Top 5 Moving House Tips
As I write this I am 2 days post move and very tired !
My brain won’t stop whizzing so I am harnessing it and bringing you my top tips for moving house
Ah, moving house! The excitement of a new space, the possibilities of fresh interiors, and the hope that everything fits into the new place. But let’s be honest – moving is a logistical nightmare. You’ve got packing, sorting, cleaning, huge amounts of admin and, of course, the stress of making sure you don't lose that one essential item somewhere in the abyss of cardboard boxes.
Moving house is frequently quoted as one of the most stressful life events you can experience and I clearly remember stating on more than one occassion when we last moved (4.5 years ago) that I was never doing it again! Well, it’s very much like childbirth and you quickly forget the pain and find yourself doing it again because here we are, 2 days post move feeling shocked, exhausted and excited for our new journey.
Seeing as sleep is evading me I thought I’d share with you my top house move tips to help make this chaotic time a little bit easier – and dare I say even fun!
1. Declutter, declutter, declutter
Moving house is the perfect oppourtunity to go through all your items and assess whether they are still needed. You are literally going to be touching every single item as you pack it so why not take the extra time to really think about whether you want it to come with you to your new home.
The more you declutter, the easier packing and unpacking will be.
Where possible sell or donate your items. Don’t forget schools and clubs are often looking for materials so charity shops are not your only option. If you don’t have a car consider leaving items outside your home labelled as free, you’ll be surprised how much you can get rid of this way! (don’t forget to bring items not taken back into your home as this could be considered fly tipping by councils if left) Or list items for free on Facebook Marketplace or on free apps such as Freecycle or Trash Nothing.
Not only will your new home feel lighter and more spacious, but you’ll also save yourself the trouble of lugging old junk around. And who knows? You might even discover hidden treasures (like that scarf you’ve been missing for three winters!)
2. Consider sleeping elsewhere for the first few days
We are currently staying in an Airbnb whilst we unpack, build beds and get heating working. If you are moving into a house in good condition this probably isn’t necessary but if you are moving into a home that has a very different configuration or needs work to make it comfortable I would recommend booking an airbnb or hotel to give you somewhere to get a good nights sleep before returning to the unpacking grindstone!
3. Plan the Layout Ahead of Time (and Avoid the “Where Does This Go?” Syndrome)
Now, as an interior designer, I can’t resist suggesting that you plan your new space before the big move. Having a clear idea of where furniture will go can make a world of difference when you’re unpacking.
Knowing which room each box should go into will not only help your removers unload more quickly, it will also save you moving boxes from room to room once they’ve left.
4. Pack an Essentials Box
I cannot stress this enough: Pack an essentials box. You know, the box that includes everything you’ll need immediately – a kettle, your toothbrush,medication, toilet paper, a few snacks, and of course, the charger for your phone. Trust me, you don’t want to be rummaging through endless boxes on your first night in a new home just to find a mug for your cup of tea.
And don’t forget a few cleaning supplies! Unfortunatley not all sellers leave their home cleaned to a level you will be happy with having easy access to all your cleaning products is essential.
I also like to make sure I have a couple of my favorite scented candles to hand to make the house smell familiar.
5. Pack Smart, Not Hard
Ah, the packing. Even the most diligent packer ends up with a few random shove boxes at the end but making sure you label as you go will save you so much time at the other end. List all items you pack on the side of the box and also write the room you wish the box to go into. Colour-coded labels can also save time and confusion when you’re unpacking.
Try not to overload boxes, heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger ones. Use heavy duty boxes and don’t forget to tape thems securely – nothing screams “moving disaster” like a box of plates that’s decided to spill mid-trip.
Make sure you pack items in groups, put all your shoes in one box and coats in another. Only mix items where it makes sense too!
And finally, ask for help! Moving should not be a solo mission. A moving crew (even if it's just a couple of mates) can make a massive difference.
I really hope this list is useful to you, moving doesn’t have to be an ordeal. With a bit of organisation, a touch of creativity, and a few friendly faces, you’ll be in your new home before you know it, settling in, enjoying your space, and maybe – just maybe – finding a place for all those random cables you’ve kept just in case.
I’d love to hear your moving and unpacking tips, send them through to me via email hello@beckyharrisondesigns or on instagram @beckyharrisondesigns
Becky x