Moving home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. From packing up years of belongings to coordinating timelines, managing paperwork, and arranging logistics, the process often comes with more stress than anticipated.
Whether you’re relocating across town or moving to a completely new area, having a clear plan in place can make all the difference. We wrote this blog to give you 11 of the most practical tips to keep in mind when moving home, so let’s get stuck in…
Top Tip #1
Plan Ahead
If this isn’t your first move, you already know how unpredictable relocating can be. Whether it’s delays with paperwork or finally getting the keys in your hands. That’s why we always recommend planning ahead and preparing for the unexpected.
Here are a few ways to do just that:
Give Yourself Extra Time
Add extra padding to your schedule to give yourself a buffer for the unexpected. Unfortunately, moves rarely go exactly as planned. Deliveries can be postponed, removals delayed, or paperwork with solicitors might take longer than anticipated.
By allowing for extra time and getting ahead, you reduce stress and give yourself space to handle these hiccups without everything else falling behind. Even a few extra days for packing, handovers, or utility setup can make a huge difference, allowing you to stay in control and keep the move on track.
Organize Your Paperwork
Make sure all your important documents are in order well before your moving day. This includes contracts, mortgage papers, insurance policies, and any correspondence with your solicitor or estate agent.
Keep them neatly filed or stored in a folder so you can access them quickly when needed.
Losing or misplacing paperwork can cause delays and unnecessary stress, so having everything in one place will save time and give you peace of mind. It also makes it easier to respond to any last-minute requests or questions without having to search through piles of papers at the last minute.
Create a Timeline and Budget
Start planning your move as early as you can, breaking it down into clear stages. Think about everything from packing and organizing your belongings to transportation, utility setup, and final handovers.
By mapping out each step, you can see exactly what needs to be done and when, which makes the whole process feel more manageable.
At the same time, create a budget that covers all the costs involved, including packing supplies, home removals services, and any unexpected expenses that might crop up. Setting aside a little extra for surprises can save you from last-minute stress.
Being organized and proactive like this gives you the flexibility to deal with delays or hiccups without feeling overwhelmed, and helps ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Top Tip #2
Declutter
Moving is the perfect time to take stock of your belongings and clear out anything you no longer need. We recommend you go through each room and sort items into three categories. Keep, donate or discard.
Be brutally honest with yourself and learn to let go of things you just wont need… Fewer items not only reduce the amount you have to pack and move, but they can also lower moving costs and make your new home feel lighter and more organized from day one.
There are plenty of charity shops or organizations out there that’d be glad to give items you no longer need a second life. Charities like Oxfam, Shelter and the British Red Cross have physical locations throughout the UK where you can willingly rehome clothes or items you may no longer need.
Top Tip #3
Label Everything
Invest in sturdy boxes and high quality packing materials to keep your belongings safe during the move. As a rule of thumb, use smaller boxes for heavy items like books or kitchenware, and larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items such as bedding or clothing.
The quality of your boxes really matters. A strong, well-made box will better protect your items and is far less likely to break during transit.
Once everything is packed securely, label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. This simple step can save you time and stress when unpacking, helping you know exactly where everything should go from the moment it arrives.
At Soldiers On The Move, our removals team takes care to place boxes in their corresponding rooms, making your move as smooth and organized as possible. We also offer a comprehensive packing and unpacking service, so you can leave the heavy lifting to us and focus on settling into your new home.
If you’d like a free quote for your upcoming move, please click here to get in touch with us today.
Top Tip #4
Create an Essentials Box
One of the most impactful tips we’ll ever give to any of our moving customers is to make sure you set aside a pack of essentials for the first 24 to 48 hours in your new property.
What should I put in my essentials pack?
We highly recommend keeping essential items close at hand, such as prescription medications, toiletries and hygiene products, as well as keys, bank cards, passports, IDs, and any other important documents or valuables you might need immediately.
Keeping these items separate from your main boxes ensures you can access them easily and reduces stress during the first few days in your new home. Check out the infographic below on the 8 things you should definitely have as part of your essentials kit!
