND.
There is no law that states that you have to take everything. If you have not used it, then you probably don't need it. Leave it, why take items you do not need or use. This will expedite your move and save you money as you will not be using/moving as many boxes.

3. GET RID OF CLUTTER
Ahead of the move, like Moving Tip 2, if you do not want to leave it behind then get rid of it. Why not hold a car boot or garage sale and retrieve some of those moving expenses or give to a charity of your choice.

4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR REMOVAL SERVICE
Choosing a good, reliable mover can be daunting, but beware. Like every profession there are good ones and bad ones but the good ones are not neccesarily the cheapest in the short term. The bad ones can cost more in the long term and with it bring heartache. Do your homework, go off personal reccommendations or experience. Choose one with a sound reputation and one that you feel can be trusted. Don't ignore your gut instinct. Use the internet to help find one together with reviews to help you make your decision.

5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET
Make an occasion of it and get the whole family involved. Invite friends, get the BBQ on and your helpers will help relieve some of that moving stress. You will be surprised on how quickly and enjoyable a move can be with the right people around you helping and having a good time.

6. BOX2MOVE IT
Have the neccessary packaging supplies at hand and you are better having too many than not enough to complete your move. Choose a reliable supplier. All our boxes are manufacturered by us for the purpose of moving home hence our name, Boxes2move. The moving boxes are supplied flat packed and that is the best way to store them after the move as well. They will take up less space and can be used again at a later date when needed.

7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM
Our boxes have a contents grid printed upon them. Use a system where you can mark the boxes as well to place them in an order of priority for unpacking at your destination, i.e. Kettle, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, bread etc should always be the first items unpacked in your new home. Your helpers will appreciate it, trust us.

8. WRAP IT
Use acid free tissue paper and foamwrap for those delicate items as opposed to newspaper. Although newspaper will do the job, they can also mark your belongings with ink which can be a nightmare to remove. We supply the correct items for the job.

9. MARK IT
We even supply marker pens for completing the handy contents grid on the boxes. Mart it properly and your unpacking experience will be easy.

10. LABEL IT
So you have marked your boxes with their contents and priority status for unpacking. Excellent work but lets make it even easier. Label or mark each box with the appropriate room for which they are intended in your new home to save time and energy. Why move a box twice when you can do it just the once. Make a list of all your boxes so you know how many for each room there should be. This way you will know instantly if any have gone astew.

11. LIGHTEN UP
Do not over fill your boxes. It is easier and quicker to move two lighter boxes than one heavy one. Your helpers with thank you for it.

12. ROOM BY ROOM
Pack and unpack one room at a time. This will stop any confusion and help keep those stress trolls away. If you are organised in your head, the happier you will be.

13. PACK EARLY
Pack the little used items first and set yourself a schedule i.e. pack 2 boxes a day. Before you know it, the majority will be done and you will not feel as rushed come move day.

14. CHANGE OF ADDRESS LABELS
Let people know that you are moving and where you are moving to. You will find some simple address cards on Boxes2move to help you keep in touch with friends and relatives.

15. MAKE AN OVERNIGHT KIT
Make an overnight Kit just in case the unforseen happens. The removal company could be late or the move has simply just taken longer than expected etc. Everything does not have to happen in one day, remember that. Taking your first night off from the rigours of moving can replenish not only your energy but also your mood. Wake up the following morning refreshed and raring to go. Your overnight kit should include essentials like toiletries, change of clothes, towels, toilet paper, can opener, snacks/food and even a magazine or two. Anything to help you wind down for the night.

16. GET THE KIDS INVOLVED
For young children then finding a babysitter whilst you pack/unpack can help but if they are a little older then get them involved. They will love it. They will feel part of the move and settle in to their new surroundings much quicker and easier. Remember, they are moving also.

17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE
Unpack one room first in your new home. This will be your haven, free from boxes etc during the rest of your move. Somewhere to take a break and relax.

18. MAKE IT PET SAFE
If possible, have someone look after your pets during the move then introduce them to their new surroundings as soon as the hustle and bustle of the move is over. It will be strange for them but as long as they have you there to guide them and show them affection, then they will soon adjust.

19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL
The first night in your new home, yes your tired and glad its all over with. Time to treat yourself with a great takeaway, bottle of wine and candles. Make it special and relaxing and help de stress.

20. DEVISE A PLAN
Rather than unpack randomly, have a plan. One room at a time. If you have teenagers then let them do their own rooms. One person to a room and allocate an empty box area so once unpacked, the room does not still look like a box factory.

21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND
Together with your overnight kit and your essentials box of coffee and snacks. You will also need a toolkit. There is always something that will need doing and you will be glad you have the tools at hand.

22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM
Furniture first before personal items. You may move the furniture 2 or 3 times before you are happy with its location so why clutter it with personal effects until you are satisfied of its resting place.

23. GET READY FOR BED
As soon as your bed is in place, make it and dress it. You will thank us later when you are tired and ready for bed. The last thing you will want to do is to start making it instead of just sliding in and sleeping.

24. LET EVERYONE KNOW
Inform everyone that you've moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.

25. GET ACQUAINTED
Try and take some time off from work when you have first moved in. Use this time to get familiar with your new surroundings and area i.e. where the post office is, store etc. Stop by the tourist info board and see what events happen and when. You could be surprised.

Now Enjoy your Move and make it special!