Confessions and Regrets of a Serial Mover
A good checklist, a can-do attitude and plenty of wine are essential for a successful house move, says this serial mover
Georgia Madden
29 February 2020
After six house moves in 11 years – complete with kids, pets and all the paraphernalia that comes with them – you’d think I’d have gotten pretty good at it. But truth is, however organised I think I am (this time will be different!), each move has been accompanied by stress, mess, a few tears (often mine) and the loss/breakage/accidental donation of at least one important item.
Thankfully I’ve learned a few lessons along the way to ease the pain. So if you have a relocation on the horizon, here are some tips that might help you get from A to B with your sanity intact.
Thankfully I’ve learned a few lessons along the way to ease the pain. So if you have a relocation on the horizon, here are some tips that might help you get from A to B with your sanity intact.
Make a list… and actually stick to it
I love a good list. I’ve got them everywhere – on my phone, jotted in a scrappy notebook that lives at the bottom of my handbag, on the backs of various bills littered around my kitchen benchtop. Trouble is, once they’re written down I tend to forget they actually exist. It’s as though my mind confuses the writing-down part with the ticking-off bit.
Before I know it, the move is 10 days away and I’m bolt upright at 2am remembering that I haven’t organised a mover… or packing tape… or anyone to mind the cats.
Two moves ago I decided enough was enough. Eight weeks ahead of M-Day, I typed up a spreadsheet listing all the jobs that needed doing, who was responsible for what, and deadlines (in bold). I printed off said spreadsheet and stuck it to the fridge where nobody in the family could pretend they hadn’t seen it. Granted, they tried. But the list prevailed and the pre-move grunt work has been smoother – and more evenly shared – ever since.
Prefer to outsource the heavy lifting to a professional? Find removalists and storage professionals on Houzz near you
I love a good list. I’ve got them everywhere – on my phone, jotted in a scrappy notebook that lives at the bottom of my handbag, on the backs of various bills littered around my kitchen benchtop. Trouble is, once they’re written down I tend to forget they actually exist. It’s as though my mind confuses the writing-down part with the ticking-off bit.
Before I know it, the move is 10 days away and I’m bolt upright at 2am remembering that I haven’t organised a mover… or packing tape… or anyone to mind the cats.
Two moves ago I decided enough was enough. Eight weeks ahead of M-Day, I typed up a spreadsheet listing all the jobs that needed doing, who was responsible for what, and deadlines (in bold). I printed off said spreadsheet and stuck it to the fridge where nobody in the family could pretend they hadn’t seen it. Granted, they tried. But the list prevailed and the pre-move grunt work has been smoother – and more evenly shared – ever since.
Prefer to outsource the heavy lifting to a professional? Find removalists and storage professionals on Houzz near you
Start early
You know what they say about eating an elephant? Well the same rings true for a house move. You want to start as soon as possible and do a little bit every day – even if it’s just clearing out a kitchen drawer or sorting through the kids’ craft supplies – to minimise the pressure and workload come moving day.
Plus, moving can be expensive. The last thing you want is to pay good money to move things you’ll never want or need again.
I find it works best to go through your home room by room. There’s something incredibly satisfying about closing the door on a ‘done’ room – and when it comes to moving house, you want to take joy wherever you can find it.
Sort items into three piles – items to keep, donate and recycle or throw away. And be ruthless; if you don’t love/use/need or can’t fit something in your new home, no excuses – out it goes.
You know what they say about eating an elephant? Well the same rings true for a house move. You want to start as soon as possible and do a little bit every day – even if it’s just clearing out a kitchen drawer or sorting through the kids’ craft supplies – to minimise the pressure and workload come moving day.
Plus, moving can be expensive. The last thing you want is to pay good money to move things you’ll never want or need again.
I find it works best to go through your home room by room. There’s something incredibly satisfying about closing the door on a ‘done’ room – and when it comes to moving house, you want to take joy wherever you can find it.
Sort items into three piles – items to keep, donate and recycle or throw away. And be ruthless; if you don’t love/use/need or can’t fit something in your new home, no excuses – out it goes.
