Moving house is equal parts exciting and daunting. It’s a fresh start and the beginning of a new chapter in your life. While you look forward to exploring your new neighborhood and settling into your new abode, one thing looms in the back of your mind…
The moving process. Is it possible to complete this mammoth task without going mad?
Believe it or not, it is. Even with small children in tow, there are simple ways to take the stress out of moving house. As moms, it’s largely up to us to pack, organize and transfer every single item from one house to another. We appreciate all the support we can get! Here’s how you can move house with your sanity intact.
Make a list and have a plan
No matter how organized you are, moving house is full of surprises. Nothing will put you in a spin like being thrown off course!
Minimize the unexpected by planning your move before you start. Sit down and plan your move in order of what needs to be done. Consider both indoors and outdoors, and any repairs the house needs before you leave. Plan your days around the kid’s school hours, prepare play dates and babysitting in advance, and give yourself a deadline for each task.
To-do lists are scientifically proven to have a positive psychological impact. Having a clear plan before you begin will improve your packing productivity.
Choose a moving company early
Imagine not having a moving company to pick up your things on moving day. It happens more often than you think! You’ll want your removal company to be ready to go on the day that you need them, not a week later.
You never know how busy removal companies will be at the time. You won’t be the only one in the process of moving. Remember, most people move house over weekends and holidays, so these dates book out fast. Don’t get caught out! The stress isn’t worth it.
Prepare a storage unit
You might be going straight from one house to another, or you might need to wait for your new home to become available. Either way, you’ll be grateful that you organized a storage unit. A storage unit is a clean, safe, and convenient place to store infrequently used items until you need them.
Whatever your circumstances, organizing a storage unit will take a load off… literally. As you work towards clearing the house, you’ll have a secure place to store your belongings. Your removal company can suggest a reputable storage facility and move items to and from your unit as required.
Get started early
Starting early makes this exhausting job so much easier. With plenty of time up your sleeve, you won’t carry the extra stress that comes with rushing.
Rushing is something we moms experience on a daily basis. From getting the kids ready for school to driving them to their afterschool activities, we have enough on our plate without having to add a rushed house move into the mix!
Organize a babysitter
Moving house takes long enough without having to stop every two minutes to make a snack. Arrange some ‘alone time’ to pack in peace. It’s amazing what you can get done with a couple of hours to yourself!
Organizing a babysitter will cut packing time in half. Even a quick trip to the park will make a huge difference. If you have friends or family nearby, ask them when they’re available to help out. Finding some child-free hours will do wonders for your stress levels!
Declutter like never before
Minimization makes moving easy. Remain calm as your ‘to keep’ and ‘to throw’ piles mount. This is all part of the messy decluttering process.
There is no tidy way to do this, but it’s an essential task. The clutter you keep will still be clutter in your new home. You might need to be brutal, but this is a good time to say goodbye to non-sentimental items that you rarely use.
Remember, one mom’s junk is another mom’s treasure, so host a yard sale or take items to a thrift store and pass on as much as you can.
Do one room at a time
As the ultimate multi-taskers, we moms are inclined to have several jobs on the go at one time. During a house move, try to complete each room before starting a new one. It’s far more rewarding to feel like you’re making progress. The best way to do this is to finish the jobs you start.
Doing one room at a time will give you a sense of achievement and motivate you to tackle the tasks ahead. Be sure to label each box to make unpacking a breeze.
Transfer utility services
Moving house is not just about moving your stuff. You need to transfer all your utility services too. Forgetting to do this may mean you’re missing essential services, such as electricity, at your new home. All it takes is a quick phone call to ensure the electricity, WiFi, phone, and water are all connected and ready to use when you move in.
Specify the date that you want your utility companies to transfer each service. This way, you can have full use of services in your house right up to your moving date.
Streamline your cleaning process
With everything packed away, it’s time to get cleaning. Just as you expect your new home to be clean and tidy, the new owners of your old home expect the same.
- Kitchen - As the heart of the home, the kitchen is almost always the most frequently used space. Start here to get the hardest part over and done with!
- Garden – Clear gutters, mow the lawns, clear the garden shed, and tidy the yard.
- Whiteware – Ensure all whiteware that’s remaining in the house is clean and empty.
- Walls and windows – Clean marks off walls and wash windows.
Looking for the ultimate moving hack? Hire a cleaning company to complete the final house clean. This way, you can remove a time-consuming job from your checklist while ensuring your house will be spick and span for the new owners.
Prepare for the final night in your house
It’s the last night in your house. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Confirm any childcare and pet care arrangements for moving day.
- Confirm the pickup time with your removal company.
- Pack a bag for the family with toothbrushes, pajamas, towels, and a change of clothes for moving day.
- Ensure you have your new house keys!
- Charge your cell phone.
- Walk through your house for a final check. Ensure it’s clean and you’ve left nothing behind.
It’s moving day!
Today’s the day! You’ve only got one more day to get through without going mad. Your removal company will arrive early to pick up the items and furniture remaining in the house.
Once the house is cleared, you can:
- Check all doors and windows are locked.
- Do a final meter reading for electricity and gas.
- Switch off all lights and appliances.
- Take a big sigh of relief.
Pour yourself a glass of wine
Moving isn’t easy. Once you’re in your new home, put your feet up and pour yourself a wine. Give yourself some well-earned pamper time. You deserve it.
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