Moving House: How to Prepare for a Smooth Home Move

From this article you will learn:

• How to plan your move well in advance, step by step (from 6–8 weeks before moving day to the day itself).

• Why it’s smart to start with decluttering and letting go of things you don’t really need.

• Which packing materials and supplies are essential to keep your belongings safe.

• Practical packing techniques (room-by-room strategy, labeling, and creating an inventory).

• How to safely pack fragile items and prepare furniture and appliances for transport.

• How to handle the logistics: updating your address, notifying institutions, booking services, and organizing moving day details.

• What to focus on during moving day to keep things smooth and stress-free.

• The benefits of hiring professional movers and what service options are available.

• Useful tips for settling quickly and comfortably in your new home.

Moving to a new home is an exciting change, but preparing for a move can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. A house or apartment relocation involves many steps – from organizing your belongings to coordinating logistics. The good news is that with careful planning and a bit of organization, you can turn a potentially stressful process into a manageable project. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get ready for moving day, step by step. You’ll learn practical tips for sorting and packing your household items, advice on handling the moving day itself, and ways to make the whole experience as smooth as possible. Let’s dive into the essentials of preparing for a successful home move.

Start Planning Early for a Successful Move

One of the keys to a stress-free move is to start planning well in advance. As soon as you know you’ll be moving, create a game plan. This can be as simple as a checklist or a moving notebook where you jot down everything you need to do before moving day. The earlier you begin preparing, the more time you’ll have to handle unexpected tasks and avoid last-minute chaos.

A smart approach is to break down your preparation into stages. Here’s a general timeline to help guide your planning:

1. 6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Begin sorting through your belongings and decluttering. Decide what you want to take to your new home and what can be sold, donated, or thrown away. This is also a good time to start researching and contacting moving companies if you plan to hire professionals. If you need time off work for the move, put in those requests now.

2. 4–5 Weeks Before: Start gathering packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers) and begin packing items you use less frequently. Seasonal items, books, décor, and anything not essential for daily life can be packed at this stage. If you’re renting, notify your landlord of your moving date. Also, schedule any necessary services (like hiring professional cleaners for your old home or reserving a lift in your apartment building if needed).

3. 2–3 Weeks Before: Continue packing more of your household, aiming to pack a few boxes each day. Focus on one area at a time to stay organized. This is also the time to handle important administrative tasks: change your address with the postal service, and notify banks, utilities, and other important contacts of your upcoming move (we’ll cover this more below).

4. 1 Week Before: By now, most of your things should be packed except for essentials. Confirm details with your movers or the friends helping you, including the exact time and any special instructions to access your home. Prepare an essentials box (or suitcase) with items you’ll need right away during the move and your first night in the new place (like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, important documents, chargers, and some snacks). If you have large appliances, this is the time to defrost your freezer and fridge and get them ready for moving.

5. Moving Day: Keep your checklist handy to ensure nothing is overlooked. Do a final walkthrough of your old home to make sure all items are loaded and nothing is left behind. Take note of utility meter readings if needed. Make sure someone is available to direct the movers at the new house so boxes end up in the correct rooms, which will make unpacking much easier.

Starting early and spreading tasks out over several weeks will make the process far less daunting. By the time your moving date arrives, you’ll feel prepared and in control.

Declutter and Organize Your Belongings

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your home. The less you have to pack and transport, the easier (and often cheaper) your move will be. Begin by going through each room and sorting your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or dispose. Be honest with yourself about what items you truly need or value. That fondue set you’ve never used or the clothes you haven’t worn in years might be better off donated to someone who can use them, rather than taking up space and boxes in your move.

Start with storage areas like the loft, basement, garage, or closets – places where unused items often accumulate. As you sort, organize the items you plan to keep. You might group things by category or by room, which will later help in packing. For example, gather all important documents together in one folder, collect jewelry and small valuables in a safe box, and keep essential papers (like passports, medical records, or lease agreements) somewhere accessible. If you have children, involve them in deciding which toys to bring along and which to give away; it can make the process easier for them and reduce clutter.

