Striking the balance between work and play on moving day

The experience of moving home is one fraught with emotion. Amidst all the excitement, we become caught up in formalities from time to time. From crunching the numbers to confronting the logistics of actually moving, the process can, at times, be very stressful.

The trick to ensuring an enjoyable move is to strike a healthy balance between work and play. Knowing when to put the work in will allow you to settle quickly and comfortably into your new home. With this is mind, let’s go over a few things you can do to find that elusive balance when moving into a new home.

Securing a sale

This is something which we often forget the importance of, as we get carried away looking at new properties. We have no hope of seeing those removal boxes if we can’t find a buyer for our own home.

Getting the best deal as quickly as possible will inevitably require quite a lot of work. The best thing to do is make your house as buyer-friendly as possible, to increase the chances of a quick sale. Neutral decoration and a thorough day’s work scrubbing away at the skirting boards are just a couple of steps you can take to presenting your home in the best possible light.

You might even like to pack a few things into your boxes for moving at this early stage. By removing some of the clutter from your home, you’ll be able to attract the eye of more buyers.

Choosing a moving date

You might be keen to get into your new home as soon as possible, but it is wise to consider whether there might be any work which needs doing before you move in. If you plan on decorating, this is likely to be far easier while the place is empty.

If you decide to move in over a number of days, be sure to keep track of everyday items such as cutlery, towels and underwear. Waking up one morning to remember that certain important things are at your old house can be a real annoyance.

Packing well

When you have secured a sale and are ready to leave your current home, you’re set to move on to the next stage - packing. This is where you will need to really put in the work, but it will pay off later on. If you know exactly what is in each box when you arrive, it will make everything much easier when it comes to unloading.

By organising your possessions before packing you’ll find it a lot easier to unpack at the other end. De-clutter and don’t bring any items you do not intend to keep with you. Gather the clothes you’re not currently wearing (for example your winter or summer wardrobe, depending on the season) and pack away, remembering to include moth repellent.

Pack all of your kitchen items together: pots and pans in one box and cutlery, crockery and glassware in others. Keep all bathroom items together also, taking care to leave essentials like toothbrushes aside.

Electrical items are best stored together, and whether you’re packing leads, cables and chargers or more substantial equipment such as TVs and computers, it’s worth investing in Silica Gel to ensure these boxes stay moisture free.

Treat yourself

Moving days can be very hard work and you will no doubt need a rest by lunchtime. This is a great time to treat yourself to a long lunch at your new property. Ignore the mountains of boxes which surround you, and make the most of your first day in a new home.