Tips to take the stress out of moving house

Moving house or flat can be stressful, but a little preparation can go a long way. So before you start wrapping and packing, here's a checklist of things for you to consider.

1. Are you covered?

Check your contents insurance policy to make sure you know what you’re covered for while your belongings are in transit. If you’re using a moving company, it’s a good idea to take out the insurance cover they offer too. Remember to make contact with your insurer to tell them you’re moving so you can transfer your cover to the new place. If you're a homeowner, you may need to do this for your home insurance too. For AA Insurance customers, we’ll cover your contents at both addresses for 21 days from when you start moving house and, when in transit, we’ll cover your contents for loss in the event of a fire, natural disaster, burglary from the vehicle or a collision or overturning of the vehicle. It’s important that you look closely at your policy wording so you understand the terms of your cover and its limits.

2. Ways to connect

If you’re setting up a new place, it's useful to have the utilities be connected before you arrive, as well as disconnected from your old home after your leave. And don’t forget about getting your mail forwarded to your new address.

3. Timing is everything

Give yourself enough time before the move, so that you can pack properly and organise your belongings. It also pays to give yourself some extra time at the other end of the journey, so you’re not in a rush to unpack on a Sunday night before work the next day.

4. Do it once, do it right

It pays to pack properly, especially if your belongings have a big journey ahead of them. Professional packers will wrap and box everything, but if you’re moving things yourself, invest in plenty of bubble wrap, heavy boxes and packing tape to keep your belongings from being broken. Start by placing the heavy things at the bottom of the box and the fragile items on top. Movers’ blankets are great to wrap around furniture, to protect them from scratching while in transit, or from getting wet.

5. It’s all in a name

Have boxes labelled for each room. It will help with your unpacking, and also give your helpers a head start on where all those boxes should go without you having to oversee the work. If you want to take it one step further, put a list of the contents on the outside of the box as you pack it, then you’ll know exactly where the tin opener, towels and kids’ toys are.

6. Get some help

Ask friends and family to pitch in at one, or both, ends of the journey; as the saying goes, more hands make light work. Don’t forget to feed and water them regularly – to keep their strength up and their blood pressure down – and, if you can, it’s always nice to be able to return the favour at some stage.

7. If you have children

Make moving an adventure by giving them some fun things to do and be involved in the move, like packing their own moving boxes, and drawing pictures on the top to show what’s inside. Keep them well fed and hydrated so they don’t overtire and have a few toys and bedding on hand when they need a break. If they have plenty of energy, take a short walk to help them check out their new surroundings, although if they’re very small then perhaps have them spend the day with friends or family.

8. If you have pets

Moving can be a stressful and confusing time for animals so, if you can, leave them with a friend or in care. If that's not an option, keep them to their normal routine as much as possible but out of the way of the main action. When introducing them to your new home, it often pays to have the familiarity of bedding and toys where they’re normally kept such as your room or the laundry, and their water bowl where it would normally go. Keep them confined until they are used to their surroundings.

9. Beware of thieves

Be careful loading and unloading your vehicle and never leave it unattended with the doors open while you make a quick trip indoors. Opportunistic thieves may decide to move some of your gear for you – into their own home. Also remember to dispose of your moving boxes carefully when you arrive, especially if you have labelled all your items on the outside – you don’t want to advertise to thieves.