Plan your next move

Moving home can be stressful at the best of times, but there are plenty of insider tricks to make it easier on yourself. Whether you’re moving to the neighbouring street or starting a new adventure on foreign shores, the same basic principles apply – the most fundamental of them being planning.

Removal companies offer a whole range of services, from the basic to the unthinkably comprehensive, meaning you can adjust according to your budget. First and foremost though, draw up a plan and a checklist well in advance of moving day – about eight weeks beforehand – and from there you can work towards a (relatively) stress-free move. “If you plan it well you can take 95 per cent of the stress out of it – planning is the solution to your stress,” says Tim Cronin of Cronin Movers.

The first decision you will have to make is whether you will be investing in the help of a removal company or not. This depends on the scale of the move – the size of your family, how far you are moving and the amount of belongings you need to bring with you. Prices vary according to your specific needs but as a general rule, for a small two-person, national move you could be looking at €400 upwards and for a full family move to the US, Australia or China you need to factor in about €4,000, though these figures vary hugely according to what extra services you are looking for.

“Make sure you get a reputable company. Look for the BAR (British Association of Removers) accreditation, as they have a code of conduct, and ask for references if you are unsure”, says Noel Power of Careline.

For national moves there are three golden rules: “Ask exactly what their price includes and be very clear on that. Make sure that price includes insurance of your goods and that they complete a free, no obligation, survey of the house before the move so you do not get landed with unexpected charges on the day. Also be wary of unusually low price quotes, as they are almost always too good to be true”, says Power.

Once you have decided on this, you can draw up your checklist and start to reorganise your possessions. Put stickers on what you want to give to charity and what you want to throw out, and then actually do it. Secure all of your most valuable documents in one folder – passports, birth certificates, driving licences – and be sure to keep them safe.

Begin to notify all of your service providers, Revenue, schools and anybody who sends bills to your home. This can be quite a lengthy process but there are companies out there to help – iammoving.com, for example, will change your utility addresses online for free. If you are showing your home while looking for another, most removal companies offer an interim storage service. Also be sure to take all meter readings before you leave so you know you won’t be paying for someone else’s heating.

Plan the moving day itself and try not cram too much in. Arrange for the movers to come the day before, leaving you with the basics for one night, so you can concentrate on filling the new house in the morning rather than emptying the old. If you have pets, make sure you have a plan in place for them too – especially if you are moving country. Cronin suggests involving your kids and making it a positive experience for them. “Involve the kids and take photographs on moving day, because they will become treasured memories. It is up to you to embrace it as an adventure and make it a positive experience for everyone.”

If you are landing in a new country, it can be daunting and costly if you haven’t sorted permanent accommodation. Some removal companies offer a “soft-landing service”; a costly venture but one which Tim Cronin says is “invaluable”. For about €3,500, your removal company can offer a three day orientation package after your landing, including a home and school search prior to the move and a full year of unlimited advice.

However, if you decide to budget your move, be sure to plan in advance and become militarily efficient. According ot Cronin who has been in the business for over 30 years: “Moving is hard work, but the conditions are in your hands. This is a new beginning and a great adventure – plan well and you can remember it like that”