Moving day is a whirlwind of emotions – part excitement, part stress. After weeks or even months of planning, the big day has finally arrived. But with so much to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry – we’re here to help you start this new chapter on the right foot with practical, stress-saving tips to make your move as smooth as possible.
Preparation is Key
In the final 24 hours before your move, it’s all about double-checking the details to ensure everything runs smoothly. Confirm all key bookings such as your removal company, any storage units, cleaners, or child/pet care for the day. Make sure your packing is in order – label boxes clearly by room to speed up the unpacking process.
Before you lock up your old place for the last time, take a few final checks that could save you hassle later. Note down your gas, electricity and water metre readings and keep them safely recorded – ideally with date-stamped photos. Lastly, snap pictures of appliance setups like your TV, broadband router, or washing machine connections. These reference photos can be a real time-saver when it comes to getting everything up and running at your new place.
Moving Day Essentials Kit
Having a moving day essentials kit to hand can make all the difference. With most of your belongings packed away in boxes, it can be a nightmare trying to find what you need during the hustle of moving. Prepare a separate kit with items you’ll want quick and easy access to throughout the day:
- Important documents
- Phone chargers & power banks
- Toilet roll
- Cleaning wipes
- A basic first aid kit
- A small toolkit with scissors, a box cutter, and screwdrivers can also be a lifesaver for any last-minute adjustments.
Keep this kit somewhere accessible – ideally, take it with you in the car.
In addition to this, prepare a first night essentials box for when you arrive at your new home. Pack must-haves like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything you’ll need to settle in comfortably without digging through boxes. A bit of extra planning now will help everything go more smoothly when the day comes.
Be On Site & Ready
Being present and prepared can help everything run much more smoothly. Be ready to greet your removals team early and give them a walk-through of what’s being moved, highlighting any fragile or high-priority items. Stay available throughout the day, particularly during loading and unloading, in case they have any questions or need direction. It’s a good idea to take new meter readings upon arrival too.
Unpack Essentials First
It can be tempting to dive straight into unpacking everything, but don’t try to do it all at once. Focus on the essentials first to make your first evening more comfortable and stress-free. Prioritise the rooms and items you’ll need straight away:
- Bedrooms – Set these up as soon as possible so everyone has a place to rest after a long day.
- Bathroom – Unpack toiletries, towels, toilet roll and any other personal care items.
- Kitchen basics – Get out the kettle, some mugs, snacks, basic plates and utensils so you can eat and drink without rummaging through boxes.
Tackling the most important areas first will help you settle in calmly and give you the energy to handle the rest of the unpacking over the next few days.
Tidy as You Go
Moving day can be chaotic, and a surprising amount of mess builds up in the process. Some light cleaning along the way can make your new home feel more welcoming right from the start. If the weather is wet, protect carpets and flooring with old sheets or towels to prevent muddy footprints. Keep a few bin bags to hand so you can quickly deal with packaging waste and general rubbish as you go. As furniture and boxes are brought in, give surfaces a quick wipe down to clear dust or dirt. It doesn’t need to be perfect – just enough to stay on top of things and avoid being overwhelmed later.
Little Ones & Furry Friends
Moving house can be unsettling for children and pets, who often don’t understand what’s happening. To help them feel safe and secure, set up a calm, quiet space for them early on – somewhere away from the chaos where they can rest or play. Bring along their favourite toys, blankets and comfort items to give them a sense of familiarity in the new surroundings. Try to stick to their usual routines as much as possible, including mealtimes, naps or walks. A bit of extra attention goes a long way in helping your little ones (two or four-legged!) settle in smoothly.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate!
Once the essentials are taken care of – relax and enjoy the first night in your new home! Order your favourite takeaway and pop the bubbly to toast your new beginning.