By decluttering before you pack, you accomplish two things: you lighten the load (literally, fewer boxes to move) and you get a clearer inventory of what you own. This also means you can start life in your new home with only the items that matter and avoid filling it with unnecessary clutter from day one. Once you’ve pared down your possessions, you’ll find the packing stage much more straightforward.

Gather Essential Packing Supplies

Before you start boxing up your life, make sure you have all the necessary packing materials on hand. Scrambling for extra boxes or tape at the last minute can be frustrating and waste precious time. Here’s a list of packing supplies you will likely need for a typical home move:

• Sturdy moving boxes in various sizes (small boxes for heavy items like books, larger boxes for lighter, bulky items like linens or pillows).

• Packing tape (preferably a high-quality, wide type) and a tape dispenser to seal boxes securely.

• Cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts to protect fragile items. You can also use soft items like towels and blankets as padding for some things.

• Markers and labels for clearly marking each box with its contents and destination room (e.g., “Kitchen – pots and pans” or “Bedroom – kids’ toys”).

• Resealable plastic bags for containing small parts (like screws from disassembled furniture) or for wrapping toiletries to prevent leaks.

• Furniture covers or old sheets and blankets to protect furniture from scratches and dust during transport.

• Moving straps or a dolly (hand truck) if you plan to move heavy furniture or appliances yourself, to prevent injuries and make lifting easier.

• Scissors or a utility knife for cutting tape and opening boxes, both during packing and when you unpack at the new home.

• Gloves to protect your hands while moving bulky items and boxes.

You can often find free boxes at local shops – grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores often give away sturdy boxes. However, be cautious about using very old or previously used boxes if they are weakened, as they might not hold up under weight. Many removal companies sell professional-grade boxes and packing supplies; in fact, some movers include the option to purchase boxes or even provide them if you use their service.

Having all your supplies ready before you start packing will save you time and keep you in the groove once you begin. Lay out these supplies in a convenient area so that you can systematically pack without interruption.

Packing Tips and Techniques

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of moving, but doing it correctly will save you headaches later. The goal is to pack in an organized manner so that items are protected during transit and easy to find and unpack afterward. Below are several packing strategies to help you prepare efficiently.

Tackle One Room at a Time

It’s tempting to jump around the house when packing, but focusing on one area at a time is usually more effective. Begin with rooms or items you use less frequently. For example, you might pack up the guest bedroom, storage cupboard, or seasonal decorations first, since you can live without those for a few weeks. Packing room by room helps you stay organized and gives you a sense of accomplishment as each space is completed.

When packing a specific room, set up an empty box (or boxes) and fill it systematically. Group similar items together. For instance, when packing the kitchen, keep cookware in one set of boxes, dishes in another, and pantry items separately. This way, when you unpack, you won’t be hunting for a missing spatula in a box full of pantry goods. Finish packing and sealing all boxes in one room, then clearly label them (more on labeling below) and move them aside. This process creates visible progress and keeps your current living space from devolving into chaos.

If you have a lot of stuff, set small goals like “Today I’ll pack the bookshelf and the hall closet.” By breaking packing into chunks, it feels more manageable and you can avoid burnout. Remember to reserve daily essential items for last – don’t pack up all your everyday dishes or all your work clothes too early. Keeping the packing process compartmentalized by room and priority will maintain order and reduce stress.

Label and Inventory Your Boxes

Labeling is your best friend during a move. Once you start stacking dozens of similar-looking boxes, you’ll be glad you took the time to write clearly on each one. Always mark each box with what’s inside and which room it should go to in the new home. For example, “Living Room – books and DVDs” or “Bathroom – Towels and toiletries.” Mark the labels on the side of the box (not just the top) so you can read them even when boxes are stacked.

For fragile or important items, add a note like “Fragile” or “Open First.” You might use color-coded stickers or markers for each room (e.g., blue for kitchen, red for bedroom) to make identification even quicker. If you want to be extra organized, keep a moving notebook or spreadsheet listing each box and its general contents. Number the boxes and note what’s in each number. This way, if you need to find something specific, you can consult your inventory list instead of opening ten boxes looking for it. It takes a bit more time during packing but can be a lifesaver when you’re searching for your coffee maker on the first morning in your new house.

