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Moving home can be an anxious time in your life for numerous reasons. It costs money. It takes effort. Without any sort of plan, concerns can quickly pile up – how do you pack the bulky items? Who will take care of the kids? What about the cat? It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
But don’t fret. We have a few tips you can use to make the process much easier.
#1 Plan early
Moving is a known stressor. It can be tempting to leave things till the last minute. But trust us – home moving is one of the times you can’t afford to procrastinate! We recommend starting at least 2-4 weeks in advance – but there’s no such thing as “too early”.
You can start by creating a moving checklist. Jot down all the tasks you need to complete and tackle one thing at a time.
#2 Declutter
Studies (psychologytoday.com) have shown that stress hormones rise when we are surrounded by an overabundance of stuff. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: get rid of it.
Moving home is a great opportunity to assess what you really need. Make a list of all your belongings. Then divide things into piles:
- Things you’ll keep
- Things you’ll donate
- Things you’ll sell
To simplify and keep things organised, focus on one room at a time.
In addition to giving you peace of mind, decluttering will help lower overall costs since most moving companies charge by volume (number of boxes).
#3 Use professional packing
While the DIY approach may cut down on costs, it can be exhausting. There’s also a risk that fragile items will be damaged if the packing materials aren’t durable enough.
This is where professional packing solutions come in.
Elite Movers will help you save valuable time and effort. Our trained team can handle the busy work packing & unpacking for you to ensure your move is as smooth as possible. Bonus: We offer free rental of packing materials for a zero-waste, zero stress solution.
#4 Label boxes
It may seem over the top, but labelling boxes with a brief description of what’s inside is the most efficient way to identify your belongings.
Labels help us know which box goes in which room so we can get things done quicker (learn more from our labelling guide).
We also provide boxes, packing tape, sticker labels and bubble wrap – all at no extra cost.
#5 Prepare your moving day bag
Moving day doesn’t need to be an anxious mess.
The secret? Plan ahead.
Do yourself a favour and prepare essentials like medicine, toiletries and toilet paper. The same goes for any important documents that need to be readily accessed. We recommend having an Essentials bag or box when packing.
Don’t forget your phone charger (or any portable chargers) to ensure you’re contactable. And remember – you’ll likely be tired after settling in. Bring snacks and/or bring disposable cutlery if you intend on getting delivery.
#6 Check building regulations – for renovation & moving
If you plan on renovating your new home, always make sure you’re informed about the restrictions and requirements set by the Housing & Development Board or your condo management.
Renovations fall into two categories: General and Restricted. Each category has different permitted days and timings. For installation of most electrical works (ceiling fan, electric oven, television) a permit isn’t required. But in flats without higher electrical loading, it is. In other words, always read the Ts and Cs.
Any demolition works (partial or complete) you are considering may compromise building structural integrity and will require the HBD’s prior written approval. If you’re planning on removing any reinforced concrete structures, you will also need a professional engineer for supervision.
There are also safety guidelines for plumbing works and gas works, such as relocation of gas meter or installation of gas water heater gas oven. Check the HBD website for a thorough breakdown.
Moving comes with its own set of regulations.
For instance, the overall cost of moving home can vary depending on several factors; from the size of your property to the number of bulky items you wish to transport. The time you choose to move may also have an impact. And some companies will charge you more during peak season (June-August).
At Elite Movers, our prices are fixed regardless if you move in peak or off-peak season.
For more moving regulations, you can check out our ultimate house moving guide here.
#7 Protect fragile items
Anybody who has purchased something online only for it to arrive in tatters knows the value of proper packaging protection. The same goes for moving home.
Any glassware, artworks, jewellery or electronics that are likely to be damaged in transit should be adequately protected with bubble wrap.
No need to wrap bulky items – we’ll handle those on the day of move for you.
#8 Arrange childcare and/or petcare
Taking care of children or pets when moving house can be a challenge. Don’t be afraid to ask relatives to pitch in if they’re available – but there are alternative solutions.
Parents can make an appointment with a drop-in day care or hire a helper.
For older kids, try to make it fun by taking them to an indoor playground.
Some parents may prefer to involve their kids in the process. You can keep kids busy on the day with small, manageable tasks like carrying toys and light boxes, or even declutter together.
For the ride, be sure to pack snacks, drinks, and their favourite book or video game.
Don’t forget to check in on them, too. Saying goodbye to friends and familiar places isn’t just difficult for adults. Try to maintain routine with similar mealtimes and bedtimes at your new home to help your kids settle in.
#9 Confirm moving company details in advance
Prior to moving day, it’s essential that you’ve completed the basics.
Don’t forget to:
- Pack your moving bag
- Update your residential address
- Finalise any utility transfers
- Check parking permits in your new neighbourhood for moving trucks
You should also confirm the exact moving time with us, and ensure you have your nominated payment method ready to go.
We understand life can be unpredictable.
That’s why we offer moving day flexibility. You can change your moving day, but make sure to give us one working week notice.
#10 Hire trusted house movers
Always stick with reputable companies to avoid surprise costs and preventable damage during transit.
At Elite Movers, we do the whole package. From packing/unpacking to furniture disassembly, transport, insurance, and storage of home contents, we’ve got you covered from A to Z.
Our team has over 20 years of experience with an extensive range of clients and will handle your belongings with care. We offer free quotes, free site consultation, and are upfront about pricing.
You can even rent packing materials at no extra cost!
Don’t hesitate to book your stress-free move with us any day of the week – public holidays included.
Conclusion
Moving home is often regarded as stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
When you plan early, you greatly reduce the anxiety of the unknown. Researching important building regulations ahead of time, double (or triple) checking bookings, and enlisting the help of professional packing services can all make a huge difference.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive home moving solution, look no further than Elite Movers. We are reliable. We are committed to quality and we get the job done.
Get moving – contact Elite movers today!
