Get set for moving into your new place

So you may be moving out of rented accommodation or from your family home and the big moving day has arrived.

Here are some top tips for making it as less stressful a day as you can.

Get organised early: Avoid leaving anything until the last minute. Unless you have to pack up and leave in a hurry, chances are you have between 30 and 60 days to make a plan and ensure that moving day runs smoothly.

Create a countdown list and itemise everything you need to accomplish week by week.

Figure out your move strategy: How are you going to get from point A to point B on moving day? For shorter moves, you’ll either need to assemble some very nice friends with trucks or consider renting a van for the day.

Keep your movers in the loop: Boxes are one thing, but when you get to the big, heavy stuff, it’s important to let your movers know what to expect.

Communicate with your moving company and explain all the requirements and expectations prior to booking,

Seize the opportunity to purge: Moving is a great chance to organise your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use. Why not take the time to sort and donate gently worn clothing to charity and even sell furniture?

Put together a packing kit: If more than one person is packing, stay organised by establishing a system. Have blank inventory sheets prepared so one person can tackle each area or room. Arm each packer with a pen, black marker, and packing materials, like newspaper, a packing tape dispenser and boxes.

Label everything: Label all sides of the box ( avoid the top). Whoever is carrying in your boxes might not make sure all labels are facing one way for your easy retrieval. Try labeling each side in marker so you can easily find what you need in a stack.

Prepare a moving day kit: Keep one box aside of essentials that you’ll need on moving day: cleaning supplies, light bulbs, toilet paper, garbage bags, a change of clothes, your toiletry bag, etc.

Delay deliveries: If you’ve made some new purchases, such as a couch or dining room suite, schedule the delivery after moving day.

Hook up essential services: Make sure you understand how utility bills ( gas, water, electricity) will be transferred over to you from a previous owner. Also, arrange to have your phone line, cable and internet working if necessary.

Find a pet sitter for the day: If you have a pet that could be traumatised by a move, arrange to have them stay somewhere during moving day. If you’re hiring movers for a longdistance move, arrange your pet’s safe transport to your new home.

Treat your removal team: Whether hired movers or friends and family, be sure to have food and drinks readily available for everyone.