Don’t forget to label any parts you’ve removed from furniture or appliances. Seal screws, cables, or assembly instructions in a small plastic bag, label it (“Bed frame bolts”, “TV cables”), and tape it securely to the item or the box containing that item. This precaution will make reassembling furniture much easier when you arrive.

Packing Fragile Items Safely

Protecting delicate items during a move is crucial. With the right techniques and materials, you can greatly reduce the risk of anything breaking in transit. When packing fragile items (like glassware, dishes, ceramics, mirrors, or electronics), take your time. Wrap each item individually using bubble wrap, packing paper, or even soft linens for padding. Fragile items should be packed snugly in small or medium-sized boxes – don’t overload a large box with fragile china, as it will be too heavy and the items at the bottom could crack under pressure.

Line the bottom of boxes containing breakables with a layer of crumpled paper or bubble wrap for cushioning. Place heavier fragile pieces at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill any gaps in the box with padding so that nothing shifts around when the box is lifted. Once a box is full, you should be able to gently shake it without hearing things move inside. That’s a good test that everything is well cushioned.

Clearly mark these boxes as “Fragile” on multiple sides. If you’ve hired movers, it alerts them to handle those boxes with care. If you’re moving yourself, it reminds you which boxes you should personally be careful with. For particularly valuable or irreplaceable items (important documents, family heirlooms, jewelry), consider keeping them with you in your personal vehicle rather than in the moving van, just for peace of mind and safety.

Disassembling Furniture and Preparing Appliances

Large furniture and appliances often need special preparation for a move. To make handling easier, disassemble furniture pieces that can be safely taken apart. This might include removing legs from tables, taking shelves out of bookcases, disassembling bed frames, and detaching mirrors from dressers. Keep all screws, nuts, and bolts in a labeled bag as mentioned earlier. You can tape the bag to the furniture piece itself or put all these bags in one box dedicated to hardware and tools.

For sofas or chairs, if they have legs or detachable sections, removing those parts can help the items fit through doors and hallways more easily. Use furniture blankets or old sheets to wrap and protect wood finishes or upholstery from tears and scratches during the move.

Appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or dishwashers need some prep too. A week before moving, start using up the food in your fridge and freezer so there’s less to throw out. A day or two before moving, unplug your fridge/freezer, let it defrost, and wipe it dry to avoid leaks. For washing machines, disconnect hoses and let them drain; if possible, secure the drum with transit bolts (if you kept them from when the machine was installed). For gas cookers or any appliance hooked up to gas lines, have a professional safely disconnect them well in advance. Also, make sure any loose parts (like refrigerator shelves or microwave plates) are secured or packed separately.

Preparing these big items in advance ensures they’ll be ready to move on the day and helps prevent damage both to the items and to your home (imagine trying to haul a washing machine full of water – not a good idea!). Taking the time to do this right will save you a lot of trouble later and means you won’t be scrambling to deal with appliances when you should be focusing on the move.

Taking Care of Moving Logistics

Aside from packing boxes, there are many logistical tasks to handle when preparing for a move. Taking care of these will ensure you’re not caught off guard by important details.

Notify Utilities and Change Your Address

Make a list of all the services and institutions that need to know you’re moving. Ideally, start updating them about 2–3 weeks before your move. Arrange to have utilities at your current home (electricity, gas, water, internet, rubbish collection) scheduled for final billing or shut-off the day after you move out, and have utilities in your new home turned on by the time you arrive. You don’t want to spend your first night in a new house with no heating or Wi-Fi because the accounts weren’t transferred.

Important contacts to notify of your address change include:

• Postal service – Set up mail forwarding to your new address starting on your move date, so you won’t miss important mail.

• Banks and credit card companies – Update your address to ensure you receive statements and important notifications.

• Employer and schools – Inform your workplace (HR department) of your new address, and if you have children, notify their school of the change.

• Insurance providers – Update your home insurance, car insurance, health insurance, etc. with the new address (your move could affect your coverage or rates).

• Government agencies – For example, update your details with the driver’s license authority and voter registration if you’ve moved to a new area.

• Subscriptions and deliveries – Change your address for any magazine subscriptions, meal deliveries, or online shopping accounts you use regularly.

