Moving house is certainly one of the most exciting moments in a person's life.
If it is not well organised, however, moving house can also be one of the most stressful moments.
Good organisation is indispensable for a peaceful change of home.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy your move.
Two months before the move
About two months before the move it is a good idea to start taking the first steps:
- make a list of everything you want to take with you to your new home. This will help you to organise yourself better (how many trips you will have to make, how many boxes to take...) and to prioritise (the things you need most will be the last things to be packed).
- think about how to proceed with packing the things to be moved: it is better to proceed by categories, starting with the things you haven't used for a while and only packing the things you need every day at the end.
- ask for estimates from specialised companies if you decide to entrust the removal or part of the move to experts (e.g. the transport of the heaviest and most bulky things or the assembly of furniture and household appliances).
- find out about possible parking or loading/unloading restrictions. If you need a platform lift, you will need to apply for a specific permit.
- start getting boxes, tape, labels, newsprint and bubble wrap.
- hire some kind-hearted friends or relatives who are willing to take on this adventure with you.
Twenty days before the move
This is a good time to seize the biggest opportunity that moving offers: throw away (or donate) all those broken, out-of-date, useless objects or objects that you don't even know you have for a long time. Choosing to take only the things you like best to your new home is the best start to a new life.
Once this is done, you can start boxing up the items you have decided to take with you.
It is essential that you write the contents of each box as precisely as possible. This will help you not to go crazy when you are in your new home.
If there are any fragile or valuable items, as well as taking great care when packing, it is useful to take a few photographs and write "Fragile" on the box. If you use a specialised company, they may not take responsibility in case these items break.
Whether you hire a company or do it yourself, it is essential to make a plan of the furniture layout. Knowing exactly where the furniture will be placed will avoid wasting time (and increasing stress and costs) and will help you to understand whether the furniture from the old house can be adapted to the new one (make sure you take the exact measurements!).
The week before the move
We are almost there. You will soon be moving into your new home.
It is advisable to pack a suitcase with the things you will need for the last few days in your old home. Everything else can be packed.
During these days you can also proceed with all the bureaucratic formalities: change of residence, change of household contracts, notification of your new residence to banks, insurance companies, etc.
During these days, essential items, those you use every day, will also be packed. It's best to have a box for each room.
For the kitchen, we will put plates, cutlery, glasses, saucepans, cups/cups, tablecloth, napkins, some tea towels and tins.
In the bedroom box we put pillows, sheets, blankets, pyjamas and slippers.
In the bathroom box we will put toothpaste and a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, towels, a comb and all the toiletries.
Moving day
Finally, the fateful day has arrived!
It is important not to panic and to remember the last important things to do.
It is a good idea to take a picture of the electricity, water and gas meters, both the old ones and those of the new house. They may come in handy in case of undue charges.
When the old house is empty, organise the cleaning. You can hire a cleaning company or do it yourself.
Leaving the house tidy is the last act of gratitude to a house that has welcomed you so far.
