If you’ve decided that now is the time to make the move to a new place you’re probably feeling excited and optimistic – particularly if you just put your signature on the paperwork to secure your new house. But the good feelings begin to fade into anxieties once the reality sets in. You have to pack up your home and you have to move – and you’ve got to do it all in a short period of time. Here are some of our favourite moving tips to make the process go more smoothly.

1. Plan and Manage Packing in Advance

Even if you haven’t got much of an “advance”, you can still start to plan and manage your packing schedule as soon as you have a moving date. Look at the amount you have to pack, broadly divide it into manageable segments, and assign different segments to different days. Or give yourself a quota of boxes per day to keep you on track and avoid a mad midnight packing session the day before the move.

2. Use a Professional Moving Company

You can do it by yourself, but it really does help to have the professionals on board to give you a fighting chance at keeping your sanity in check. Movers like http://www.advanced-removals.co.uk offer packing services or just help on the day. Check your budget to see what you can afford and go for the most comprehensive service possible. You’ll appreciate it on moving day!

3. Switch Utilities as Soon as Possible

As soon as you have a moving day and a new place to move into, investigate what you need to do to stop your utilities and restart them in the new place. You may have to set up services if the house is a new build, or set up broadband or a new phone line. By doing this in advance you lower your stress levels by having it all ready when you move in.

4. Move in Stages

If your move is nearby, consider taking the basics before the moving van takes the majority of your stuff. You can unpack your closets beforehand and also take the basic supplies for the kitchen so you have the ability to make a cup of tea when you get there.

5. Visualise Your Perfect New Home

Try to unpack key sentimental pieces as quickly as possible, and organise your stuff as soon as you can. It helps if you have visited the house previously and know roughly where your favourite things are going to go – it makes the house feel like a home so much more quickly.

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