If you’ve been in London for years, moving day might be slightly less stressful. But even if you’re familiar with the area you’re going to, or you’re simply moving a couple of streets away, the physical and mental exertion of packing and planning can add up. That’s without even considering the cost, the logistical difficulties of (possibly) uncommunicative landlords, and difficulty parking if you’re moving with a vehicle.
So here are a few simple ways to make moving a little simpler.
Plan early
Moving takes it out of you… everything out of you: energy, brainpower, and money (an unfortunate reality, unless you’ve been incredibly savvy with your choice of homes). What makes it a little easier – less exhausting – is planning early. Try to note down:
- What you can pack weeks ahead of time (e.g. books you won’t read, Christmas jumpers, cupboard foods you know you won’t need, etc.)
- What time you’ll need to get up on moving day. Then write down at least an approximate schedule: when your movers will arrive (if you’re getting help), what time you’ll get the tube or start walking, what time you’ll need to arrive to start work if you’re unlucky and can’t get the day off, etc.
- Last-minute reminders that you can stick to your front door or add to a calendar reminder on your phone. These might be things you’re likely to forget, like emptying the fridge, or things you really need and don’t want to stress about (remembering to pick up the keys to the new place, for example).
Sell unwanted items
So that you have less to pack, do a thorough sweep through of your current apartment and see if there’s anything you simply don’t need. Take it to a flea market and see if you can get a little extra money to help with moving. Or you could use Freecycle and help someone out. Or, if you have the time, list it on Gumtree. Things can add up in cupboards and under beds; you might have a pleasant surprise with a few sales contributing to a takeaway on moving day, for example.
Use help
Consider hiring trusted London movers who’ve seen it all before and have decades of experience. They’ll be able to collect everything, store boxes for several months if you’re lacking room in the new apartment, and offer a fixed guaranteed price for 12 months. A good company with a proven track record will have experienced practically countless flat and apartment removals (as well as furniture removals, piano and antique removals, and so on). Use help where you can – moving is notoriously stressful. In fact, famous work by Holmes & Rahe found that moving house (along with getting married) ranked as one of life’s most stressful events.
Takeaway
London’s busy (famously so, especially if you’re near Oxford Street or Carnaby Street, for example), and it isn’t the easiest city in the world to move apartments. But with some careful planning, a few cautious reminders, and the use of professional movers, you can make the day more straightforward.
