You’ve searched for houses online, you’ve arranged your finances, instructed a solicitor, and made a successful offer on a home.
Congratulations, but if you think the hard work is over, you might be in for a nasty shock.
Buying a house or arranging to rent a property is crucial, but many people find the stress of moving house much greater.
You will be pleased to know there are many ways you can minimise the stress of moving house, and we have ten tips to help you cope with the stress of moving house.
Previous studies highlight the stress of moving house
Numerous studies have highlighted the significant stress associated with moving house.
For example, a 2020 study conducted by the MIS Group, which involved more than 500 UK homeowners, found that 28% of respondents cited moving home as the most stressful activity they had undertaken.
Similarly, a 2019 study by Yopa, which surveyed 2,000 UK property owners, revealed that 40% of respondents classified moving house as the most stressful event they had managed.
An even earlier study from 2015, carried out on behalf of E-on, polled 2,000 people and found that 62% of respondents considered moving home their most stressful life event.
One reason moving home is so stressful is that it often coincides with other significant life events, such as relationship changes or job relocations.
Even positive changes, like moving for a new job or expanding a family, add layers of complexity and stress.
Therefore, if the thought of moving home leaves you feeling anxious or stressed, you are not alone.
Many people feel the stress of moving house, and there is widespread awareness of the challenges involved.
Why do people get stressed when moving house?
Several factors contribute to the stress of moving house.
One primary reason is the time constraints that many people face, making it difficult to devote sufficient time to the moving process.
Additionally, there are numerous tasks related to the move that add to the workload, from organising logistics to handling paperwork.
Concerns about the impact of the move on loved ones and pets also weigh heavily on the minds of those relocating.
Furthermore, many people are unsure about the logistics of moving home, including where to buy necessary equipment and how to handle the physical move itself.
Given these challenges, it makes sense to call on an expert.
Before the moving process begins, consider speaking with a removal company to get quotes and advice tailored to your specific move.
These professionals can offer valuable insights and support, helping to alleviate some of the stress associated with moving.
Declutter your belongings as best as you can
Moving home is an excellent opportunity for a fresh start, and you have a chance to pare back your belongings to a more manageable level.
Decluttering is an essential part of selling a home, but it also makes moving home more manageable.
You shouldn’t get rid of items that you still use or cherish, but if you have items that serve no purpose, do you need to take them to your new home?
Review your belongings, and decide if there are items you can pass on to others, give to charity, throw away or even sell.
Doing so can help you help others or make some additional money while lessening the load when you move home.
Plan the move
Planning is crucial for a smooth move. Arrange time off work as early as possible and set your availability.
This period is also ideal for speaking with removal companies and obtaining quotes.
Aim to get at least three quotes and choose the option that offers the best value for money, not necessarily the cheapest.
Contact companies and organisations about your upcoming change of address and start cleaning your house in preparation for the move.
Having a clear plan in place allows you to tackle each task systematically, reducing the overall stress and ensuring nothing is overlooked during the move.
Invest in High-Quality boxes and equipment
Moving home can be expensive, and many movers naturally look to make savings.
However, using cheap or substandard equipment is often a false economy.
It is best to use boxes and storage solutions that can be relied on during the move.
Also, be sure to not overpack or underpack any boxes, as this increases the chances of damage. If you need any guidance on storage boxes or packing, speak with a removals company for tailored advice to your issue.
Create a checklist of tasks you need to complete
Creating a moving checklist helps you stay organised and manage the numerous tasks involved in moving.
A checklist can make the process less overwhelming, and the satisfaction of checking off completed tasks provides a motivational boost.
List everything you need to do, from notifying utility companies and updating your address to packing and cleaning.
By breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can ensure that nothing is forgotten and that the move progresses smoothly.
Ask for help
Moving home is stressful, and it can be overwhelming. Asking for help is a great idea, and it will make the process more manageable.
Hiring a removal company is helpful, but if you have friends or family members who can assist, moving becomes more fun and hopefully quicker.
If you have pets or young children, even asking for assistance in caring for them can make the moving process run more smoothly.
Label boxes and bags
Labelling boxes and bags with their intended room in your new home can save time during the move.
This practice helps you visualize where everything should go and makes the unloading process more efficient.
Clearly marked boxes mean that movers can place items directly in the correct rooms, reducing the need for additional sorting and organizing once you arrive.
This simple step can significantly speed up the unpacking process, allowing you to settle into your new home more quickly.
Keep paperwork handy
There is a lot of administrative work associated with moving home.
Ensure that all official documents, agreements, and notices are stored safely in a place where you can access them quickly if needed.
Having important paperwork readily available can save you time and stress if issues arise.
Consider keeping a dedicated folder or binder with all relevant documents, including contracts, moving checklists, and contact information for your movers and real estate agents.
This organisation will help you stay on top of necessary tasks and ensure a smoother transition.
Pack your bag of moving day essentials
When moving day arrives, you will likely be too busy to stop and think about essentials.
Prepare a bag with items such as medication, toiletries, phone chargers, and anything else you might need immediately.
Also, have food and drinks on hand for yourself, your loved ones, and anyone helping you move.
Having a bag of essentials ensures that you have everything you need within easy reach, preventing unnecessary stress and allowing you to focus on the move itself.
You can even download and print out our moving home checklist PDF to help you organise the packing task!
Do a final walkthrough
Before leaving your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is secure and nothing is left behind.
Take meter readings and pass on any keys or security passes as agreed.
This step ensures that you leave your former home in good condition.
A thorough final check can prevent issues later on, such as disputes over cleanliness or missing items, and provides peace of mind knowing that you have completed all necessary tasks.
Capitalise on the momentum of the move
Once you arrive at your new home, it can be tempting to relax.
However, unpacking essential items and setting up your new space as soon as possible can prevent belongings from remaining in boxes for an extended period.
Completing these tasks early on helps you settle into your new home more quickly.
By maintaining the momentum of the move, you can create a comfortable and functional living space sooner, allowing you to enjoy your new home without the lingering stress of unpacked boxes and unfinished tasks.
Ready to Start Your Own Move?
The stress of moving house can be huge, but if managed properly, it shouldn’t be a difficult task, moving home is often an opportunity for a brand-new life or a fresh start and should be seen as an exciting time!
Hopefully, these tips will help you manage the moving process, and as with most things in life, asking for help makes the process easier.
Hopefully, our tips help to remove the stress of moving house, making your whole experience far better!
Removal services can take the stress out of many parts of the moving process and leave you feeling confident about what lies ahead. We hope you enjoy a pleasant move and that your new home is everything you dream of.
If you would like to have some advice on your move or simply a free removal quote, please feel free to contact Curtiss Moving & Storage on 023 9298 5830, our friendly team is here to help you.