If you have younger children, you might want to keep items like bottles, nappies, favourite toys, comfort blankets, or a change of clothes easily accessible. Moving can be overwhelming for little ones, and having these essentials on hand can help keep them comfortable and settled during the first day or two.
A saucepan and some lightweight cutlery are also worth keeping separate. This way, you can prepare simple meals or heat up food without having to unpack your entire kitchen straight away. Adding a few basic plates, mugs, and a kettle or toaster can make the first day much easier and more comfortable, allowing you to focus on settling in rather than scrambling for kitchen essentials!
Top Tip #5
Utilities & Services
Sorting out your utilities and services before moving is essential to ensure your new home is comfortable and fully functional from day one. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and waste collection, as well as updating your address for postal services and any subscription services you use.
Taking care of these in advance helps you avoid inconvenient delays, such as arriving to a home without power or internet. It also prevents last-minute stress and ensures that your daily routine can continue smoothly while you settle into your new space.
Top Tip #6
Protect Your Valuables
Keep important documents, jewelry, and sentimental items with you instead of packing them in moving boxes.
Carrying these items personally is far safer and gives you peace of mind, as it eliminates the risk of them getting lost or damaged during the move.
For any large, delicate goods like high end furniture or televisions, you might want to invest in additional packing materials such as bubble wrap or additionally, TV boxes.
Alternatively, if you decide to plan your move with a removals company like ourselves, we’ll happily supply additional packing materials such as TV and wardrobe boxes.
We have ample experience with export wrapping high end furniture and protecting delicate goods from damage in transit, and if you prefer, we’ll complete the whole packing process for you so you can focus on the stuff that matters.
If you still find yourself stuck, it’s worth noting that we’ve written a whole blog on how to pack and protect fragile goods for a house move. You can read the blog by clicking here!
Top Tip #7
Keep Snacks & Drinks Handy
Moving is physically and mentally exhausting, so it’s important to keep yourself and anyone helping you fueled throughout the day.
Have bottled water, juice, and easy-to-grab snacks like cereal/breakfast bars, fruit, or sandwiches on hand. Keeping refreshments accessible helps maintain energy levels, keeps spirits high, and prevents constant interruptions for food runs.
It also shows appreciation for anyone lending a hand, making the day smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Top Tip #8
Take Pictures
Before you start disassembling furniture or unplugging electronics, take clear photos of how everything is connected, arranged, or assembled. This includes cable setups, shelving configurations, and any tricky furniture joints.
Having a visual reference makes it much easier to put things back together in your new home without frustration or guesswork. It also saves time and prevents mistakes, ensuring that your electronics work properly and your furniture fits just as it did before.
Top Tip #9
Label Fragile Items Clearly
When packing delicate or breakable items, make sure to label them clearly using bright markers, stickers, or “Fragile” tape.
Indicate which side should face up if needed and be specific about the contents so anyone handling the boxes knows to take extra care.
Clear labelling not only helps professional movers or friends treat the items with caution, but it also reduces the risk of accidents or damage during transit. Taking a few extra minutes to mark fragile boxes properly can save a lot of time, money, and stress later, and ensures your most delicate belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Top Tip #10
Use a Moving Service You Can Trust
Choosing a reliable and professional moving service can make a huge difference to the success of your move.
A trustworthy team will handle your belongings with care, stick to the agreed schedule, and provide support if any issues arise.
Do your research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations to ensure you hire a service that has a proven track record. Knowing your possessions are in safe hands gives you peace of mind, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on settling into your new home rather than worrying about what’s happening on moving day.
Top Tip #11
Make a Move with Us.
Here at Soldiers On The Move, we treat moving with the respect and care it deserves. We’re an ex-military owned removals company located in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, however, we take customers anywhere within the United Kingdom (and in some cases overseas!)
We offer a full, comprehensive moving service that takes care of all of the above for you, including disassembly, packing, transport, unloading and assembly. Click here to get a free quote from us today, or check out some of our Google reviews below and you’ll see why so many customers are choosing Soldiers On The Move for their domestic removals.
