Removal the stress from your big move

So the big moving day has arrived and you want to make sure you are organised for the removal men arriving to take you to your new home.

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 truck for the day. If you have a big family to move or you’ll be moving a long distance, you’ll want to price out moving companies.

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,

Pick the right transportation: If you’re moving a short distance, you may be able to get away with making more than one trip. But if you don’t have that luxury, you’ll need to make sure you have the right size of truck to cart your belongings in one go.

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.

Reuse boxes: You may still need a few cardboard boxes to round out your moving kit. A few weeks before you start packing, grab a few each time you visit the grocery store. Keep in mind that smaller boxes are easier to carry when facing stairs and narrow pathways.

Take inventory: This is especially necessary if you’re hiring a moving company. Having a record of your household items is useful if something goes missing. Consider keeping a spreadsheet of the contents of each box. Then, assign each box a number and all you have to do is write that number on each side (maybe with the appropriate room listed, as well).

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.

Pack in things you need to pack: You need ed to take your luggage with you. Why not use it as a box? The same goes for dresser drawers. You may need to remove them for transport, but if you don’t have too far to go, they can be helpful for light items.

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.

Protect your valuables: Find a safe place to store your valuables on moving day. Insure anything that’s valuable or breakable if you’re using a moving company. And if you’re moving a computer, do a quick backup of important files just in case something happens in transit.

Delay deliveries: If you’ve made some new purchases, such as a couch or dining room suite, schedule the delivery after moving day. That will help you focus your attention on moving day itself and will avoid any congestion between delivery people and the movers.

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 long- distance move, be sure to 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.