Tips For First Time Movers

Hacks and advice to help get you through your first big move.

Write A Priority List
Sit down and make a priority list of things to pack. The chances are you won’t be able to unpack everything you own in the first day so start with the least needed items first. When unloading/unpacking, start with the most needed items (bedding, curtains, kettle, mugs, phone chargers, etc).

Plan Items In Order
Larger and heavier furniture items such as wardrobes, storage and beds are important things to get through the door early (as your new home fills with boxes it could become a squeeze). Plus moving and rebuilding heavy furniture will be easier earlier rather than at the end of the day.

Eat It Up
No, that’s not an instruction for broccoli dodging youngsters. In the lead up to the big day, think about food shopping. You don’t want to keep filling the kitchen cupboards, only have to take it all with you. Start using up what you have left in packed lunches, batch cooking, etc.

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 ready to be delivered the day after your move. Don’t forget essentials like loo roll!

Declutter Your Home
Most of us are little guilty of hoarding. 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 and lighten the load, rather than simply filling up your new home with your old junk.

Don’t Leave Packing Until The Last Minute
Avoid being overwhelmed by packing all your belongings in one go, try and break it down into small manageable sessions to give you plenty of time before your move. Once the priority items are done (see above) pack one room at a time and label them so you know which box needs to go where in your new place.

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 the boxes are stacked you won’t see the writing. Mark the top and each side of boxes with the room and list of items inside. If you really want to get organised, colour code each label/box for each different room. It’ll make things easier to spot.

Pack Fragile Items In Multiple Boxes
When packing up your fragile items, don’t just place them all in one box, make sure you fill in the gaps to keep things secure. Use soft items such as clothing, towels and even newspaper to make sure that your fragile items stay safe throughout the move.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you’re moving for the first time, chances are that you’ll want to tackle most of it yourself. But don’t be afraid to seek help. Moving always takes longer than you think, there will inevitably be snags, so are couple of willing helpers could keep the move on track.