Is moving a nightmare for you? If so, you should know that it is possible to relocate without suffering a stroke along the way. How can you get ready to move so that it comes off without a hitch and you don’t spend more time on it than necessary?

1. Figure out what will be moved and make a moving plan

Are you moving only a few personal belongings, or are you taking all of your furniture, washing machine and other appliances with you? Don’t just throw everything that comes to hand into boxes. Moving is an ideal opportunity to get rid of things that have only been collecting dust for many years. Throw out that gift from your former partner, the cracked teapot you inherited from your grandmother and that sweater you never wear anymore. Label them as “throw away” or “scrapyard” and set them aside in one pile. Throwing things away saves you the effort of moving them and frees up space for new things, experiences and ideas.

Find out in advance what will fit in your new residence. Assess whether your clothes will fit in your new closet and whether you will be able to get your couch through the front door. Arrange your move sufficiently far in advance so that you have enough time to prepare (and, if you’re using a moving company, a broader selection of dates).

2. Obtain suitable materials and boxes for moving

Cardboard boxes and paper and plastic bags can get you into trouble. Therefore, remember that their weight-bearing capacity has its limits and do not put excessively heavy things in them. Crates and moving boxes are ideal. If you have boxes from a store, first wash them carefully; otherwise, you risk soiling everything that you put in them. If you are moving with professionals, they will lend you moving boxes free of charge.

Proceed systematically and do not mix your children’s toys in with the dog food. Put similar things together and don’t forget to properly label all of the boxes. Are you wondering how you should pack dishes and your favourite shirts? Read our previous article on which kinds of boxes and other materials are suitable for moving and how to pack your belongings in them.

3. How to prepare large items of furniture for moving

You will probably have to disassemble larger, heavier and more complex appliances and furniture before moving. Put all of the parts in one place and properly label and take photos of everything before packing. During reassembly, you will know what goes where and the work will thus be easier for you. Put screws, smaller parts and other things in a plastic bag and tape it to the rest of the furniture so that it does not get lost in one of the boxes along the way. Wrap individual pieces in bubble wrap as needed and place them in a box or in their original packaging.

You could probably manage to move an ordinary cabinet with your friends’ help, but more expensive furniture, a piano or safe may be beyond your abilities. It’s better to leave moving heavy loads to the professionals.

4. Send your kids and pets to stay with grandma

You can be sure that everything will go better when you don’t have to keep an eye on your children and there aren’t any pets running around under your feet while you are carrying a heavy box. Both you and your children will be happier if you leave them out of the moving process.

5. Ask yourself the decisive question: “Can I do this by myself, or do I need professional assistance?”

Moving on your own will possibly save you money that you would have spent on a moving service, but it will cost you a lot of effort, frustration and, mainly, time. You will pay extra for moving professionals, but specialists will smoothly get you moved in a day or weekend, and even help you pack and reassemble your belongings, thus saving you a lot of work.

If you have everything you need to move packed in three boxes, you probably don’t need help. If you are moving a smaller apartment, your family or large and heavy pieces of furniture, or you are moving far away or even abroad, getting help will surely benefit you.