Break it down
Big, bulky items are a pain. Trampolines, bookshelves, barbecues and the like are heavy, awkward and time-consuming to move. Add in narrow doorways or stairs and you’ve got a potential nightmare on your hands. Rather than having sleepless nights over whether or not they’ll fit through the door or inside the back of the moving truck, bite the bullet and dismantle them ahead of time so they’re easier to transport.
If you can live without larger items for a few weeks, look to do this as early as possible. Be sure to put all your furniture screws into a labelled ziplock bag and tape it to the item so you don’t have to waste time hunting for them at the other end.
Big, bulky items are a pain. Trampolines, bookshelves, barbecues and the like are heavy, awkward and time-consuming to move. Add in narrow doorways or stairs and you’ve got a potential nightmare on your hands. Rather than having sleepless nights over whether or not they’ll fit through the door or inside the back of the moving truck, bite the bullet and dismantle them ahead of time so they’re easier to transport.
If you can live without larger items for a few weeks, look to do this as early as possible. Be sure to put all your furniture screws into a labelled ziplock bag and tape it to the item so you don’t have to waste time hunting for them at the other end.
Organise boxes
If you’re lucky, you might be able to find cheap – or even free – boxes from others who have recently moved house. Otherwise, hire them online and have them delivered to your home so you don’t have to go through the agony of trying to squeeze them into the back of the car.
Aim to get a mix of different sizes to suit different items (there’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze the entire contents of your laundry cupboard into a teeny box designed for cutlery). And be sure to label both the tops and sides of every box so it’s easy to locate what you want at 7am on the morning after the move when your daughter is in a life-or-death search for her school sports uniform.
Tip: Whatever you do, don’t decide it’s a good idea to reuse the boxes from your last move that have spent the past 18 months in a damp garage. Trust me on this one.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to find cheap – or even free – boxes from others who have recently moved house. Otherwise, hire them online and have them delivered to your home so you don’t have to go through the agony of trying to squeeze them into the back of the car.
Aim to get a mix of different sizes to suit different items (there’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze the entire contents of your laundry cupboard into a teeny box designed for cutlery). And be sure to label both the tops and sides of every box so it’s easy to locate what you want at 7am on the morning after the move when your daughter is in a life-or-death search for her school sports uniform.
Tip: Whatever you do, don’t decide it’s a good idea to reuse the boxes from your last move that have spent the past 18 months in a damp garage. Trust me on this one.
Get your tech stuff booked in
It’s only when your family has to survive without wifi for a week that you realise just how reliant we’ve all become on technology. If this is a lesson you’re not particularly interested in learning the hard way, book a reconnection at your new property as early as possible. While you’re at it, organise connection and reconnection of other essential services too, such as electricity, gas and water.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts all will still not go to plan. Accept that long, protracted phone calls with your internet provider will be a part of your life for a few days (weeks?). Find your Zen and hold onto it tight.
Moving House: Ultimate Timeline for a Successful Move
It’s only when your family has to survive without wifi for a week that you realise just how reliant we’ve all become on technology. If this is a lesson you’re not particularly interested in learning the hard way, book a reconnection at your new property as early as possible. While you’re at it, organise connection and reconnection of other essential services too, such as electricity, gas and water.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts all will still not go to plan. Accept that long, protracted phone calls with your internet provider will be a part of your life for a few days (weeks?). Find your Zen and hold onto it tight.
Moving House: Ultimate Timeline for a Successful Move
Put the kids to good use
One minute they’re scrambling around your ankles and trying to hide in the back of the moving truck, and the next they’re the only ones in the household strong enough to lift your marble tabletop or tall enough to reach the vases at the top of the cupboard.
If you have school-aged children, put them to work prior to the move (as far as their age and size allows, of course). Give them a few boxes and rubbish bags and get them to organise their own rooms, enlist their help in compiling the to-do list, ask them to go through the contents of the fridge and freezer and come up with a few dinner suggestions. If you’re blessed with strong teenagers, get them to help dismantle and move items. Getting the kids involved in the move eases the pressure on you and teaches them a healthy responsibility.
