Moving home can be a challenging and stressful experience. From finding a new place to navigating legalities, there’s a lot to manage and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the many factors that seem beyond your control.

However, the good news is that you can take control of much of the moving process. Join us as we explore our top 8 ways in which you can own your house move, reducing your stress levels.

• Why is Moving House So Stressful?
• 8 Ways to Make Your House Move Less Stressful
• Moving House Stress FAQs

Why is Moving House So Stressful?

Moving house is often stressful because it involves significant life changes and numerous tasks that require careful planning and coordination. Research shows that 57% of Brits find moving house to be the most stressful event they have experienced. 

There are a handful of reasons individuals find moving house so stressful, these include:

Emotional Upheaval

Moving often means leaving behind familiar surroundings, memories, and routines, which can create feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

Packing & Moving

Packing, organising, and physically moving belongings can be time-consuming and exhausting. There’s a lot to coordinate, including transport, timing, and unpacking.

Financial Pressure

Moving can be expensive, with costs related to hiring movers, purchasing supplies, and managing potential property repairs or deposits.

Time Constraints

Trying to fit moving tasks into an already busy schedule can cause stress, especially when juggling work, family, or other obligations.

8 Ways to Make Your House Move Less Stressful

1. Start Planning Early

The earlier you begin planning your move, the more time you’ll have to organise everything properly. Starting early also allows you to tackle unforeseen challenges without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. 

As soon as your house move is confirmed you should create a moving checklist with clear deadlines for tasks, including but not limited to:

• Packing
• Booking movers
• Notifying utility companies
• Transferring your address

It is helpful to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, such as packing one room at a time or organising paperwork in advance. A well-structured plan will reduce last-minute stress and give you a sense of control throughout the process.

2. Declutter Before Packing

Before you even think about packing, it is crucial to declutter your belongings. Moving house presents you with the perfect opportunity to go through your belongings and decide what you truly need. 

Separate your items into the following categories:

• Keep
• Sell
• Donate
• Discard

Decluttering reduces the amount of stuff you need to move, saving time, effort, and money, especially if you’re hiring a removal company to assist with the move. Additionally, starting fresh in a new home without unnecessary clutter creates a more organised and peaceful environment, making unpacking easier and less stressful.

3. Label Your Boxes Clearly

The most simple way to start packing is by packing up room by room. As you pack, clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, for example write ‘Kitchen – Plates and Bowls’. 

Consider colour-coding labels for each room to make it even easier for movers (and yourself) to know where everything belongs and labelling boxes contain glass or ceramic objects with ‘Fragile’ so you or your movers know to be careful when handling these boxes.

This level of organisation speeds up the unpacking process as you can place the right boxes in each room without having to open them. 

4. Pack an Essentials Box

Prepare a box with essential items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This might include toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, important documents, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies (like coffee, snacks, and utensils), and anything else you’ll need in the first 24-48 hours. 

Having quick access to these essentials prevents you from searching individual boxes for necessities. Preparing an essentials box full of your home comforts can also help you settle into your new home more swiftly, allowing you to feel comfortable in your new space.

5. Update Important Information

Moving isn’t just about packing up your belongings – it also means taking care of important administrative tasks. To avoid any last-minute headaches, make sure to notify your utility providers (like electricity, gas, water, and internet) ahead of time so you don’t face any service interruptions. 

You’ll also need to update your address with your bank, employer, doctor, and any subscription services you use so any important paperwork is delivered to your new home. Taking care of these details early helps ensure a smooth transition and prevents potential issues, like missed bills or delayed services, down the road.

6. Get Help From Friends or Family

Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family members for help, whether it’s with packing, childcare, or simply offering moral support. You may feel uneasy asking for help as you want to avoid burdening anyone else with your move, however your friends and family will be more than happy to help.

Having extra hands on deck can make packing go faster and help keep things organised. If you have pets or young children, ask someone to watch them on moving day to keep them safe and out of the way. Allow your friends and family to assist with lightening the load and making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

7. Take Regular Breaks and Check in with Yourself

Moving can be physically and emotionally draining, so it’s important to pace yourself and take regular breaks to check in with your needs. Schedule some downtime during the packing process to recharge, whether it’s stepping away for a short walk, enjoying a meal, or relaxing with a book. 

Make sure to get adequate sleep and stay hydrated, as moving stress can take a toll on your body. Practising mindfulness, deep breathing, or other stress-relieving techniques can also help you stay calm and focused throughout the move. Remember, self-care is just as important as staying organised.

8. Hire Professional Movers

Hiring a reliable removal company, like Guardian Removals, can take a significant burden off your shoulders. Professional movers have the experience and equipment to handle heavy furniture and fragile items safely, ensuring that everything arrives in one piece. 

They also help with packing, transporting, and unpacking, ensuring that your belongings reach your home in pristine condition. Our expert team of professional movers will create a tailored moving plan that captures your specific needs, alleviating your moving stress.

Moving House Stress FAQs

How do I stop feeling overly stressed when moving house?

Throughout the moving process, make sure you are prioritising your mental well-being. Make time for enjoyable activities and things that alleviate stress. Take it one step at a time and get organised to be as prepared as possible on moving day.

Should I hire professional movers to reduce stress?

Hiring a professional removal company can alleviate a lot of your moving stress. They can offer packing, storage, transporting, and unloading services so your belongings are expertly taken care of from start to finish. This enables you to focus on the other aspects of your house move such as organising utilities and preparing your family.

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

Ideally, you should start planning your move at least 8 weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to declutter, book movers, gather supplies, and tackle any unexpected issues without feeling rushed.

Say Goodbye to House Moving Stress with Guardian Removals

Allow us at Guardian Removals to take the stress off your shoulders by handling your packing and moving needs. With our extensive experience in packing, storing, and relocating belongings, we customise our services to fit your specific requirements. 

Whether you need us to pack everything for you or prefer to handle it yourself with our provided resources, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to kickstart your moving journey!

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