Moving house — whether it’s your first or fifteenth time — has a way of making even the most organised among us feel overwhelmed. From packing boxes to redirecting mail and coordinating movers, there are countless tasks to tick off. But fear not! With the right strategies and a bit of planning, you can make your move smooth, stress-free and, dare we say, enjoyable.
This guide will walk you through how to stay organised during a move, covering what to consider, what to do, and how to stay on top of it all. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or taking the big leap for the first time, these tips will help you feel in control every step of the way.
Why Organisation is Key When Moving
Moving can feel like juggling flaming boxes — an endless list of tasks, unexpected surprises and limited time. But staying organised will save you time, money, and a world of stress. When you plan ahead, you’re less likely to misplace cherished items, overspend on last-minute expenses or feel completely overwhelmed on moving day.
Here’s how to keep calm and carry on when tackling your house move.
What to Consider Before Moving
Before you start packing, it’s important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Consider these five key factors to ensure your move starts off on the right foot.
1. Create a Timeline
When’s your moving date? Mark it on the calendar, then work backwards to build a plan. Consider milestones like when to start packing, booking movers, and finalising paperwork. A realistic timeline will keep you on track and prevent any last-minute panics.
2. Set a Budget
Moving can be costly, so setting a budget upfront is essential. Include costs like removals, storage fees, cleaning services, packing materials, and even lunches or snacks for moving day. Unexpected expenses may pop up, but your budget serves as a guide to keep spending in check.
3. Declutter Before You Pack
There’s no point in moving items you no longer need. A thorough declutter not only lightens your load (and reduces moving costs) but also makes unpacking simpler. Donate, recycle or sell items you no longer use.
Use these categories as a starting point during your decluttering sessions:
- Clothes, shoes and accessories
- Kitchen gadgets and utensils
- Books, magazines and old paperwork
- Furniture and decor
- Toys, games and hobby supplies
4. Research & Book Services Early
Removals company? Storage unit? Pet sitter on moving day? These need to be booked in advance. Compare quotes, read reviews and lock in arrangements so you’re not scrambling for last-minute help.
5. Consider Your New Space
Take some time to think about the layout and functionality of your new home. Knowing where items will go when you arrive can help with packing and labelling boxes. Measure large furniture in advance to ensure it fits through doorways!
How to Organise and Stay on Top of Things
With the initial planning squared away, it’s time to focus on the details. The following steps will help you stay efficient and stress-free as the big day approaches.
1. Create a Moving Checklist
A checklist is your best friend during a move. Break it down into categories like packing, notifying utility providers and booking moving companies. Ticking tasks off as you go will provide a satisfying sense of progress.
2. Organise Packing Supplies
Stock up on essentials, including:
- Sturdy boxes (in various sizes)
- Packing tape and scissors
- Labels, markers, and sticky notes
- Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items
- A checklist (digital or paper) for tracking the contents of each box
Don’t forget to keep a box of essentials for moving day, such as toiletries, medications, snacks, and important documents.
3. Pack Smart (Room by Room)
To avoid chaos, pack one room at a time. Start with items you use the least (think holiday decorations or off-season clothes) and leave essentials for last. Label each box clearly with its destination room and a brief list of contents.
Pro tip: Colour-code your boxes by room for easier identification. Use coloured labels or tape to match with each area in your new home (e.g., blue for the kitchen, green for the bathroom).
4. Keep Important Documents Safe
Don’t pack passports, contracts, or financial documents in random boxes. Instead, keep all essential paperwork in a designated folder or file and carry it with you on moving day.
5. Notify Relevant Parties
Once your moving date is set, it’s time to inform services and organisations. This includes:
- Utility companies (electricity, water, internet, gas)
- Your employer, school or university
- Banks and financial institutions
- HMRC, DVLA and insurance providers
- Subscriptions and memberships
Set aside a specific day to make these calls or submit online forms. The earlier you notify, the easier it’ll be.
6. Ask for Help
Moving doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Ask friends or family to lend a hand with packing, child or pet care or coordinating logistics. Many people are happy to help in exchange for coffee or a pizza dinner!
Keeping Calm on Moving Day
Moving day is finally here! Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
- Start early. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to tackle unexpected challenges.
- Double-check boxes and labels. Make sure everything is securely packed and easy to identify.
- Stay hydrated. Have water bottles on hand for yourself, movers and helpers. Snacks are a bonus too!
- Take breaks. Moving can be exhausting—don’t forget to pause for a rest or a laugh with your helpers.
After the Move
Congratulations, you’re in your new home! But the work isn’t quite finished yet.
Unpack Strategically
Prioritise unpacking bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen first. With those essentials in place, the rest can follow at a more relaxed pace.
Introduce Yourself to Neighbours
Creating connections in your new community is an important (and often overlooked) part of the moving process. Stop by to say hello or leave a note introducing yourself.
Update Your Address
Make sure all your accounts are updated with your new address and don’t forget to set up a postal redirection if necessary.
Celebrate!
Finally, take a moment to celebrate your achievement. You’ve made it through a move—time to kick back, relax and enjoy your new home.
Moving Can Be Simple with a Plan
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With careful planning and these steps, you’ll stay organised, save time and turn what can be a stressful experience into an exciting new adventure.
If you found these tips helpful, be sure to share this guide with anyone planning their next move. Here’s to a smooth transition and a joyous start in your new home!
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Further Reading: Master your Day: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Organised Create your Dream Home: A Guide to Building the Perfect Mood Board