Moving day made easy

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Moving house is often labelled as one of life's most stressful events. With so many moving parts to keep track of, it's easy to see why it stresses out even the most organised among us. But by doing one thing at a time, staying focused and not letting yourself be overwhelmed, you will soon be packed and ready to go. And before you know it, you'll be in your new home, enjoying all it has to offer. Use the following eight tips to make moving day easier. Good luck - you can do this!

1. Make a list.

A to-do list not only helps you keep track of everything and makes it less likely you'll forget something, but it also lets you tick off tasks as you complete them. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going, especially when you start getting tired.

2. Finish packing the day before.

It sounds obvious, but don't compromise on this one - you will thank yourself when the movers arrive and you don't have to rush around trying to get last-minute things sorted.

3. Get some sleep, don't skip breakfast.

Make sure that you get to bed at a decent time the night before and eat a good breakfast on moving day. Even if you have to go and buy something, but make sure you provide your body with sufficient sustenance to go the distance.

4. Dress appropriately, wear comfortable shoes.

Loose-fitting clothes could get caught or snag and this might lead to injury, so rather wear something fitted. In terms of shoes, this is one of the times when the saying "Life's too short to wear uncomfortable shoes" really rings true. Be kind to your feet - they have to carry you through!

5. Keep personal items safe.

Every member of the household will have a few precious personal items. Set these aside in a safe and secure area, and make sure the movers know that they should not pack these. It could be anything from medication or phone chargers, to jewellery or family heirlooms that have lots of sentimental value.

6. Remember food, cleaning supplies and first-aid.

These are the three things that home movers most often wish they had on hand. Moving days always take longer than anticipated, empty houses are dirtier than you expect, and small accidents and injuries occur in the blink of an eye, so make sure you are prepared for all three!

7. Arrange a safe place for small two- and all four-legged family members.

Let small children and pets spend the day with family or friends. If that's not practically possible, make sure there's a dedicated room where they can play safely, eat and nap. Arrange for someone to supervise them, if necessary.

8. Walk through one last time.

Even if you packed carefully and supervised closely, there could be things left behind. Once you depart, it's often difficult to retrieve these items, so do a close inspection of each room before you go. Also check that everything is clean, neat and tidy for the new owners. Leave the place as you'd like to find it.

Now all that remains is to take a moment to acknowledge the good memories before you pull the door shut behind you and start a new chapter in your next home - exciting times!