And if all else fails, use bribes.
One minute they’re scrambling around your ankles and trying to hide in the back of the moving truck, and the next they’re the only ones in the household strong enough to lift your marble tabletop or tall enough to reach the vases at the top of the cupboard.
If you have school-aged children, put them to work prior to the move (as far as their age and size allows, of course). Give them a few boxes and rubbish bags and get them to organise their own rooms, enlist their help in compiling the to-do list, ask them to go through the contents of the fridge and freezer and come up with a few dinner suggestions. If you’re blessed with strong teenagers, get them to help dismantle and move items. Getting the kids involved in the move eases the pressure on you and teaches them a healthy responsibility.
And if all else fails, use bribes.
Don’t forget the little details
There’s a whole lot to organise when you change address that has nothing to do with the house itself – make sure you add these items to your to-do list. You may need to find a new GP, dentist, library, favourite takeaway restaurant or coffee joint. Use the time before the big move to do your research.
You’ll also need to organise a change of address for your driver’s license, bank, school, vets… the list goes on.
While you’re at it, don’t give the next tenant at your old property extra work redirecting your post – arrange a postal redirection.
Tip: The minute you get your new house keys, hotfoot it down to your local key cutter and get a few copies made. Keys will get lost, you will have visitors – and you will be forever grateful for your wise forward planning.
There’s a whole lot to organise when you change address that has nothing to do with the house itself – make sure you add these items to your to-do list. You may need to find a new GP, dentist, library, favourite takeaway restaurant or coffee joint. Use the time before the big move to do your research.
You’ll also need to organise a change of address for your driver’s license, bank, school, vets… the list goes on.
While you’re at it, don’t give the next tenant at your old property extra work redirecting your post – arrange a postal redirection.
Tip: The minute you get your new house keys, hotfoot it down to your local key cutter and get a few copies made. Keys will get lost, you will have visitors – and you will be forever grateful for your wise forward planning.
Pack a box of essentials
Many moons ago, a professional organiser shared this little pearl of wisdom with me – it’s simple, but an absolute lifesaver on the day of the move.
A day or two ahead of time, make up a small- to medium-sized box that will fit into the back of your car and fill it with all those things that will get you through the first 24 hours. Items such as school uniforms, lunch boxes, tea and a kettle, a couple of mugs, pet food, toiletries, medication, a change of clothes for the grown ups and medications. Add in a box cutter and a pair of scissors so you can get cracking on those boxes straight away, and you’re good to go.
Tip: Fill an Esky with cold drinks and snacks to keep you going on the day of the move – and don’t forget to include a few extras for your removalists.
Many moons ago, a professional organiser shared this little pearl of wisdom with me – it’s simple, but an absolute lifesaver on the day of the move.
A day or two ahead of time, make up a small- to medium-sized box that will fit into the back of your car and fill it with all those things that will get you through the first 24 hours. Items such as school uniforms, lunch boxes, tea and a kettle, a couple of mugs, pet food, toiletries, medication, a change of clothes for the grown ups and medications. Add in a box cutter and a pair of scissors so you can get cracking on those boxes straight away, and you’re good to go.
Tip: Fill an Esky with cold drinks and snacks to keep you going on the day of the move – and don’t forget to include a few extras for your removalists.
Prioritise the important stuff
First up when you arrive at the new house, get the most important things organised; get beds set up, connect the fridge, locate cutlery and toiletries. Everything the family will need to get a decent night’s sleep on that first night should be prioritised. The rest can wait.
Tip: A generous glass of wine (or two) is an excellent idea at this point. You’ve earned it.
First up when you arrive at the new house, get the most important things organised; get beds set up, connect the fridge, locate cutlery and toiletries. Everything the family will need to get a decent night’s sleep on that first night should be prioritised. The rest can wait.
Tip: A generous glass of wine (or two) is an excellent idea at this point. You’ve earned it.
Lighten the load
Face it, after the final box has been unloaded from the truck and you’ve officially moved, the last thing you’ll want to do is go back to your old place and get on your hands and knees to do a deep clean before the inspection. You’ll be tired, overwrought and have more than enough on your hands settling into your new address.