• Healthcare providers – Let your doctor, dentist, or any specialist know about your new address, especially if you expect any correspondence or if you need to transfer records.

Notifying everyone might seem tedious, but it prevents bills or important notices from going to your old address and ensures you remain reachable. Many address changes can be done online or with a quick phone call. It can be handy to keep a checklist and mark off each organization as you inform them.

Plan for Moving Day Details

As moving day approaches, make sure you have the day’s logistics worked out. If you’ve hired a professional moving company, confirm everything with them a few days ahead: the arrival time, the addresses, and any special instructions (like if your street is narrow or if they need a door code or permission to access your building). If friends are helping, send a reminder of the schedule and any tools or vehicles they might need to bring (for example, double-check who is bringing a van or if you need to rent one).

If you live in or are moving into a flat/apartment, check if you can reserve the lift for the moving hours. Some buildings require you to book a moving slot or use a service elevator. Similarly, consider parking: will the moving van or your vehicle have a spot to park close to your door? If street parking is necessary, try to secure a space in advance (maybe park your car there overnight as a placeholder, or talk to neighbors about leaving space).

For those with children or pets, it’s wise to arrange care for them on moving day. You might have a family member or babysitter watch the kids, so you can focus on the move without worrying. Pets can be stressed by all the noise and open doors; you could ask a friend to pet-sit for the day or keep them safely crated in a quiet room until the commotion is over. Prepare a pet kit (food, bowls, leash, litter, etc.) so you can easily tend to your pet’s needs during the move and once you arrive.

Lastly, think about cleaning. Often, you’ll want to do a final clean of your old place once it’s empty (especially to get a deposit back if you were renting). Keep basic cleaning supplies accessible for that last sweep. It’s also considerate to leave the place in good shape for the next occupants. Likewise, have a few cleaning items ready at your new home; even if it was cleaned before, moving day can track in dirt, and you may want to wipe down surfaces before placing furniture or unpacking.

Tips for Moving Day

The big day is here, and because you’ve planned well, it should go relatively smoothly. Still, moving day can be long and busy, so use these tips to stay on top of things and keep stress levels down:

• Start early and dress comfortably: Get up with plenty of time to spare. Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and that allow you to move freely. You’ll be bending, lifting, and on your feet a lot, so think practical and comfy.

• Eat breakfast and stay hydrated: It’s easy to forget to eat when you’re busy. Have a decent breakfast to fuel you through the morning and keep water bottles handy throughout the day. Pack some easy snacks too – moving is hard work and you’ll need the energy.

• Communicate with your helpers: When the movers arrive, walk them through your home and point out any fragile or high-value items that need extra care. If friends are helping, assign specific tasks or areas to each person so everyone knows their role. Clear communication prevents confusion and items being misplaced.

• Keep essentials with you: As mentioned earlier, have your essentials box and important personal items (like documents, electronics, medications) with you, separate from the moving van. This way you have immediate access to necessities without digging through boxes, and you don’t risk these vital items getting lost in the shuffle.

• Do a final walkthrough: Before you lock up and leave the old home, do a thorough check of every room, closet, cupboard, and outdoor space. It’s easy to overlook something small hiding in a cabinet or drawer. Make sure nothing is left behind. Also, check that windows are closed, lights are off, and doors are locked. If you were renting, take photos of the empty rooms to document the condition in which you left the property.

• Guide the unload at the new home: When you arrive at your new place, supervise the unloading. Direct movers or friends to place each box in the room it belongs to, as per your labels. This will save you a ton of effort later because you won’t have to drag boxes from room to room when you start unpacking. If you can, try to get large furniture placed in the correct spot right away (for example, having the sofa positioned in the living room, beds set up in bedrooms). It’s much easier to do it initially than to rearrange after everything’s piled up.

• Set up the basics first: You don’t have to unpack everything immediately, but try to get the essential areas functional. Make the beds first so you have somewhere comfortable to sleep after a long day. Ensure you have access to a bathroom with towels, toilet paper, and toiletries. Maybe unpack some kitchen essentials or at least have plates and utensils for a takeaway dinner. Getting these fundamentals sorted out will make your first night much more comfortable.

