Big moves in life need good plans. No matter what you aim to do in your life, you need a proper plan of action. Moving to a new place is no different. It is a significant step in your life which can change everything. Although there will always be factors you can’t control, you can focus on those you can. Such as the cost of moving, which can skyrocket if you don’t have a plan of action. We recommend you do it the old-fashioned way and get a pen and a journal:

• Make Lists

The first thing that you need to do is make lists. Lots of lists. There has to be a list of everything in your home, including beds, tables, couches, chairs, etc. List down all the things you have but do not need. Make a list of valuable items. Make a list of all fragile items. Make a list of heavy items you can’t move on your own. You can also make these lists based on the type of room they belong to. Remember to make a list of packing supplies needed for packing all your things but before you do that, share the lists of all items with a moving & packing company. Share your lists with more than one company and try to get a quote. You can get free quotes from several companies. Compare the quotes and services and decide which is best for you. If you are only looking to avail moving services and decide to pack yourself, your cost will be lower, but you will have to work harder.

• Get Supplies

You will require various types of packing materials and supplies to pack your belongings. You may look for old cardboard boxes in your store, ask your friends, or visit a local retail store for some free boxes. But that would all be time-consuming. Also, the boxes you get this way will most likely be used and may not be suitable for packing. We recommend you get your packing supplies from professional packers. Your item lists will help you identify the many boxes and sizes you need. Get your hands-on good packing tape and lots of bubble wrap. You can use old newspapers, rags, and foam to create cushioning inside your boxes to protect fragile items. Use newspaper or packing paper to wrap glass items such as dishes and decoration pieces.

• Pack According to the Room Type

One of the most convenient packing strategies is to pack according to the room type. For instance, you can list things in your master bedroom and pack them accordingly. Make checklists and stick those checklists to the respective storage boxes. For example, you can fill all wardrobe items in a big box and label it “master bedroom’s wardrobe”. The benefit of this strategy is that you can save the hassle that comes with unpacking and rearranging. You can simply ask your movers to keep the boxes according to the room labelled on them.

• Pack According to the Item Type

You cannot pack everything according to the room they belong to. Obviously, you have special items like fragile or valuable things, edibles, expensive clothes, etc., which have to be packed separately and will require special packing supplies. You will need professional packing and moving services for special things like a piano or an aquarium.

• Disassemble your Furniture

Disassembling your furniture should not be a problem unless your furniture is complicated or delicate or you don’t have time. Many furniture items can be easily disassembled with a simple spanner. However, if you are availing a packing and moving service, furniture disassembly/assembly may be included in the package without extra charges. Disassemble your furniture and use newspaper beforehand to wrap delicate parts so they don’t get scratched during the moving process.

• Arrange for Movers

Once you have packed everything, arrange them in an orderly manner so it is easier for the moving company to pick them up and save your time. Your movers should start with the last room first and move in a sequence when collecting items. Make sure the moving vehicles get the right parking spot at your existing and new home to ensure quick and easy access.

Cutting Back

House removal can be pretty extensive and tedious. There are several ways to make the process a little less stressful. You may not even need many items in your home that you have collected over the years, and you might also have planned a replacement for many things. You can cut back on both these types in two ways: You can donate some or all of these to a local charity, or hold a garage sale, and you might be able to make some money out of it.

Hire a Moving Company

Whether you should pack before you hire a company or after is a million-dollar question. Depending on the size of your house removal, you will need at least two to three weeks for packing. So, you have ample time to hire a company. We recommend you contact a moving company and book their services in advance. You can save yourself from the hassle of packing by hiring a company that provides both packing and moving. Get quotes from at least three companies and compare their services and prices. Don’t make your decision based on pricing alone. Many house removal companies will offer you several services which others don’t.

What Not to Pack?

Packing and moving an entire home involves countless activities, and in the process, you might just pack up things you should not. Don’t pack all your clothes. Keep some for the moving day. You may need to rest when you reach your new home if you are unpacking by yourself. So you would also need some snacks and serials for yourself and your children. Don’t forget your pets and their treats. Keep your important documents in a separate folder and take them with you when you move instead of packing them in a box.

Bid Farewell to Your Neighbours

Moving is a challenging thing to do. Apart from the moving cost, there is another price you have to pay: the emotional value of a place where you have spent years, a place where you and your children have made friends. If you were fortunate enough to have good neighbours, it is time to say goodbye. Take pictures of your old home and the outdoors so you may look at them when you feel nostalgic.

Last Minute Checks

On the moving day, just check to ensure everything is in order. Get your main checklist and make sure all boxes are packed and ready to be moved. Turn off your gas or electric boilers; turn off the main gas supply valve if the property will remain vacant for a longer period; check all your cabinets, wardrobes, drawers, and shelves. Check that all your snacks and edible items are easily accessible. Don’t forget to check your wallet. Make sure you don’t leave anything important behind.

Opting for a Complete Removals Package

Hiring a professional removal company can save you from the hassle of packing and dealing with packing supplies. House removals companies offer several packages which can be customised to meet your requirements while keeping it all affordable. No matter how good you are at packing, it can never be the same with professionals hired. So, if you have several valuable items and huge volume to move, look for professional packing and moving companies that offer affordable services.