Lifestyle

Moving House Made Easy: Not Your Regular Guide To Moving House

Aug 04, 2023
Moving House

At JG King Homes, we build houses, so we know all the elements required to build a home. We can also give you good guidance on an approach that will hold you in good stead, and hopefully give you one less thing to worry about, by addressing the key ingredients to a successful move. Most articles just give you vague moving tips. Not us. This is JG King Homes’ pragmatic guide to moving house to your new home.

Start with the Pre Move Purge

Moving presents an excellent opportunity to declutter. Before packing a single box, evaluate your belongings and determine what should and shouldn’t come with you. Donate or sell items you no longer need, keeping only the essentials and sentimental objects. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also save time, energy, and even money.

Moving boxes

The Power of Labels: Organise, Simplify, and Unpack Faster

Labelling boxes may sound like standard advice, but let's take it a step further. Instead of simply jotting down the contents, employ a colour-coded labelling system.

Assign a specific colour to each room and use matching coloured labels for the corresponding boxes. This method will make it easier for you and your movers to identify where each box belongs, expediting the unpacking process in your new home. This is a great way of eliminating any confusion and potential ambiguity.

Create a Digital Inventory: Say Goodbye to Lost Items

Don’t lose things. Create a digital inventory.

Start by taking pictures of your belongings, especially valuable or fragile items, before packing them. Store these images in a dedicated folder on your smartphone or computer, making it effortless to cross-check and ensure everything arrives safely at your new place.

Number these items and apply them to a checklist or spreadsheet, assuring they’re accounted for in categorical order.

A bonus with this approach is it can help with your home and contents insurance. If you have a digital file you will have proof of your contents. Also, this can help you estimate the true value of your house contents, which could potentially save you money on the amount you ensure your house contents for.

digital inventory

Harness the Power of Technology: Moving Apps and Tools

Make technology your ally during the moving process by leveraging the multitude of moving apps and tools available. These resources can simplify the logistics, keep you organised, and provide valuable assistance throughout your relocation journey. Here are a few highly recommended moving apps:

MoveAdvisor:

This comprehensive app offers a wide range of features to streamline your move. It helps you create an inventory of your belongings, calculate the number of boxes you'll need, generate a moving timeline, and even find reliable movers in your area. MoveAdvisor keeps all your moving-related information in one place, allowing you to stay organised and focused.

Sortly:

If you're looking for an app to assist with inventory management, Sortly is an excellent choice. It allows you to create visual inventories by taking pictures of your belongings, adding descriptions, and organising them into categories or rooms (whatever works for you!). This app makes it easy to keep track of your items, ensuring nothing gets misplaced or lost during the move.

TaskRabbit:

Moving often involves numerous tasks beyond packing and unpacking. TaskRabbit connects you with local service providers who can assist with various tasks, such as furniture assembly, mounting TVs, or even helping you pack. You can hire reliable individuals for specific tasks, saving you time and energy during the moving process. This helps do some of the thinking for you, and helps make your move more seamless.

Nextdoor:

Moving to a new neighbourhood involves getting acquainted with your surroundings and connecting with your neighbours. Nextdoor is a neighbourhood-focused app that allows you to connect with people in your new community. You can ask for recommendations, join local groups, and stay informed about events and important updates in your area. This app can help you feel more connected and welcome in your new neighbourhood.

Utilise Sustainable Packing Materials: Environmentally-Friendly Moves

In today's eco-conscious world, sustainable moving practices are important. Reduce your environmental footprint by opting for eco-friendly packing materials. Instead of using copious amounts of bubble wrap, consider using biodegradable packing peanuts, recycled newspaper, or reusable packing materials such as fabric or old blankets.

recyclable packaging

Schedule Services Strategically: Timing is Key

Timing is crucial when it comes to moving. Coordinate your moving day to avoid peak periods, which are often more expensive and result in higher demand for movers. Importantly, this can deceptively add a lot more time to the process than you may think. Additionally, contact utility service providers in advance to schedule disconnection at your old residence and reconnection at your new one. A well-planned schedule will ensure a smoother transition and help you settle into your new home seamlessly.

Hire Professional Cleaners: Start Fresh

Moving out of your old house can be a messy affair. Consider hiring professional cleaners to handle your final clean-up. They have the expertise, tools, and supplies to ensure your old home is sparkling clean, saving you time and energy.

Get the Removalists to do the rest

Once you’ve organised everything effectively, your removalists will do the rest of the heavy lifting. Take a break, you’ve worked hard enough.