• Take breaks and be safe: During the day, remember to take short breaks to sit down, drink water, and eat. Lifting and carrying can be tiring, and it’s easy to get exhausted or dehydrated. Also, lift with your legs (not your back) and ask for help with anything that’s too heavy or awkward. Moving injuries are common when people rush or overextend themselves, so be mindful of safety for yourself and anyone helping.

• Stay flexible and positive: No matter how well you plan, moving day can come with a few surprises. Perhaps the sofa won’t fit through a door or traffic delays the moving van. Try to stay calm and adaptable. Solve problems one step at a time. Keeping a positive attitude (and maybe a sense of humor) will help you get through any little hiccups. Remember, by the end of the day, you’ll be in your new home!

Considering Professional Moving Services

If all of this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is! Packing up an entire household and moving it is a big job. Many people choose to hire professional movers to handle the heavy lifting (quite literally) and logistics. Whether you want full-service movers who do everything from packing to transport, or just need an extra pair of hands on moving day, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of getting help.

Benefits of hiring professional movers: Experienced movers can significantly reduce the stress of moving. They know how to efficiently pack a van, navigate large furniture through narrow spaces, and protect your belongings during transit. A good moving company will have insurance, so your items are covered in case of accidents. They also provide their own equipment (dollies, furniture pads, straps) and can even supply packing materials or services. If you have specialty items like a piano, large aquariums, or antique furniture, professionals have the expertise to move those safely as well.

There are various levels of service. For example, Ed Kowalski Removals in Exeter, Devon, offers flexible options to fit different needs. You could opt for a full house removals package where the company’s team handles everything: packing your items, loading, transport, unloading, and even unpacking. If you’re on a tighter budget and can do some of the work yourself, a budget-friendly man and van service might suffice – essentially, you work alongside the movers: you pack and help, and they provide the vehicle and the heavy lifting. There are also services for specific needs like clearance of unwanted furniture or junk, which is useful if you decluttered a lot and need those items disposed of properly.

When choosing a moving company, do some homework: get quotes from a few companies, check their reviews or ask friends for recommendations, and verify what each quote includes (fuel costs, number of movers, packing materials, insurance, etc.). Make sure the company is aware of any particularly heavy or fragile items you have, and any unusual circumstances (for instance, “We live on the 5th floor with no lift” or “The access road to our new house is very narrow”). This helps them prepare the right equipment and staff.

Hiring professionals does cost more than a DIY move, but for many people the convenience and peace of mind are worth it. You can focus on other aspects of the move (like setting up your new home, or simply keeping family members calm and organized) while experts handle the logistics. Even if you don’t opt for full packing services, having movers transport your packed boxes and furniture can save your energy and reduce the risk of injury or breakage.

Final Tips for a Smooth Move

By now, you have a comprehensive overview of how to prepare for moving house. As a final recap, remember that preparation and flexibility are your best allies. Expect the best, but prepare for a few minor snags so you won’t be thrown off if they happen. Keep important phone numbers handy (your moving company, real estate agent or landlord, utility companies) in case you need to reach them quickly on moving day. And don’t be shy about asking for help from friends or family – many hands make light work, and most people understand how tough moving can be and will offer help if asked (just be ready to return the favor someday!).

Lastly, try to find moments to enjoy the process. Moving marks the start of a new adventure, so focus on the excitement of setting up your new space and neighbourhood. Each box packed and each task crossed off your list brings you closer to settling in. With thorough preparation and a positive mindset, you can turn what might be a stressful event into a rewarding experience. Good luck with your move!

FAQ

How far in advance should I start preparing for a move?

It’s best to start planning a move as soon as possible – ideally at least 6–8 weeks before your moving date. This gives you time to sort and declutter your belongings, gather packing materials, and pack non-essential items gradually. The more time you give yourself, the less you’ll need to rush in the final week. Even if your move is small or last-minute, starting early (even a few weeks or days ahead) helps you stay organized and reduces stress.

What’s the first thing I should do when I know I’m moving?

