The Wise Guide to… A stress-free move

I moved home in April last year. After what felt like a lifetime of scrimping and saving, my boyfriend and I were finally able to buy our first flat together.

It was all very exciting. We were caught up in the romance of it all… we’d picked our wallpaper, found two beautiful cast iron fireplaces which were, frankly, a bargain, and planned the housewarming to end all housewarmings. We bought a barbecue and a wok. We ambitiously strolled into Farrow and Ball. We stocked up on champagne.

Unfortunately, we didn’t buy any boxes, book a removals company or redirect our mail.

Maybe we were naïve, but by day three of driving our decrepit hired transit van backwards and forwards between houses, I was well and truly fed-up.

Why oh why did no one tell me that this was a ridiculous idea? Why didn’t they tell me that three hundred records would take eight hours and Arnold Schwarzenegger-sized biceps to move?

Why didn’t I realise I’d have to dismantle the sofa just to get it out the door? So, here it is. My definitive three-step guide to a stress-free(ish) move.


1. Be prepared

Moving boxes are expensive, so if you get any new furniture or anything delivered, keep hold of the boxes. Hoard bubble wrap like it’s going out of fashion. And when you do start packing, make sure you don’t overfill any of your boxes. Label every box, and clean as you go.


2. Pay people

Unless you literally have no stuff, moving is bloomin’ hard work. You will underestimate how much stuff you have, and how much it all weighs. Find a removals company you trust: maybe a friend can recommend someone? There are also plenty of companies out there that can organise every step of your move for you, like us!


3. Redirect your mail

I’ll be honest, we completely forgot to do this, and having to go back to your old house every other week to pick up your mail gets old very quickly. Royal Mail can redirect your post for £29.99 per person. Trust me, it’s £30 well worth spending.


This is my quick guide but if you're looking for more tips, check out our FREE moving checklist - the complete guide to planning a stress-free moving day!

Moving is such a big decision, and involves many processes. Did you know we have lots of other guides to? From asking the right questions, to making sure you don't miss a beat, we've got you covered.


By Jenny

On 18th of December 2015

In Property and Moving Home