Top Tips for First Time Movers

Moving home can be a difficult and stressful process for even the best practiced of movers, so it can be even more daunting if you’re moving for the first time.

It doesn’t have to be so daunting though. With a little bit of planning and some easy tricks, you can remove many of the worries of your first house move.

Write A Priority List

Sit down and make a priority list of things to pack. Even if you plan to travel light with little belongings, the chances are you won’t be able to unpack everything you own in the first day. It’s really important to decide what you will need as soon as you move in and keep it to one side. 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 much easier earlier rather than after a full and draining day.

Eat Your Food

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 and have to take it all with you. Start using up what you have (packed lunches, batch cooking, etc) and stick to buying fresh food you’ll use ahead of the big move. Also think of snacks and handy grub 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 ready to be delivered the day after your move. You can then cook a celebratory meal, go on, you deserve it!

Declutter Your Home

We’re all guilty of a bit 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, to lighten the load and start afresh rather than simply filling up your new home with your 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, try and break it down into small manageable sessions to give you plenty of time before your move. By breaking your packing down to one room at a time you can really save on time, the bonus is that you should know which box needs to go where in your new home too, so make sure you label them!

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 item/types of items inside and the room that box should go in. If you really want to get organised colour code each label/box for each different room.

You can read more Labelling Tips here.

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 will stay safe throughout your move.

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 residential storage solutions for short and long term storage! We have a clean and secure container system to ensure the safety and care of all your belongings until you’re ready to complete your move.

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