The first step is to make a plan. Create a moving checklist or a timeline of tasks that need to be done. Start by sorting through your belongings to decide what will come with you and what will not. This is also a good time to research moving companies or van rental options, and to schedule your move date if possible. Essentially, get a clear picture of everything that needs to be accomplished – from buying boxes to notifying your landlord – and begin tackling those tasks one by one in order of priority.

How do I decide between hiring movers and moving on my own?

Consider factors like your budget, the distance of the move, how many belongings you have, and your own physical capability and time. If you have a lot of heavy furniture or you’re moving long-distance, professional movers can save you a lot of effort and help ensure your belongings arrive safely. If your move is small or you’re on a tight budget, doing it yourself with the help of friends or family might be feasible. Sometimes a middle ground works well – for example, hire movers for the big heavy items (or use a man and van service) and move the small stuff yourself. Weigh the cost versus the convenience and potential stress. If you can afford it, getting help often makes the process much smoother and faster.

What are some tips for packing efficiently?

Use sturdy small boxes for heavy items (like books) and larger boxes for lighter items (like bedding or lampshades). Don’t leave empty space in boxes – fill gaps with paper, clothing, or towels so items don’t shift in transit. Pack one room at a time and clearly label each box on the side with its contents and destination room. Keep a parts box or bag for things like screws or cables that you remove from furniture, so you can easily find them later. Also, pack an “essentials” box with daily necessities you’ll need right away. By staying organized and not overloading boxes (keep them to a reasonable weight), you’ll make the move easier on both yourself and the boxes.

How can I ensure my fragile items won’t break during the move?

Proper packing is key. Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use plenty of padding in the box (crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or towels). Don’t put too many heavy breakables in one box; spread them out and use smaller boxes for very delicate things. Mark the boxes as “Fragile” so anyone handling them knows to take care. When loading the moving van, try to secure fragile boxes so they aren’t at the bottom of a heavy stack. For extremely delicate or valuable items, you may even want to transport them separately in your car. If you hire professional movers, inform them about which items are fragile – experienced movers know how to handle such items and will often pack them with extra care if they’re doing the packing for you.

What should I do on moving day to make things go smoothly?

On moving day, follow your plan and checklist. Wake up early and make sure you have a good breakfast. Keep your phone charged and have important numbers (like the movers and new landlord) handy. Be prepared to direct the movers or your helpers when they arrive – let them know which rooms to tackle first or any special instructions. As the day progresses, refer to your checklist (for tasks like taking meter readings, turning off the thermostat, etc.). Before leaving, do a final walkthrough of your old place to ensure nothing is forgotten. At the new home, guide the movers so furniture and boxes end up where they belong. Keep your essential items close by so you can access things like toiletries, a fresh change of clothes, and bedding without having to unpack everything. Most importantly, be patient and stay calm – moving can be hectic, but with good preparation, it will all come together.

How do I handle moving with kids or pets?

Moving with young children or pets requires some extra planning. For kids, maintain a positive attitude about the move and involve them in age-appropriate ways (like decorating their moving boxes or packing a small backpack of their favorite items to keep with them). Try to stick to normal routines like meal times to provide some consistency. On moving day, it might be easier to have someone watch the kids or set up a safe play area, away from the moving chaos. For pets, consider keeping them in a quiet room or have them stay with a friend for the day. Make sure you have a pet travel carrier if needed, and pack a pet essentials bag (food, water bowl, toys, litter, etc.). When you get to the new home, set up a comfortable space for your pet as soon as you can, so they have a familiar spot. Both kids and pets take cues from your mood, so if you stay calm and excited about the new home, they will adjust more easily.

Is there anything I should do immediately after moving into my new home?

After moving in, focus on the basics first: make the beds so everyone has a place to sleep, and ensure the kitchen and bathroom are functional. Check that the utilities are working (electricity, water, gas, heating, internet). Unpack your essentials box so you can easily access things like toiletries, chargers, and important documents. It’s also a good idea to locate important things like the fuse box, water shutoff valve, and thermostat in your new home, so you know where they are in case of emergencies. In the first week, take time to explore your new area, introduce yourself to neighbours, and update any remaining services or subscriptions with your new address. Give yourself a bit of time to settle in – you don’t have to unpack everything in one day. Celebrate the achievement of completing your move and enjoy starting life in your new home!