When you are moving house you need to be prepared for some serious hard work – even if you have a great moving company such as TEMS that is doing all the packing, you will still have to sort all your belongings while still in your old home to make sure all your clutter isn’t packed. And, let’s face it – we all have clutter. Then you will have to unpack at the new home so you’ll want to make sure your stuff is well-organized before either you, or the removals company, packs it all up.

You will also have to deal with informing everyone of your change of address, and organize the switching over of all the utilities accounts (gas, electricity, phone, water etc) into your name. And if you can’t move into your new home on the day you move out of your old place then you may also have to arrange for storage until you can move in. It’s a tiring business moving house…For information on choosing a storage unit, read about measuring furniture.

So here are some key steps to help make your house removal go smoothly and make your life easier in the first few days at your new place:

1. Create a list of everything that you will be taking to your new address

If you are in a rented property, some of the furniture may not belong to you so you need to make that clear to the movers. However, if you own your current home, then you are probably going to take every item of furniture unless some has been included in the sale to the new owner. All of your personal possessions will require packing into boxes but again make sure it is clear to the removers – for instance, if you have items in the attic or garage list them too as well as the more obvious storage places like the closets and kitchen cupboards.

2. Sell surplus stuff on Offerup or Ebay

Whether you are packing the boxes yourself or paying the movers to do so, it will take time and/or money so you don’t want all your old clutter to be packed. Moving house is the perfect opportunity to de-clutter and start afresh in a new home. Be ruthless and decide what items you no longer need and then sell them – you could make some useful extra cash to help with moving expenses.

3. Get several quotes from moving companies

A reputable local moving company that is recommended by friends, family or work colleagues will always be the best option. However, if you cannot get a personal recommendation then make sure you get at least 3 separate quotes from different removals companies so you can compare the costs.

4. Pack non-essential items in advance.

Packing always takes longer than you think so start early to avoid any stress closer to the big moving day. Start packing non-essential items such as books, bedding, out-of-season clothes, children’s toys, kitchen gadgets whatever you can live without for a few weeks. Make sure boxes are packed tight so items cannot move around – use bubble-wrap or old newspaper to fill any gaps. Always tape up boxes to prevent anything falling out when they are moved and remember to label them clearly on all sides with the contents and the room they need to be placed in at the new home. That will make the unpacking much easier.

5. Pack a box of essentials

Pack a box with all the items you will need for your first night in your new home. Include toiletries and medicines, sheets, pillows and duvets, and a change of clothes. Use a small, separate bag for valuable items such as jewellery and important documents so these can be kept with you on the moving day.

It is hard work moving house but it will all be worth it once you are settled in your new home.