9 Ways to Make Moving Day Easier

Moving day is exciting, but it can also be the source of a lot of stress. There are so many things to think about when relocating to a new property. 

Several weeks before moving, write out a timetable to keep things on track. Include a packing and cleaning schedule, when to start shopping for moving firms and when to book one.

It's important to keep moving day as stress-free as possible. So what can you do before the day and on the day to lower stress and make moving day easier?

Kenny Linmeyer from Removals Pretoria shares some tips…

1. Draw up a timetable 

Moving doesn't just happen in a day. Several weeks in advance, write out a timetable to keep things on track. Include a packing and cleaning schedule, when to start shopping for moving firms and when to book one.

Anything you think you’ll need to do or deal with – put it on a list. Having a timetable will ensure that nothing gets forgotten, and help you get to moving day feeling prepared. 

2. Declutter 

Packing will be much easier if you only pack what you truly need. A bit of time spent decluttering before moving day will pay off when it's time to pack and unpack. 

Go through your home and get rid of anything you don't need or use.

Packing will be much easier if you only pack what you truly need. A bit of time spent decluttering before moving day will pay off when it's time to pack and unpack.

Now is a good time to also shred old paperwork or get rid of that junk that's been in the garage or loft forever. Donate or sell it online if you have enough time. 

3. Talk to your movers 

Unless you're going at it solo, your movers are going to be a big part of moving day. Talk to your moving firm well in advance so that you know what to expect on the day. 

Find out about any particular rules they have for packing, and let them know about any large or difficult items. Make sure you're happy with the service they offer. 

4. Pack an overnight bag 

When you get to your destination, you won't want to rake through boxes to find the essentials. Cut down on time and stress by packing an overnight bag. Include a change of clothes and underwear, and toiletries and grooming essentials.

Also remember to get some snacks and to pack your mobile devices and their respective chargers.

Making sure you have the essentials at hand will cut down stress. 

Unless you're going at it solo, your movers are going to be a big part of moving day. Talk to your moving firm well in advance so that you know what to expect on the day.

5. Pack a box of things you'll need first

No one wants to get to their new destination and find they can't even have a glass of water. Pack a box of things you'll need to settle in first. This will also make the unpacking process simpler.

In your box include plates, cups and cutlery, a couple of saucepans, box cutters and a power strip.

Also include an all-purpose cleaning spray, paper towels, hand towels, toilet roll, and some tea bags, coffee or juice cartons.

Giving the essentials their own box stops them from getting lost and saves you time and worry at your new home. 

6. Label and colour code your boxes 

Label every box. The label should note which room the box belongs in and what its contents are.

Make sure you label the box on the side, not the top, so when your boxes are stacked you can still see what goes where easily.  

You can also make unpacking quicker by using a colour coding system. Add a piece of coloured tape or a label to each box to show which room it belongs in. This will make it much easier for your movers to locate each box. 

Instead of doing a rush job, pack room by room. That way, your movers can place all the boxes in the correct room.

7. Make space for the little things 

Small things such as hanging hooks and screws can easily get lost and cause hold ups when you're trying to unpack and put everything back together. 

Make life easier for yourself by having a roll of sandwich bags on hand to tuck away small fittings. Label each bag and pack them last, into their respective and appropriate boxes.

9. Pack room by room   

It's tempting to fill boxes with whatever comes to hand but unpacking at the other end will take much longer if you do this. 

Instead of doing a rush job, pack room by room. That way, your movers can place all the boxes in the correct room. You can unpack a room at a time without scrabbling for misplaced items, which will make the process much easier. 

Moving house is a big job. If you follow these nine tips, you'll get everything organised and packed much more efficiently. Moving day will go more smoothly and unpacking will be a breeze. Don't forget to include the number of a local restaurant that delivers – you'll need to put your feet up after a day of moving.