Top Tips for First Time Movers

Moving home can be a difficult and stressful for even repeat movers, but it really doesn’t have to be. A little bit of forward thinking can make your relocation so much simpler.

Write A Priority List

Sit down and write a priority list of what you’ll need at the other end. These are usually the last things you’ll pack, the first you’ll unpack, like bedding, screwdriver, knife, tape, favourite toys… And remember, moving home is thirsty work so make sure you have the essentials to hand the moment you move in and don’t bury your coffee, mugs, tea, snacks, kettle, etc, under your library of heavy books.

Plan Items In Order

The larger and heavier furniture items such as wardrobes, storage and beds are important things to get through the door early on so make sure they are top of the list. Plus moving and rebuilding heavy items of furniture will feel easier earlier on, rather than at the end of loooooonnnnng day.

Eat Your Food

No, that’s not an instruction for broccoli dodging youngsters. In the lead up to the big day, try to use up tinned and frozen food to avoid either having to ditch it or taking heavy food with you. Get creative with packed lunches, batch cooking, etc and gradually empty those cupboards before the move. Also think of snacks for the day, especially if you’re moving with children.

Order Your First Shop

You’ve been wise, not brought a small supermarket worth of food with you, but now you’ve arrived the new kitchen’s cupboards are bare! No problem, before the move do an online food shop to be delivered the day after your move. You can then ignore it all and have a takeaway to celebrate, go on, you deserve it!

Declutter Your Home

We’re all guilty of hoarding to some extent. That stuff you’ve been meaning to take to the tip/charity shop/back to the friend you borrowed it from six months ago! Moving house is the perfect time to get rid of unwanted items, lighten the load and prevent filling up your lovely new home with your terrible old junk.

You can get more Decluttering Tips here.

Don’t Leave Packing Until The Last Minute

Avoid being overwhelmed by packing all your belongings in one go. Break it down into small manageable sessions in plenty of time before the move. Work room by room, so when you come to unpack, you don’t have boxes full of items of multiple rooms.

How To Label Boxes

Seems such a simple task, “I’ll just write ‘Kitchen’ on top…” Nope! Sorry, our survey said… If you only write on top, when boxes are stacked you won’t see the writing. Mark the top and each side of boxes with what’s inside and which room it should go to. If you really want to get organised, colour code the boxes for each room or general location (ground flood, 1st floor, attic, shed, garage).

You can read more Labelling Tips here.

Fill Those Fragile Boxes

When packing your fragile items, don’t just place them all in one box. Mix them with softer items such as clothing, towels, bedding and even newspaper to keep them safe in transit. Make sure you fill in any gaps/air pockets to prevent movement.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

If you’re moving for the first time, chances are that you’ll want to do everything yourself and that is completely understandable. Everyone likes to be independent and optimistic. However, don’t be afraid to seek help. Whether it be from family and friends or a local trusted removals company, many hands make light work. Remember, your first house move should be an exciting time and something you enjoy.

If you have a move coming up and would like some help and more information on local removals, please get in touch.

If the thought of packing your belongings makes you feel overwhelmed, we offer a full packing service which can be added to your removals package. We can even help with just packing up your most fragile and breakable items, making sure that your items are handled with skill and care to ensure their safe arrival to your new home.

Want to get in and decorate first? That’s not a problem, we also offer storage solutions for short and long term storage.

Contact Armishaws today to request a quote from our team with a wealth of knowledge in first time removals.