How to move house - the easy way

Moving house can be one of the most traumatic things a family goes through, both physically and emotionally, leading many people to wonder how to move house without the anguish.

"I believe knowing how to move house efficiently requires knowing how to plan; it shouldn't be left to the last minute," says Melinda from Kent International Movers. "A month is a good lead time for a move. It gives you time to have a spring clean of your house, book the move in and get organised."

How to move house with expert help

Many companies will send a removal consultant out to your home – this allows you to discuss the move as it specifically relates to your home and your requirements and takes some of the stress and responsibility out of those early preparation stages. They'll often provide a checklist that has reminders about things like cancelling newspapers, filling out change-of-address forms, organising storage and disconnecting/reconnecting your electricity and gas.

When it comes to actually packing up, make sure everything is done in a logical, organised way. Ensure you get the right kind of packaging from the removalists, and label everything clearly. 

"We also offer services such as valet unpacking," says Melinda. "That might include a full unpacking service when you get to your new home – we completely unpack everything and put it all away. A lot of our consultants can sense what sort of stress a family is under, so if we notice something we think they could do with, we offer it."

When a family is being moved by an employer, relocation companies can often help find a new house or a school for the kids. There is no reason why private customers can't request this kind of service, too. 

And speaking of the kids, Melinda believes "It's best not to have them around on the day, as it can upset them, or they might just get in the way." It's also a good idea to leave pets with someone else, or book them into a kennel or cattery. Taking some leave from work to properly focus on the move will also help your stress levels.

And that's how to move house - the easy way!