Moving hacks to impress your friends

Moving can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. As we’ve shown in our moving checklist, there’s lots to consider and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you haven’t prepared properly. With this in mind, we’ve taken the time to go a step further in our efforts to help. 

We’ve compiled a list of the greatest hacks that we can think of. We hope they save you time, allow you to enjoy it more and even to sound like an expert and pass on the knowledge to your friends and family when they move. You may also be interested in our insider’s guide to moving.

Use lots of small boxes

It’s best to avoid the temptation to buy giant boxes and instead opt for a much greater number of smaller same-sized boxes. Larger boxes are harder to pack, heavier to carry and damage more easily.

Pack heavy things first

Similar to packing your shopping at the supermarket, it’s best to pack the heaviest items at the bottom of each box.

Prepare earlier for weekends

Moving on a weekend is convenient, which makes it very popular, which in turn makes it more difficult to hire removal companies. Keep it in mind and prepare early.

Have a internet backup

It’s not uncommon for the internet to be left disconnected when you first move in. You can minimise this stress by using another source in the short-term. You may be able to hotspot your phone to your laptop for example.

Pack books in a bin or a suitcase

This may sound a little weird initially, but if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Books are heavy and need to be packed in a stable structure. They’re also relatively easy to transport if you do.

Take pics of your meters

If you want to make sure you only pay for what you use, you’ll want to make sure you take photos of your meters when you leave and as soon as you move in. If you’ve got a smart meter, then you’re all set already.

Lift with your legs

It’s easy to feel rushed and put unnecessary pressure on your back. A better way to lift boxes is by lifting and pushing with your legs. This way you can reduce the risks of any niggles or injuries.

Leave clothes for later

Clothes can easily be packed in bulk and at the end of the process. They can easily be fitted into labelled bin bags, so save your attention for more pressing things.

Stock up with newspapers

Fragile items can easily be damaged in transit. One way to reduce the risks is by packing them in newspapers. This is often preferable to other methods such as bubble wrap as it’s easy, quick and cheap to use.

Leave furniture to breathe

It’s really tempting to pack furniture in plastic wrapping, but it’s best avoided. It usually makes items difficult to grip and dangerous to carry. If you’re still keen on trying, then you were warned.

Empty every door and draw

Hastily packing furniture is not the way to go. It may be tempting to add a wardrobe full of clothes, but it’s likely to backfire. Take your time to make sure you’ve emptied everything and avoid the stress.

Treat yourself to a delivery

Cooking is an additional burden that you simply don’t need when you’re moving. It’s best to line up a delivery and stock the fridge full of the essentials to free up a lot of time and as a reward for the effort you’re putting in.

Pack an ‘instant access’ box

If you pack everything you’ll need for the first couple of days in a box that you can instantly access, you’ll find the whole process so much easier. This can include items such as a toothbrush, toilet paper, phone charger, kettle, tea bags, mug, cutlery, pillow and so on.

Unpack the bedroom first

Getting used to your new surroundings is made much easier if you start in the bedroom. Getting a great night's sleep will help to make everything else smoother.

Settle pets in slowly

To overcome the natural unfamiliarity with their new surroundings, it is usually best to keep pets such as dogs and cats within a single room to begin. As they start to acclimatise after a few hours, they can then explore further.

Juice up your phone

Your mobile will become more important than ever when you move. Make sure that you’re prepared with a full charge and keep an eye on your social media usage. Save it for what’s needed.

Raring to go?

We hope you’ve enjoyed these hacks either for yourself or to share with your friends. You may also be interested in our free service that helps to connect your utilities, change your address and offer you deals on service providers. You can start now or learn a little more about it by reading the benefits.