Top Tips for a Stress-Free DIY Move

• FB
• TW
• PIN
• EM
• Print

• Posted on 3rd December 2024
• Category: Property Blog

Planning a move in the New Year? Whether you’re downsizing or stepping up the property ladder, a DIY house move can save you money and give you complete control over the process. However, without the right preparation, it can also feel overwhelming. Here’s our 7-step guide to ensure your move goes smoothly.

1. Declutter Before You Pack

Start your DIY move on the right foot by streamlining your belongings. Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Decluttering will:

• Reduce the volume of items to pack and transport.
• Save you time and effort.
• Lower the risk of cluttering your new home.

Separate items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, or discard. Be ruthless – if you haven’t used it in over a year, it might be time to let it go.

2. Stock Up on Packaging Supplies

Invest in quality materials to protect your belongings during transit. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boxes: Use sturdy cardboard boxes for lightweight items and clear plastic ones for heavier, more delicate objects.
• Tape: Stock up on durable packing tape and use it to seal boxes and attach screws or bolts to disassembled furniture.
• Bubble Wrap: Ideal for breakables like glassware and ceramics.
• Marker Pens: Label boxes clearly with their destination room and contents.
• Bags and Blankets: Laundry bags work well for soft items, while blankets can safeguard furniture from scratches.

3. Measure Your New Space

Avoid the nightmare of discovering your sofa won’t fit through the door. Take time to measure your furniture and compare it with doorways, staircases, and lift dimensions in your new home.

Pro tip: Bring a tape measure and a notepad to any pre-move visits to your new property. If you’re unsure about any tight spaces, consider dismantling furniture in advance.

4. Hire the Right Size Van

Choosing the correct van size is essential to minimize trips and maximize efficiency. When in doubt, opt for a larger vehicle – it’s better to have extra space than not enough.

• Book your van early, especially during peak moving periods.
• Ensure you have the correct documentation, including a valid driver’s license and DVLA check code.
• Arrange for parking permits or suspensions in both your current and new locations, applying to the council well in advance.

5. Pack Strategically

Packing can seem like an enormous task, but a systematic approach makes it manageable.

• Start Early: Begin with items you rarely use, like books, seasonal clothing, or sports gear.
• Mid-Phase Packing: Move on to mid-essentials like kitchenware, bedding, and décor.
• Essentials Last: Keep daily necessities—like toiletries, important documents, chargers, and clothes—accessible in a clearly labelled “essentials” box.

6. Label for Easy Unpacking

Clear labelling is a lifesaver. Write the room destination and a brief description of contents on each box. For added efficiency:

• Tape an inventory list to the box.
• Label boxes on multiple sides for easy identification.

7. Tackle Unpacking Room by Room

Once you arrive, resist the urge to open everything at once. Start with high-priority spaces like the kitchen and bedrooms.

• Assemble furniture with built-in storage first to create space for unpacking.
• Set small, manageable goals to keep momentum going without overwhelming yourself.

Unpacking isn’t a one-day job, so pace yourself. Celebrate small victories, like finishing one room, before moving on to the next.

Ready for Your Next Chapter?

A DIY move doesn’t have to be stressful with a bit of planning and organization. We’re here to help every step of the way, from finding your dream home to settling in comfortably.

Looking for a new property? Start your journey with us today and explore a range of homes across Yorkshire to make 2025 your year of new beginnings.

Happy moving!

Sourced from Zoopla

Thanks for reading

Michael