There’s a common belief that the most stressful life events are the death of a loved one, divorce and moving house. That’s hectic company. Sure, moving house can be a daunting task, even when you’re young, flexible and strong, maybe more so if you’re over 50.
But with the right preparation and mindset, moving house can lead to an exciting new chapter in your life. Whether you’re downsizing or upgrading, here are some tips to help you move like a pro.
Start early
There’s no denying moving house is a big task, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to get everything done without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Ideally, you should start planning your move at least two months before your move-in date.
Start by making a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete before the move, such as notifying your utility companies, redirecting mail, registering your change of address (think licences, subscriptions, etc), hiring a removalist and packing your belongings. Then, break down each task into smaller, more manageable steps and schedule them into your calendar.
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Declutter
Moving house can be a great opportunity to declutter and get rid of any items you no longer need or want.
“Instead of asking yourself do I want to keep this, ask yourself, ‘Do I care about this enough to pack it, haul it over to the new place, then unpack it again?’” says moving specialist TAXIBOX.
Not only will this make your move easier and more efficient, but it can also help you feel more organised and in control.
Go through each room and sort your belongings into three piles: keep, donate and throw away. Be ruthless in your decluttering and only keep items that you love or that have a practical use. For items that you no longer need but are still in good condition, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them online.
Hire a removalist
Hiring a professional removalist can save you a lot of time and stress on moving day. Look for a removalist with experience in moving people over 50 and who offers packing and unpacking services to make your move even easier.
Before you hire a removalist, make sure you get quotes from at least three companies and read customer reviews. Ask for a detailed quote that includes all the services you need, such as packing, transportation and unpacking – and make sure you understand their payment and insurance policies.
Pack carefully
Packing can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of moving house. To make the process easier, start packing as early as possible and pack room by room.
You may wish to use a mobile storage solution to stash your packed boxes and give you room to move when you’re moving.
Label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. This will make it easier for the removalist to place each box in the right room at your new house and for you to find what you need when you start unpacking.
TAXIBOX tips
Make packing (and unpacking) easier by:
- duffel-bagging all your essentials (medications, toiletries, phone chargers)
- packing your non-essentials first so you can unpack them last
- labelling and colour-coding your boxes by room, based on how critical they are (green = you can unpack me later; red = I’m urgent, unpack me immediately)
- packing for your back by lining every box with one layer of books.
Flat pack wherever possible
Where you can, disassemble your furnishings, such as beds, cots and furniture with detachable legs, and anything you’ve ever bought from IKEA.
“You’ll save space (and money), avoid time wasted moving and packing stuff into your TAXIBOX, and keep things from getting broken in the move,” says TAXIBOX.
Make disassembling easier by:
- having/getting/finding/buying a drill
- keeping instructions handy
- putting screws/legs of furniture aside, in labelled bags so they won’t go missing
- counting your screws and packing them with the relevant furniture.
Also try to flatten your clothes and bedding by sealing them in vac bags – it will make things easier to move, save space and keep things from getting dusty.
Take care of yourself
Moving house can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time to ensure you stay healthy and happy.
Make sure you take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch, drink water and rest. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and try to get plenty of sleep. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, take some time to practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
“We’re all about making space in your life so you can get on with the good stuff,” says TAXIBOX. “We’ve come up with a few resources we recommend for sorting out the stuff in your life, so that you can finally create some well-deserved space in other parts of life.”
Stay connected
Moving house can interrupt you socially, especially if you’re moving to a new area or away from friends and family. To stay connected with your loved ones, make sure you have reliable communication (landline) and internet connection at your new house.
Check out the local community groups or clubs that align with your interests. This can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends in your new neighbourhood.
“Moving isn’t something you do every day, so even if you consider yourself a seasoned veteran, you’re bound to forget something. To make it out unscathed, you must pay respect to the basics, adding in a new and improved hack here and there,” says TAXIBOX.
Moving house can be a big task, but these tips should help to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Disclosure: TAXIBOX is a YourLifeChoices affiliate.