In my view, the end-of-lease clean is one job that’s well worth outsourcing to a professional. Plus, if you book the cleaning company recommended by your real-estate agent, the job is more likely to be done to their standards, which means less haggling over the bond if you’re a renter.
Face it, after the final box has been unloaded from the truck and you’ve officially moved, the last thing you’ll want to do is go back to your old place and get on your hands and knees to do a deep clean before the inspection. You’ll be tired, overwrought and have more than enough on your hands settling into your new address.
In my view, the end-of-lease clean is one job that’s well worth outsourcing to a professional. Plus, if you book the cleaning company recommended by your real-estate agent, the job is more likely to be done to their standards, which means less haggling over the bond if you’re a renter.
Accept offers of help
Life is busy. Before you know it, three months have gone by and you still haven’t gotten around to unpacking the boxes in the spare room.
If a friend or family member offers to cook you a meal, take the kids for the night or help you get through those last pesky boxes, let them. Use the time to get those final jobs around the house done… or just lie on the sofa and enjoy a well-earned moment of peace and quiet.
Goodbye Busyness… How to Practice the Forgotten Art of Leisure
Life is busy. Before you know it, three months have gone by and you still haven’t gotten around to unpacking the boxes in the spare room.
If a friend or family member offers to cook you a meal, take the kids for the night or help you get through those last pesky boxes, let them. Use the time to get those final jobs around the house done… or just lie on the sofa and enjoy a well-earned moment of peace and quiet.
Goodbye Busyness… How to Practice the Forgotten Art of Leisure
Make it your own
When you’re renting a home, you never know quite how long you’ll be there. This makes it all too easy not to fully settle in. Pictures go unhung, houseplants go unpurchased and the place never really feels like home.
Do yourself a favour; display your photos and artworks (3M adhesive strips will be your new best friends), buy fresh flowers, invite friends and family around for a meal. And give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve made it through another house move. Welcome home.
When you’re renting a home, you never know quite how long you’ll be there. This makes it all too easy not to fully settle in. Pictures go unhung, houseplants go unpurchased and the place never really feels like home.
Do yourself a favour; display your photos and artworks (3M adhesive strips will be your new best friends), buy fresh flowers, invite friends and family around for a meal. And give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve made it through another house move. Welcome home.
Your turn
What’s your secret to a successful move? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Craving more practical advice? Don’t miss: The Spare Change Secret and 6 Other Ways to Make Life Easier
What’s your secret to a successful move? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Craving more practical advice? Don’t miss: The Spare Change Secret and 6 Other Ways to Make Life Easier
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If you are moving yourself, take the drawers out of sideboards, chest of drawers, etc but keep contents in. Once sideboard Caracas is in truck, place drawers in. Yes it's two movements, but saves unpacking every drawer and packing the contents THEN unpacking the contents back in said drawers .
Even a 9 yr old can carry a drawer to the truck as mum and dad carry a caracas
Start packing toys/ books/ crockery etc early. And label the boxes and place somewhere in the house. Add a new box a day.
By the time D day comes, you have done most of it...easily over a month.
Leave the favourite toys and things till D day.
But they don't need all 68 play station games on display till D day.
Or your linen cupboard. Go through it, discard or use to wrap mirrors/ ornaments/ lamps but pack most of it , keep one or 2 sets out only.
Do you need 40 towels...really?!
Great time to cull and pack only the ones that have never been used !
Use the older ones to wrap art etc
Use duck tape if no pantyhose ( nope..none!) like another poster said she used.
Wifi..sort three weeks before moving as it takes that long for them to finally get it connected
Tell work/ bank/ neighbours / rotary etc your new address
And new phone number if you still have a landline
We got rid of ours this move as only spammers were using it.
Just have cell phones in this house
Wait 6 mths before doing renos. So you can live in the house and see what would make it better...rather than what you think, before living in it
You will be surprised
kiwimills: remember to number the drawers with a corresponding number on the carcass if they're not already numbered
True!