Moving day never feels as simple or as easy as it does in theory. When you’re surrounded by boxes, you can’t find the simple things you rely on, and space is more of a distant memory than a current luxury; it’s not hard to see why things get messy and stressful really quickly.
But the good news is, you don’t actually have to do it all yourself. There are companies that can swoop in and help you out, so you get the tasks ticked off your list without any of the added stress, heated arguments, or drama that can come as standard with certain aspects of a house move.
If you’re looking to make life that little bit easier for your next house move, regardless of why, here are a few services you can book to take some of the load off your plate.
Professional Movers
First things first, if renting a self-hire van and DIYing your move is for you, then you need to book in the pros to get your belongings packed up and transported safely. And expert movers don’t just load up and drive off — although that is likely an option if that’s all you need — they know how to move items properly so they’re not damaged, they know how to load the van so everything is safe in transit, and this knowledge means they can get things sorted faster, as this is their job.
And there are multiple different types of services you can choose from, too:
- Simple loading and unloading
- Full-service moves that include packing
Plus, there will likely be add-on services, so always ask your chosen movers what they offer so you can make use of them in multiple ways for an even easier move.
Handypeople and Maintenance Companies
A handyperson can be worth their weight in gold both when packing up and unpacking. From fixing minor damage around the home to filling in holes for pictures being hung and paint touch-up jobs to bigger tasks like breaking down furniture and making electrics safe when you leave a property to helping you reinstall your TV on the wall in the new home, putting up shelves, changing door handles or other furnishings, and more.
It’s those little jobs that are always put off or can be easily botched. They can help with, and honestly, this can be a lifesaver if you’re moving from a rental to help you secure your full deposit back.
Cleaning Companies
The last thing anyone wants to do once everything is out is go back for a big, deep clean. But for renters especially, it’s part of the final checks to ensure there’s no major damage or other issues the landlord can penalize you for.
A cleaning company can’t do the final walkthrough for you, but they can get in all those corners and spots you might have overlooked and get things clean. They can clean ovens, carpets, windows, fittings, and more to give you peace of mind and one less job to worry about.
If you don’t need a post-move clean, they can also do a pre-move clean so the new property is ready and you don’t need to clean and unpack at the same time.
Pet Care Services
If you already use a pet sitter or daycare company, you can talk to them about helping you out with additional services on moving day.
And while you do need to let your pets explore the new home to familiarize themselves with it, the actual moving day might be really stressful for them. It’s upsetting to their routine, and too many people or a lot of activity can be really stressful for them. And that’s before the many opportunities there will be for them to escape and get lost or hurt themselves.
You might want to book a one-off pet sitter to care for your pet in your home as you move, for example, in a room that’s safe for them and has all of their toys, beds, treats, etc. You might want to book a boarding service or a pet sitter to care for your pets in their home. But whatever you choose, consider the impact of the move on your pets and do what you can to minimize disruption and stress as you move.
Childcare Support
Much like with pets around you, having children around you as you’re moving can be incredibly boring for them and distracting for you. Not only will you be managing the upheavals and service providers, and be flitting between properties trying to get things set up, but you’ll also be making sure your children are safe and fed, too.
Childcare services, be it having someone around with you to focus solely on the kids, using family, using friends, or any option you prefer, can give you even a small window of time where you can be confident your kids are safe and cared for, so you can get on with executing the move.
Disassembly and Assembly Services
Many times, this can be offered by your moving company, or handyperson services can offer it too, but having a team come in and take care of tasks such as disassembling tables, wardrobes, beds, and flat-pack units can be a lifesaver.
This type of service can:
- Take apart large or awkward furniture
- Label and keep track of parts
- Rebuild everything in the new place.
There’s no guessing where it went, no missing parts or screws, no breaking anything as you reassemble it, but a seamless service that ensures your furniture is safe at both ends of the move.
Storage Solutions
Short-term storage can be the perfect service for moving home. You can move in boxes as you pack them, up so you’re not falling over them at home. You can shift seasonal items in there and use it if your moving dates don’t add up, i.e., you need to move out before your new home is ready.
You can choose portable storage units or self-storage options, whatever works for your move. It’s a little bit of breathing space, so things don’t get messy or cramped as you move through the packing and eventual moving process.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
