It’s taken me a few weeks, but following a smooth move I’m almost fully unpacked now and settled into my new home. As I was unpacking, I had the idea of sharing my moving experience through this blog post. There were certain strategies I implemented that made my move go smoothly, and I want to share these insights with you all!
1. Find a Good Removal Company
Finding a reliable removal company is crucial for a smooth move. I started by searching for “removal company” along with my town on Google, but asking friends and family for recommendations is also helpful.
I got quotes from a few companies that visited my home to assess my belongings, which is crucial for accurate pricing. The quotes varied significantly; the family-run business I chose provided a detailed breakdown of costs, while others were vague. They were friendly, professional and handled my unexpected storage needs efficiently, which eased my stress and ensured a smooth move.
2. Buy Decent Packing Boxes
Before buying packing boxes, I did quite a bit of research to try to ensure a smooth move and I still didn’t get it completely right! I ordered a set online that included a mix of single- and double-walled boxes. I found that double-walled cardboard boxes in a variety of sizes are the best for moving, particularly for medium to heavy items. Single-walled boxes proved to be quite useless, especially since my items ended up being in storage for a while.
Most of the double-walled boxes remained in good condition after unpacking and could be reused, while the single-walled boxes had to be thrown away. I also used plastic storage boxes, which I found were mostly durable and potentially reusable for storage after the move, although some did get damaged and had to be disposed of. Those I kept are not so easy to store due to their size and inability to be flattened.
Not sure what size box is best for what items? Here’s a quick guide:
- Small boxes: Best for smaller heavy items and valuables, including crockery, DVDs, CDs and books.
- Medium boxes: Good for medium to large items that aren’t too heavy, such as loose shoes, kitchen items, lamps and towels.
- Large boxes: Perfect for lighter, bulkier items like bedding, pillows, soft toys and cushions.
- Wardrobe boxes: These large boxes with a rail for hanging clothes are an option, but I found a different solution that worked better for me.
3. Use Ikea Bags for Clothes, Shoes and Soft Items
Yes, you read that right—Ikea bags turned out to be a lifesaver during my move! They are relatively inexpensive, durable and fold up easily for storage afterwards. I opted for the zipped kind called Frakta to keep my items secure and prevent spills during the move.
Initially, I made the mistake of trying to save money by using cheaper bags from eBay. While they were larger, they also came with issues—ink from the bags transferred to my hands and potentially my clothes! I quickly returned to Ikea and invested in more Frakta bags, which proved to be a much better choice.
4. Make an Inventory of What You Pack
One of the most invaluable things for a smooth move I did before, during and after my move was to create and maintain an inventory of what I packed/unpacked. This not only helped me keep track of my belongings during the chaos of moving, but it also made unpacking significantly easier as I knew exactly where everything was.
5. Embrace Change and Flexibility
Moving home teaches you to embrace change and be adaptable. Unexpected challenges often arise, such as finding yourself between homes and needing last minute storage or changes in timing. Staying flexible and maintaining a positive attitude can transform stressful situations into more manageable ones, helping you to have a smooth move. This adaptability will not only help you during your move but also in many aspects of life.
Moving can be a daunting experience but with the right preparation and resources, it can go smoothly. Key to a smooth move are finding a dependable removals company, investing in quality packing materials, utilising practical solutions like Ikea bags and keeping an inventory of your items. Embracing change and flexibility will also make your moving experience more enjoyable.
I hope my experiences help you as you embark on your own moving journey. Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips to share for a smooth move.